Mahogany top thickness

[Dave Bagwill]

I'm building an all-mahogany (Honduran) instrument. Wondering what the range of top thicknesses for this material is.

[Herman]

hey dave,
You are not getting any response. I have not experience with it, but my guts would say 2mm or so.
Maybe John P, with his Gore calculation could give you better advise on this.
Herman

[Dave Bagwill]

I'm going to measure the new D15M top today and I think you're right, 2mm or so. In the end we use our experience and judgment as we thin it. Sometimes my judgment is not perfect, though, so guidelines are helpful. Thanks H.

[John Parchem]

I have not built with a mahogany top, so I hesitated to give an option. The Gore stuff requires that I test the board. If it means something I was thinking 2.2 - 2.4 mm for a steel string. The wood is not that different than spruce with regard to stiffness and mass.

[Tim Benware]

I don't know for sure but those measurements seem thin to me. I would opt in the 2.6 - 2.8 range.

[Dave Bagwill]

Thanks Tim. I'll go a bit thicker to start with, then.

[John Parchem]

I don't know for sure but those measurements seem thin to me. I would opt in the 2.6 - 2.8 range.

I agree with Tim, I have not used it for a top but what I tested falls in the spruce range for stiffness and mass, so I would treat it more like spruce than another hardwood.