I am really wondering about "Swamp Ash".

The mere though of a piece of wood that's been sitting in the water being used on a fine instrument repulses me. :eek:

Why, I ask, would any self-respecting luthier use Swamp Ash (no offense intended, sorry...) on a guitar, bass, or anything?

Hard Ash, White Ash, is not bad at all. I have a Fernandes Gravity 5 bass, with an Ash body/Maple Neck that sounds really good.

Is Basswood better than Ash?

Is Swamp Ash really a feasible wood, "fit" for instruments?

Your comments would be appreciated!

Maybe you should do a little research before you post.

Here we go!

Two words: Weight - Tone.

The principle reasoning behind using "swamp ash" is that it is lighter in weight than hard ash... that's the main benefit over hard ash, as I understand it. That having been said, it is a perfectly viable wood. Why would you find it to be "unfit"? Likely your Fendandes bass is using "swamp ash"... Swamp ash is a trade name, not a species. It just means that the wood has a certain weight for it's volume. My understanding is that when selecting "swamp ash", they just weigh the ash in specidic quantities. Anything under a certain weight is "swamp ash", and everything above that weight is not...

It works easily enough, and once you fill the pores (if you choose to do so... some people don't, depending on the finish applied) it takes a finish as well as most any other wood... also, it can look pretty decent.

Wood choice is highly subjective in solid body construction, and does not have quite as much influence on overall result as it would in a hollow instrument like a guitar, Double Bass, etc. I have made basses out of both "swamp ash" and hard ash... both woods look similar, and work similarly. They are both structurally sound.

Shawn - you are a better man than I. I was going to leave a response that would have broken the TB rules significantly.

Maybe you should do a little research before you post.

Really...??

Well, since you are so knowledgeable, why not share in the thread and post your opinion?

I started this thread as a basis for learning something, not to "thumb my nose" at others.

I am not a luthier, have never been, and never will be.

That being said, I find it interesting that certain "woods" as defined by name, would not be given 'better names'.

If you hear the term: Swamp Ash, and know nothing else, I would believe exactly this: An ash tree, nearby or in a swamp. Wood from a swamp. It doesn't sound very appealing, wouldn't you say?

However, being given what Shawn said, I appreciate the answer!

Too bad all of us are not as "smart" as you! Speaking of which, you don't come across as "smart" at all.

You sound more like a "smart @**" to me.:p

Shawn - you are a better man than I. I was going to leave a response that would have broken the TB rules significantly.

Read the previous comment. It applies to all jerks with a smart @** attitude.

With less than 60 seconds of searching and reading, you'd have a lot more information than what you are reading in this thread. You have your answers, now there's no need to call out names or belittle people because of difference in opinion.

With less than 60 seconds of searching and reading, you'd have a lot more information than what you are reading in this thread. You have your answers, now there's no need to call out names or belittle people because of difference in opinion.

You know what? You're right!

However, notice, that those responses had no real opinion, just a snide remark.:mad:

If I am asking for an opinion, perhaps those sharing should have one. Shawn was kind enough to explain more than I knew, without thinking less of my area of expertise, which is simply playing the instrument. :help:

I kind of figured there are no such things as "dumb questions".

Your response is duly noted. Thank you!

I assume we'll get a similar post from him when he finds out what Spalted means.

I assume we'll get a similar post from him when he finds out what Spalted means.

+1

Sorry guys!

I do know what "spalted" is. :)

Thanks!

Do they really "flame" maple? Or is that just describing the wood's proclivity towards fancy clothes and matching accessories?

Pfft, all the good ash comes straight from Rivendell.

FWEEEEEEEEP (that was me blowing a whistle)
Someone call for a Thread Diffuser?

From the Warmoth site:
Swamp Ash is a prized wood for many reasons. It is a fairly light weight wood which makes it easily distinguishable from Hard Ash. A Strat® body will normally weigh under 5 lbs. Many of the 50's Fenders were made of Swamp Ash. The grain is open and the color is creamy. This wood is a very nice choice for clear finishes. Swamp Ash is our second most popular wood. It is a very musical wood offering a very nice balance of brightness and warmth with a lot of "pop".

From The Ken Smith Bass site:
SWAMP ASH
(Fraxinus Nigra)
OTHER COMMON NAMES: Ash, Light Ash, Southern Ash, Southern White Ash, Light Weight Ash, Guitar Ash, Soft Ash
Note: Northern White Ash (Hard Ash) is too heavy & dense to produce guitar grade tone wood.

