Interested in using Bloodwood for a bass Neck & Fretboard. This stuff is striking.

What type of tone might I expect? Would it be similar to any other type of wood?

Are there any issues to be aware of with Bloodwood?

Might it be safer and/or better to do Purpleheart?

Thanks very much.

Good topic I have 1 bloodwood fingerboard and 2 purpleheart ones I am looking forward to using. I have no experience with them yet.........t

Properties are similar (IME) to purpleheart. Dense, splintery in rough form. Takes a good finish. No reason not to try it if you don't mind a heavy neck.

I've been talking to my luthier about a bloodwood fingerboard with headstock and neck veneer to match... for a fretless! His only consern seemed to be that the bloodwood might stain the maple he'll use for the neck... To avoid this, he plans to use a black veneer in between. He'd agreed with you on the tonal properties: very close to purpleheart.

take care
PL

Where can I get some "black veneer" I would like to use it in several projects........t

I don't know where, I only know what my luthier uses : it's stained pear-tree. Hope it helps a bit...

PL

Properties are similar (IME) to purpleheart. Dense, splintery in rough form. Takes a good finish. No reason not to try it if you don't mind a heavy neck.
Thanks.

If I do this I would buy from Warmoth. When you say, "takes a good finish," do you mean that it looks good when finished (I guess gloss?) or that it requires a finish? I ask because Warmoth states that a finish isn't necessary. Even if a finish isn't needed, would you recommend one?

It deepens and takes a nice sheen when finished. I don't know why Warmoth would tell anyone that any wood does not need a finish. Technically, it's probably true. But oil finishes are easy to apply and maintain, they bring out the color and depth of the wood, and they offer additional protection against the elements; so why not do it?

Thanks ......t

Bloodwood is very toxic when being worked with(sawing, Cutting). Is this True?

I had no problems working with the pieces I have used but I seem to have no wood allergies. Ask on the MIMF Forum......t

It deepens and takes a nice sheen when finished. I don't know why Warmoth would tell anyone that any wood does not need a finish. Technically, it's probably true. But oil finishes are easy to apply and maintain, they bring out the color and depth of the wood, and they offer additional protection against the elements; so why not do it?

So, you would favor an oil finish over gloss?

I've been talking to my luthier about a bloodwood fingerboard with headstock and neck veneer to match... for a fretless! His only consern seemed to be that the bloodwood might stain the maple he'll use for the neck... To avoid this, he plans to use a black veneer in between. He'd agreed with you on the tonal properties: very close to purpleheart.

take care
PL

I have had no problems with Bloodwood staining the other woods when sanding and finishing, Padauk is the one you can have this problem with IMO.

I find Bloodwood to have a nice clear and bright tone coming from it's very dense and brittle properties.

I also have not had any problems with it being toxic to me
but different woods can effect some people and not others.

So, you would favor an oil finish over gloss?

It'd come down to a matter of feel and personal taste. Personally, I'd probably do oil for a neck.