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Bamboo?

M

mheintz

Nov 18, 2004
495
3
#1
Curious, has anyone worked with bamboo?

I noticed that compressed bamboo is a new option for Sticks. e.g. Invalid Link Removed

Hard, dimensionally stable. Renewable, if that matters to you. Takes a finish.

Relatively cheap to get planks. What would it cost to get instrument-grade material?
 
#2
Instrument-grade material? Usually that term refers to material that is either structurally uniform, straight, and sound for necks, or really pretty, for bodies.

I've only seen one or two websites, offering flooring material. It is laminated up from sliced stalks. Had a very good strength, and strength-to-weight, which made me think of possible neck use. The look, however, is rather unusual.

They also offered one variety that was steamed or otherwise heated to produce an attractive darker color, but that material had reduced strength.

BTW there are one expired patent Invalid Link Removed and one current one Invalid Link Removed that I found involving bamboo instrument necks.
 
#3
Those who have tried the bamboo Sticks describe them as feeling somewhere in between graphite and wood. I have heard that the Stick bamboo is resin impregnated and not merely woven or laminated.

Even so, bamboo without resin is apparently quite strong. See Link Removed (Follow the link on the nav bar for "Technical" information.)

Bamboo stalks are strong, but prone to splintering. Has anyone laminated bamboo stalks? Has anyone used the flooring planks? I have seen some rather beautiful bamboo floors and the material is readily available.

The following link contains some info on working with bamboo for flooring. (Heck, this could be an industry rep, so take it with a grain of salt...) http://www.extremehowto.com/xh/article.asp?article_id=60233

Of course, bamboo has been used for centuries for many string and wind instruments, but I haven't seen bamboo shaped into something as refined as a bass neck.

Anyone else with some experience with bamboo?
 
#4
There is a material called plyboo that is available in prelaminated sheets in both the natural and steamed versions. I have looked at it in the past and would consider it for bodies but would be concerned about cutting through the laminates if used on a neck (have a look at the cross section on the website you'll see what I mean). The change in loading between the plys might cause it to bow. Apart from that the material sounds really good, as strong as maple or oak and with similar densities it should work well.

Hope thats some use.
 

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