If you didn't come here for the smart**s remarks, you're here for the wrong reasons. :)

It would never sieze to amaze me that I have been breathing the same air with some people... shame.. darn shame..

Is it true that Burl maple came from Milton Burl?

Is it true that Burl maple came from Milton Burl?

Very funny! :smug:

Maybe so!

gotta love Uncle Milty!

Thanks for the input!


Your info is much appreciated, as is Shawn's!

:)

Is it true that Burl maple came from Milton Burl?

No, no- it comes from Burl Ives.

Thanx 4 clearin that up

That being said, I find it interesting that certain "woods" as defined by name, would not be given 'better names'.

If you hear the term: Swamp Ash, and know nothing else, I would believe exactly this: An ash tree, nearby or in a swamp. Wood from a swamp. It doesn't sound very appealing, wouldn't you say?

However, being given what Shawn said, I appreciate the answer!

Too bad all of us are not as "smart" as you! Speaking of which, you don't come across as "smart" at all.

You sound more like a "smart @**" to me.



To be quite honest, swamp ash, the really good stuff, actually does grow "in the swamp". I am quite certain on this fact and on this one too: guitar makers did not name it that. In the lumber business "swamp ash" is also known as: soft, soft textured, punky, pumpkin, light weight, and southern ash. But there again, those are just trade names also.
Shawn is right about the weight of ash determining the grade. Most of the large sawmills weigh large "packs"(usually around 600 bd.ft) of the stuff and it weighs in or under 2.9 lbs. per bd.ft. Some of the smaller mills actually weigh every board and they have two different classes: 3lbs and lighter, and 2 lbs and lighter. The standard "punky" ash on the market comes from several different type of ash trees, i.e. Ken Smith's explanation, but in reality the really extremely light weight ash that comes from the south is from "mainly" one type of ash. Pumpkin ash, Fraxinus profunda, and it has a very large bass similar to a Cypress tree or a Water Tupelo tree.
Names are weird. I remember a song about a boy named Sue. I don't think he was very happy about his name either. I'm sure he could have changed it, but I doubt we could ever change the common name "swamp ash".

:rollno:

A shame there is normally so little wild figuring in Swamp Ash. I really like the way it works and sounds...t

is birdseye maple really made of birds eyes? *yuck* !!!!

btw,

trees + water doesn't automatically make it bad for musical instruments. Not too long ago they found several trunks of (maple, i think) that had fallen off a barge on the Mississippi over 100 years ago. I remember hearing luthiers go crazy for some of it, making 100k+ violins from it.

I'll add to this and just say, I have a sixer and the body (wings), except for the top and neck laminates are "swamp ash". I don't think I'd rather have any other wood (for the mass of the wings)on that to be any other wood, that bass is actually just as light as some of my 4 strings and the midrange tone that body puts out is awesome. Swamp ash has some pretty unique tonal characteristics, so you don't have be so quick to judge that wood by name or looks.

The "ash species" (Fraxinus), is the whole species of ash.

Now, I believe it was posted earlier, Swamp ash is not necessarily all "submerged up in a swamp", but rather "grow in "swampy areas", not specifically dead in the middle of a swamp, which one would assume.It is the actual "lighter ash though", so I would disagree abit (note, I did not say they were wrong either)with info on Carvin's site for example, which plainly states:
"Swamp Ash (Southern USA)
This vintage wood comes from Southern swamps. The portion of the tree that is suitable for high quality lightweight Swamp Ash, is actually submerged underwater for years which yields a porous lightweight wood. This wood delivers slightly less midrange with full low-end and nice singing highs. Swamp Ash is light in color with rich grain patterns and matches the color of our Eastern Hard Rock Maple necks * looks great with translucent finishes.

Swamp ash can also just be damp (more than northern ash for example)under the ground as well, instead of "submerged".

Thats my $0.15

The principle reasoning behind using "swamp ash" is that it is lighter in weight than hard ash... that's the main benefit over hard ash, as I understand it. That having been said, it is a perfectly viable wood. Why would you find it to be "unfit"? Likely your Fendandes bass is using "swamp ash"... Swamp ash is a trade name, not a species. It just means that the wood has a certain weight for it's volume. My understanding is that when selecting "swamp ash", they just weigh the ash in specidic quantities. Anything under a certain weight is "swamp ash", and everything above that weight is not...

It works easily enough, and once you fill the pores (if you choose to do so... some people don't, depending on the finish applied) it takes a finish as well as most any other wood... also, it can look pretty decent.

