Willow and other soft woods

[Dr Rod]

I have been reading a lot on the interesting sonic properties of willow and other softwoods/fruitwoods.

aside from the use of slab cut to give strength, would the actual thickness of the back and ribs be greater than if you used a hardwood?

[M_A_T_T]

I don't think slab cut would help give strength. It's also less stable than quarter cut.

[Dr Rod]

Matt, I don't really know much about this, but Kolstein seems to support that.
I have seen slab-cut pearwood, and slab-cut nutwood used in fine instruments.

When you say quarter cut is more stable, what do you mean? weather or structural stability?

[M_A_T_T]

Both. It's more stable for movement, and stronger.