Hickory

[Dave Bagwill]

Does anyone here have experience with hickory as a back/side wood? I have access to a supply of it at a good price (free) but I am not aware of its use as a tonewood.

[Tim Benware]

No but it makes a good night stick.

[Kevin in California]

I would think it to be just fine. I have wondered about it myself, but never saw any planks large enough to use.

Kevin

[TonyinNYC]

Any stable, dry hardwood will make a fine guitar. Look at the oak guitars by some of the top makers. John Arnold, Wayne Henderson, etc. Most people would say oak is for flooring or furniture, but it also makes great guitars. So do walnut, cherry, maple, etc. Just because a wood is not traditionally used, does not mean it is not suitable for a guitar. It usually just means it is not traditional. And there is nothing wrong with bucking tradition.

[Dave Bagwill]

After some digging around, I found some experienced mandolin makers who opined against Hickory. (did you see that o-Pined? Get it? I never get high praise for my puns, probably because they are pretty awful. I can live with that :-))

But as the Tony states, or should have, it may be worth a try on a guitar. As the wood is free I might give it a try some of these days.

[dave d]

After some digging around, I found some experienced mandolin makers who opined against Hickory. (did you see that o-Pined? Get it? I never get high praise for my puns, probably because they are pretty awful. I can live with that :-))

But as the Tony states, or should have, it may be worth a try on a guitar. As the wood is free I might give it a try some of these days.

I give you full marks for the pun, or at least attempting it.

If I had free wood that I didn't have to commit unnatural acts with to use (like gluing up 10 pieces to make a back or something) then I'd try it out.
It can splinter and chip out more easily than other woods, so you just have to take that into account.

[Dave Bagwill]

I am leaning toward giving it a try. I have a new customer who is toying with the idea of an L-00, so might as well build two and make one of the hickory!!