Wood choice is highly subjective in solid body construction, and does not have quite as much influence on overall result as it would in a hollow instrument like a guitar, Double Bass, etc. I have made basses out of both "swamp ash" and hard ash... both woods look similar, and work similarly. They are both structurally sound.


I dont think that Swamp ash is the same ash only lighter...i mean, it got different grain, it looks diferent :confused:

I dont think that Swamp ash is the same ash only lighter...i mean, it got different grain, it looks diferent :confused:

Well the point was, you can find it in Swampy areas, not specifically in the "middle" of a swamp, knee deep.:cool:

We are still talking about the same species of wood also.:confused:

"Hard"Ash
http://www.penningtonhardwoods.com/slidesho/ss_ash.jpg

European ash
http://www.adamovic.nl/xju002/1%20(1).jpg

Swamp ash
http://www.adamovic.nl/xPB002/Untitled-1%20copy.jpg

Another swamp ash
http://www.carvinworld.com/images/product/SBB1.jpg

The back of my sixer (swampash)
http://b7.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/00553/77/86/553866877_l.jpg

Dude, get over the name. Guacamole sounds nasty but tastes great! (thanks Carlin)

Behold the beauty of my swamp ash. (not to be confused with swamp ass which I get when exercising). You'll have to imagine the light weight and tonality.

http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q109/andyspublicpix/Sterling/IMG_8408.jpg?t=1202394650

OP, seriously, are you 16 ? Read the rules before posting.

And, straight from the stickies (took me 5 second of searching):

Wood:

“Will (enter name of wood) give me a (enter descriptor) tone?”

There's been lots of discussion on the topic. I don’t have the experience of others around here, and arguments can be made for various types of wood leading to various types of resulting tones. Still, there are many factors that contribute to what sound will come out of your amp once you plug in your finished product. So, do some reading and see for yourself. Or post and see what happens…

Here's a link to Ken Smith's different wood species:
http://www.kensmithbasses.com/woodpa...econtents.html

As far as where to get woods, there’s lots of resources online (and perhaps locally to you). One of which is Gallery Hardwoods at www.galleryhardwoods.com . Larry is a great guy, an absolute professional, and his wood supply is top-notch. However, when it comes time to order, do it through the G. Hardwoods website, not in the forum!


"Exotic Wood Brokers.com Wood Source" (new as of late January 2006)
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=142

I encourage you to do a Google search to see what else is out there. I won’t mention specific sites other than Larry’s simply because he’s paid for the right to advertise here at TB. They are out there, you just need to look.

Here is what I should have posted the first time.

Google,type "Swamp ash" in the box,click search.

Really...??

Well, since you are so knowledgeable, why not share in the thread and post your opinion?

I started this thread as a basis for learning something, not to "thumb my nose" at others.

I am not a luthier, have never been, and never will be.

That being said, I find it interesting that certain "woods" as defined by name, would not be given 'better names'.

If you hear the term: Swamp Ash, and know nothing else, I would believe exactly this: An ash tree, nearby or in a swamp. Wood from a swamp. It doesn't sound very appealing, wouldn't you say?

However, being given what Shawn said, I appreciate the answer!

Too bad all of us are not as "smart" as you! Speaking of which, you don't come across as "smart" at all.

You sound more like a "smart @**" to me.:p

BTW,I never claimed to be knowledgable.I merely implied that you could use a search function on any search engine,and you'll find tons of info.It's always better to be a smarta** than a dumba**.

I assume we'll get a similar post from him when he finds out what Spalted means.

I heard that curly maple is what the 3 Stooges prefered.

I kind of figured there are no such things as "dumb questions".myth dispelled.;)

I had a nice piece of ash once...she left me for a drummer. :spit:

I dont think that Swamp ash is the same ash only lighter...i mean, it got different grain, it looks diferent :confused:

You can get swamp ash and regular old white ash from the same tree. Trust me on this. The reason it looks different is because it is less/more dense. During the summer months, the swampy areas are still very moist and very furtile. Some species of ash thrive in this type of climate, so in reality, this constant perfect condition is like having their "DIET" supercharged.
Ash trees can adapt to their climate more so than most other trees. They can grow in dry conditions and wet conditions, hot and cold, high altitudes and low altitudes. This is why they are the most common hardwood tree in America.

Black Ash (swamp ash) is typically found in swamps that are flooded in the spring only. They don't grow in permanently flooded sites.

Aboriginals use the wood for basket making: when you pound it (the wood) it tends to come apart in strips suitable for the purpose.

Swamp: a kind of wetland, of which we've lost thousands of acres. Wetlands perform important ecological functions for us: they retain water, reducing flooding; they filter the water as it seeps into the ground; they produce plants and trees that are important wildife habitat; and more...

don't be hatin' on the wetlands, man. they give us plenty of great things like alligators, disease carrying mosquitoes, noodling and....skynyrd. but swamp ash is a great material. swamp or no swamp i like its tone.

PS i like noodling and skynyrd but ill pass on the "critters"

Your comments would be appreciated!


I've had 3 amazing custom basses built.... all 3 based on Swamp Ash. Play or dislike what you want, I know I have the best basses for me :smug:

You can get swamp ash and regular old white ash from the same tree. Trust me on this. The reason it looks different is because it is less/more dense. The base of the tree is usually in water, this creates an insulation of sorts allowing for the base of the tree to have a longer growing season. During the summer months, the swampy areas are still very moist and very furtile. Some species of ash thrive in this type of climate, so in reality, this constant perfect condition is like having their "DIET" supercharged.
Ash trees can adapt to their climate more so than most other trees. They can grow in dry conditions and wet conditions, hot and cold, high altitudes and low altitudes. This is why they are the most common hardwood tree in America.

Sorry, but there are several inaccuracies in this. Swamp ash and white ash (or "hard ash") are two different species. Black (Swamp) likes wet sites, white likes dryer sites.

Different parts of a tree will not grow at different rates. Trees put their growth on in the spring: the tips of the branches grow outward, the existing parts grow more wood. When this growth ends later in summer energy is put into the roots for the coming winter.

Trust me, I studied plant ecology and have worked in wetland/forest/landscape conservation for 20 years.

Black ash here in the south is commonly referred to as Brown ash. It is slightly less dense than the others species, but it is almost never sold "here" as Swamp ash, because the wood has a darker brown tint to it that is most commonly mitaken for mineral deposits. I am aware that black ash is commonly referred to as Swamp ash in other parts of the world, but there again, I think that is more of a regional term. I think it is spliting hairs, to say one ash tree is swamp ash and another is not. The term generally is indicative to where the tree is growing. Some of the old timer loggers have may terms they use to describe the ash that grows here. All of which indicate where they are growing. Such as: swamp ash, bottom ash, river ash, sandy ash, hilly ash, and so on.

True, hence why common names can be confusing.

Black Ash - Fraxinus nigra
White Ash - Fraxinus americana

The way I've heard it explained,swamp ash is less dense as it grows faster being in wetter,more nutrient dense environment.

The heavier ash grows in a drier setting at a slower rate thus making it stiffer and more dense.

Wish I could remember where I read that:confused:Know that a previous post was very close to what I'm relaying.

I am really wondering about "Swamp Ash".

The mere though of a piece of wood that's been sitting in the water being used on a fine instrument repulses me. :eek:

Why, I ask, would any self-respecting luthier use Swamp Ash (no offense intended, sorry...) on a guitar, bass, or anything?

Hard Ash, White Ash, is not bad at all. I have a Fernandes Gravity 5 bass, with an Ash body/Maple Neck that sounds really good.

Is Basswood better than Ash?

Is Swamp Ash really a feasible wood, "fit" for instruments?

Your comments would be appreciated!

Swamp ash is great...again light & great tone...
IMHO-you started the attitude with "would any self-respecting Luthier use swamp ash"......
I believe ALL SELF-RESPECTING LUTHIERS use SWAMP ASH! :D

This is why they are the most common hardwood tree in America.

I guess meant North America right?? because here in South America the only ash we see are the ones on the pics :crying:

gotta love Uncle Milty!

Hey, he was in the RATT video! :D

Sorry, but there are several inaccuracies in this. Swamp ash and white ash (or "hard ash") are two different species. Black (Swamp) likes wet sites, white likes dryer sites.
Swamp ash and white ash are not two different species. All white ash is not swamp ash, but some swamp ash is most definetly white ash. I promise you that most all "swamp ash" here in the south is a mixture of several different species of ash. The "most common" being Pumpkin ash, white ash, even some green ash, but mostly not black ash. That is "HERE IN THE SOUTH".
http://rnrstreamer.lsu.edu/ecosystems/webtour/listscientific.htm

Different parts of a tree will not grow at different rates. Trees put their growth on in the spring: the tips of the branches grow outward, the existing parts grow more wood. When this growth ends later in summer energy is put into the roots for the coming winter.


Here again. I live in the swamp and can tell you that our growing season is almost twice as long as Canada's. Trees do put on more growth in the spring, but they do not die in the winter. A tree is growing year round, thus the darker and lighter rings. In the spring, when the sap is flowing to the branches, the rings are wider and lighter. In the fall when the sap is retreating to the roots, the growth rings are thinner and darker. That is how it normally works. But when you have extremely long growing seasons and very mild winters and an average winter temperture of 50 degrees, coupled with amazing growing conditions it is the perfect recipe for "Swamp ash" to grow.
The existing parts of the tree do put on more growth, but that growth is not limited to the branches only. Check out the lightest of the light weight ash you can get your hands on. It is almost completly sapwood. It will have very large, thick white rings(spring) and wide, very thin, darker "but still very light" colored(fall) rings. The reason for it 'looking different" would be because of where in the tree it came from. Most likely from the large bulbous bottom of a Pumpkin ash, white ash, green ash, or even black ash tree.


Trust me, I studied plant ecology and have worked in wetland/forest/landscape conservation for 20 years.

I have also studied ecology and have worked in the wood business for many years. I also support many sawmills and producers in replanting, conservation, and timber management of our wetlands here in Louisiana and Mississippi. There are millions of acres of wetlands in Louisiana that are set aside and will never be harvested. There are also millions of acres that will be harvested and replanted for future use. I believe that the Corps of Engineers have destroyed more coastal wetlands, through river levees, than any loggers have.
I guess I also need to disclose that I also sell this stuff.

Do you guys think the OP still doesn't like the name? I mean, if so, we could lobby for a change. I propose 'Loretta'.

i think the real question here is

why would any self respecting luthier use bloodwood?

i mean, surely a piece of wood that has been soaking in blood...

:hiding:

Bloodwood: wood soaked in blood
Buckeye burl: cancerous deer eye
Flamed maple: Acer fagus
birdeye maple: Acer fowlus
lacewood: Platinus victorias secretus
Spanish Cedar: Cedrela humidorus or maybe Cedrela conquistadora, or perhaps Cedrela aweful tastica
Wenge: Splinterus worstus

Bloodwood: wood soaked in blood
Buckeye burl: cancerous deer eye
Flamed maple: Acer fagus
birdeye maple: Acer fowlus
lacewood: Platinus victorias secretus
Spanish Cedar: Cedrela humidorus or maybe Cedrela conquistadora, or perhaps Cedrela aweful tastica
Wenge: Splinterus worstus

Dont forget

Spalted Maple: Fungus amongus
Stabilized Woods: Larridavidus vacuumchamberous

Swamp ash and white ash are not two different species. All white ash is not swamp ash, but some swamp ash is most definetly white ash. I promise you that most all "swamp ash" here in the south is a mixture of several different species of ash. The "most common" being Pumpkin ash, white ash, even some green ash, but mostly not black ash. That is "HERE IN THE SOUTH".
http://rnrstreamer.lsu.edu/ecosystems/webtour/listscientific.htm.

Again, the problem with common names. Here in southern Ontario we have two species that grow in swampy sites: Black Ash (F. nigra) and Pumpkin Ash (F.profunda) neither is typically called "swamp" ash up here. White Ash (F. americana) grows on dryer sites.

Here again. I live in the swamp and can tell you that our growing season is almost twice as long as Canada's. Trees do put on more growth in the spring, but they do not die in the winter. A tree is growing year round, thus the darker and lighter rings. In the spring, when the sap is flowing to the branches, the rings are wider and lighter. In the fall when the sap is retreating to the roots, the growth rings are thinner and darker. That is how it normally works. But when you have extremely long growing seasons and very mild winters and an average winter temperture of 50 degrees, coupled with amazing growing conditions it is the perfect recipe for "Swamp ash" to grow.
The existing parts of the tree do put on more growth, but that growth is not limited to the branches only. And when I stated that the base has a "kind of insulation", what I meant was "Insulation" not as keeping it warm, but rather "micro-environment". The water here rarely freezes and this allows the nutrients to "soak" directly into the wood. Check out the lightest of the light weight ash you can get your hands on. It is almost completly sapwood. It will have very large, thick white rings(spring) and wide, very thin, darker "but still very light" colored(fall) rings. The reason for it 'looking different" would be because of where in the tree it came from. Most likely from the large bulbous bottom of a Pumpkin ash, white ash, green ash, or even black ash tree.

All right on. I didn't say, and I hope didn't infer, that trees die in the winter or that only the branches ever grow (although, strictly speaking, you could argue the trunk is just a big central branch). I was trying to describe what you say: trunk and branches put on more wood, epsecially in the spring, and the branch tips - the meristems, to use the technical word - lengthen. The process will be greater or shorter depending on the growing season. Here in the north, no growth will be happening in the winter, but the tree is still healthy and alive

As for nutrients soaking directly into the wood of trees in standing water, that's a new one on me. I can agree that the wood may be more porous in the "flooded' zone.


I have also studied ecology and have worked in the wood business for many years. I also support many sawmills and producers in replanting, conservation, and timber management of our wetlands here in Louisiana and Mississippi. There are millions of acres of wetlands in Louisiana that are set aside and will never be harvested. There are also millions of acres that will be harvested and replanted for future use. I believe that the Corps of Engineers have destroyed more coastal wetlands, through river levees, than any loggers have.
I guess I also need to disclose that I also sell this stuff.

Just to be clear: I have no problem with tree harvesting, so long it's done sustainably and with the larger ecosystem in mind. Not just cutting every possible dollar out today and leaving little potential for future profitable harvests, and screwing up the other forest values at the same time. (This all applies to hardwood forests).

I can agree that the wood may be more porous in the "flooded' zone.

This is typically what I meant.


Just to be clear: I have no problem with tree harvesting, so long it's done sustainably and with the larger ecosystem in mind. Not just cutting every possible dollar out today and leaving little potential for future profitable harvests, and screwing up the other forest values at the same time. (This all applies to hardwood forests).


Sounds like we are on the same page.:hyper:

Sounds like we are on the same page.:hyper:

Yep. I regularly advise loggers and landowners on good forestry practices.:)

And why would they call it "ash" too? It's not a pile of burned up stuff. Man, those naming guys don't know what they're doing!

Yeah and what about "Bud"? What's up with that?


Just joshing (my name :p) you of course. :)

I do believe that is the main reason it has that name. Or that is what I've been told. How funny is that!

wow ... with a few exceptions there certainly is a load of fresh compost being passed off as diamonds in this thread. most of it I surely hope is simply due to a lack of education on the topic and ignorant parroting of nonfactual beliefs.

to the few who have posted real, factual truth in this thread - I salute you.

to the rest (in the majority) of posters in this thread - it's time to do a little homework and stop lifting your 'facts' from guitar/bass builder websites. real horticultural truths are rarely found on somebody's website with a vested interest in propagating mythology

all the best,

R

Wow!

wow ... with a few exceptions there certainly is a load of fresh compost being passed off as diamonds in this thread. most of it I surely hope is simply due to a lack of education on the topic and ignorant parroting of nonfactual beliefs.

to the few who have posted real, factual truth in this thread - I salute you.

to the rest (in the majority) of posters in this thread - it's time to do a little homework and stop lifting your 'facts' from guitar/bass builder websites. real horticultural truths are rarely found on somebody's website with a vested interest in propagating mythology

all the best,

R

If you're trying to suggest that I don't get swamp ass when I exercise we'll have to agree to disagree. :spit:

If you're trying to suggest that I don't get swamp ass when I exercise we'll have to agree to disagree. :spit:

Yes, but is it white, black, green, or pumpkin?

Stabilized Woods: Larridavidus vacuumchamberousHAHAHAHA!!!!

...I damn near peed myself when I saw your avatar/read your quote!!!!

Yes, but is it white, black, green, or pumpkin?

It is white but arguably looks like a pumpkin.

It is white but arguably looks like a pumpkin.

Very funny indeed.:)

It is white but arguably looks like a pumpkin.

reassuring to know that it isn't GREEN! :D

R

is birdseye maple really made of birds eyes? *yuck* !!!!

Yeah, and would they make MAPLE SYRUP from maple?

Hey, wait a minute...

reassuring to know that it isn't GREEN!

Yeah, it ain't easy bein' green.

...and I had to stop using my quilted maple at bedtime 'cause it was crushing me.

If you hear the term: Swamp Ash, and know nothing else, I would believe exactly this: An ash tree, nearby or in a swamp.

Well, wouldn't you also conclude that someone had burned it to a crisp?

reassuring to know that it isn't GREEN! :D

R

I'd feel guilty for derailing this thread if it wasn't so assinine. But since it is...

I was in Puerto Rico at a restaurant called Miro (after Joan). I ordered a wonderful pasta/seafood dish with squid ink. It was completely shiny jet black, and very disturbing at first, but an incredibly tasty dish. For the next two days I witnessed what Puerto Rican luthiers refer to as black swamp ass.

True story.

Gee, I must be on the right track creating interesting threads!

However, I apologize, for what it's worth for making certain assumptions, based on the "given name" of the wood. I didn't realize that everyone assumes my characterization of the wood to be exemplary of my knowledge. Duh!:help:

Again, I am grateful to those that cleared up the misunderstanding.

Obviously, bloodwood-is not soaked in blood! Bird's eye maple, is not taken from "Bird's Eyes". Some stuff is self-explanatory. DUH! (Again!) :smug:

About my comment about "why would any self-respecting luthier use swamp ash..? Notice my disclaimer: NO OFFENSE INTENDED!!!! I didn't want to be mistaken for a jerk, because of my comment. To those who preferred acting like a jerk and were being smart @**es, I don't care!

I also noticed NO ONE mentioned anything about my question about basswood. Is it a feasible or a better wood to use?


But, I digress, all the continuation of this thread is surely pissing many people off. No one else need respond. If you are offended, I apologize.

Rock on!:bassist:

Hey all, I have an FSR Jazz bass. It has an Ash body, couldn't tell you what species. But it's not overly heavy or anything like that. It's tone is balanced, it seems to be pretty punchy in the mids, and the lows are better than the alder Jazz I used to have. Can't tell you why that is, the lows are just better. By the way, I have it strung with flats, sounds great when we play reggae, the tone fits in great, Nice lows and just really sounds perfect in the mix. Can anyone tell me what kind of Ash this is? It would be cool to know. Thanks everyone.:bassist: http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Fender-FSR-Standard-J-Bass?sku=517887

The term 'better' is pretty difficult to quantify when applied here- someomeone might like ash, or basswood, or wenge or whatever over another species. Doesn't make it better, except for that individual.

The term 'better' is pretty difficult to quantify when applied here- someomeone might like ash, or basswood, or wenge or whatever over another species. Doesn't make it better, except for that individual.Exactly. For me, it's Swamp Ash FTW!!! :hyper:

fender aerodyne basses are made out of bass wood
(I love that bass)

it's feasible, really light

Hey, he was in the RATT video! :D

Not sure if it's true, but I had heard that Uncle Milty was the uncle of someone in the band.

....Or maybe it was the director..

I think swamp ash rules!!!!!!!

I think US or the States as I call USA when I don't want to write the whole name is the only country in the whole planet that I'm aware of with the name of the continent it is placed in in its name. Never saw Team America but I saw once a porn movie with a name close to that one... does it counts?? :D

Never saw Team America but I saw once a porn movie with a name close to that one... does it counts?? :D

Nope, but I would highly suggest seeing Team America though. LOL

Yep, Enrique I never understood that.... Why do the people of the United States OF America call their country America anyways? To me, America (or perhaps, the Americas) are everything between Resolute Bay in Canada and Tierra del Fuego in Argentina. Logical explanation anyone? :help:

All I know is when I'm traveling abroad I'm always asked whether I'm American. No one in over 15 countries has ever asked if I'm United Statesian or United States of American. This would indicate that it's not a naming convention used solely by "the people of the United States of America." The whole world seems to have adopted it. We're American. :spit:

Yeah but thats because we all are used to hear that in movies which came mainly from US. Now in Perú (I guess this is the same in the rest of Latin American countries) we called american people in three ways:

- Estado unidense (something like United Statesian) for a formal way,

- Americano (american) because some are used to call you in teh way you call yourselfs in movies,

- And last but not less: Gringo as a coloquial(??) way which is the most common word use for american people or blonde people too.

there are speculations that stradivarius soaked wood in water to help its tonal properties, this is still a topic of debate. So basically the idea of placing wood in a swamp isnt all that crazy :p

[QUOTE=Rudyboy98;5271825]I am really wondering about "Swamp Ash".

The mere though of a piece of wood that's been sitting in the water being used on a fine instrument repulses me. :eek:


I recall a few years back,Spector got a piece of wood from a log that had lain on the bottom of one of the Great Lakes for what they said was 10,000 years! They built a bass from it, did the dots and inlays from Mastdon ivory and put it up for sale to benefit a charity they had chosen. I'd like to just hold that fine instrument for a minute just to get the vibe.

there are speculations that stradivarius soaked wood in water to help its tonal properties, this is still a topic of debate. So basically the idea of placing wood in a swamp isnt all that crazy :p

Actually I remember a TV special I saw years ago about these violins and a guy who tried to duplicate the build steps followed by Stradivarius. This guy soaked the wood on a tub for a few days with a mix of I don't remember what and then the violin made with this wood was tested with spectrum analyzers and what he got was a register which was really close Stradivarius's.

i threw my schecter Out in the rain and left it in my swamp for a few weeks... when it came back it was swamp ash with a spalted maple top :O!!!!

In an attempt to get this thread back on track, I'm deleting any posts that were involved in the back-and-forth that just went on. This is basically an attempt to salvage an otherwise legit thread. If you're confused as to why your post was deleted, just PM me and I'll get back to you ASAP.

Thanks guys,

(the other) Paul

What were we talking about?

What were we talking about?

Here you go:

I am really wondering about "Swamp Ash".

The mere though of a piece of wood that's been sitting in the water being used on a fine instrument repulses me. :eek:

Why, I ask, would any self-respecting luthier use Swamp Ash (no offense intended, sorry...) on a guitar, bass, or anything?

Hard Ash, White Ash, is not bad at all. I have a Fernandes Gravity 5 bass, with an Ash body/Maple Neck that sounds really good.

Is Basswood better than Ash?

Is Swamp Ash really a feasible wood, "fit" for instruments?

Your comments would be appreciated!

I apologize to all TBers for my earlier posts today. I will (with a big effort) not participate in anymore non-bass-related discussion. I dont feel the need to explain why I wrote any of it. I dont feed my ego. Just wanted to apologize if I (and I know I did) insulted anyone. End of story, let's not get back on the subject, please. Peace.

Actually I remember a TV special I saw years ago about these violins and a guy who tried to duplicate the build steps followed by Stradivarius. This guy soaked the wood on a tub for a few days with a mix of I don't remember what and then the violin made with this wood was tested with spectrum analyzers and what he got was a register which was really close Stradivarius's.

Now that's interesting!

I noticed that many of my fellow TB'ers really dig Swamp Ash.

On a small note: I wonder if anyone disagrees with using "Ash" at all. I couldn't help but notice that no one actually mentioned a "dislike" of Swamp Ash or Ash, in general.

Feel free to indicate if you have had a bad experience with it too.

I hope this is still being considered a legitimate thread, if not, please let me know.

Rock on!

:bassist:

:bawl:And why would they call it "ash" too? It's not a pile of burned up stuff. Man, those naming guys don't know what they're doing!

BUD!!! PLEASE DON'T MAKE MY TRX OUT OF BURNED WOOD!!!
I like that OTHER ash that grows in a swamp or something!

HAHAHAHA thats good Mike, I really wonder too, why its called Ash...

rudyboy, FWIW, Ive never used swamp before in a bass, never even worked with it. Northern White Ash though... ive used tons. I just finished up a bass with it, It was kinda heavy so I hollowed it out, and despite the fact that its heavy and the grain is, let's admit it, somewhat ordinary, I loved working with it. Its hard as rock, but not hard enough to dislike working with it, overall its a great wood, IMO of course. I would work with it again anytime. In fact i got two builds lined up with Hard Ash. Never used Basswood in a bass either so sorry, cant compare. Ive used it for sculpting and it works great for that purpose.

Rudeboy,please don't take the ribbing here too serious. Just having a little giggle at youre expense, it's nothing personal.I have no idea why it's called swamp ash either. BTW I remember seeing something on tv several years ago about some trees that were recovered from a northern lake that had been at the bottom for decades. They got several species,and lots of it was bought by furniture makers,and instrument makers got some of it also. One guy interviewed showed a violin made from the wood recovered,and it supposedly had the same sound characteristics as a Strad.Not exactly,but very close. It had something to do with the way the mico organisms in the water shaped the pores in the wood,or something along those lines.I don't remember the exact science behind it,but it was pretty interesting. Anybody have any knowledge of this? It's pretty fascinating.

:rollno:

A shame there is normally so little wild figuring in Swamp Ash. I really like the way it works and sounds...t


I agree. Swamp ash is by far my favorite tonewood, but I have a love affair with figured woods. I consider myself lucky to have found this swamp ash with a little flame to it....Pics don't do it justice.

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k113/drcarver/Masterybackclose.jpg