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Black Limba anyone?

Discussion in 'Luthier's Corner' started by miziomix, Jul 18, 2013.

  1. Jul 18, 2013 #1
    miziomix

    miziomix Über on my mind Commercial User

    Sep 28, 2009
    Milan, Kuala Lumpur, Paris.
    Bass builder @ MüB.
    Hello fellow TBers,

    I am sure many of you have gained extensive experience working with Black Limba. How do you find working with it? Bodies, necks; any issues? Advices? I'm staring at this charming billet which I'm going to spend the next few months with and wondering what its secrets are ;)

    Thank you for your help.

    Maurizio
     
  2. Jul 18, 2013 #2
    Yvarg

    Yvarg Gold Supporting Member

    Mar 10, 2007
    Lake Forest, CA
    I made a guitar body using it for a very thick top (5/8"-3/4"). I found it quite easy to work with; it reminded me of mahogany. I ran into no issues at all when using it. Have fun with your board! :)
     
  3. Jul 20, 2013 #3
    Drake Custom

    Drake Custom Commercial User

    Aug 24, 2010
    Iowa
    Builder/Owner:Drake Custom Bass Guitars
    I too have found it to be much like Mahogany for workability and finishing.

    I am using some Black Limba on this 5 string bass top even as we speak.

    012-2.jpg

    I have a Mahogany back on this body so I have been able to work with both woods side by side. Very close to being the same.

    For finishing, I have had to use pore filler like I do with Mahogany as the pores are similar too. In the picture there is one coat of sealer on.
     
  4. Jul 21, 2013 #4
    tjclem

    tjclem Commercial User

    Jun 6, 2004
    Central Florida
    Owner and builder Clementbass
    Love it. But I don't see any photos how do we know you have any......:eyebrow: :D
     
  5. Jul 21, 2013 #5
    shotgun55

    shotgun55

    Jul 21, 2013
    Alaska
    Very nice. Love the green hue and pronounced grain.
     
  6. Jul 21, 2013 #6
    miziomix

    miziomix Über on my mind Commercial User

    Sep 28, 2009
    Milan, Kuala Lumpur, Paris.
    Bass builder @ MüB.
    Thank you all!

    That's good news. I like Mahogany a lot.

    Has anyone used Black Limba for necks?

    Here are the overdue pictures:

    IMG_4863_2_zps8314b83a.jpg

    This is the side we're going to use.

    This is the other side.

    IMG_4864_2_zps3fb7a8dc.jpg
     
  7. Jul 21, 2013 #7
    tjclem

    tjclem Commercial User

    Jun 6, 2004
    Central Florida
    Owner and builder Clementbass
    Sweet piece measurements? This is my personal bass Neck and body black Limba.

     
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  8. Jul 21, 2013 #8
    miziomix

    miziomix Über on my mind Commercial User

    Sep 28, 2009
    Milan, Kuala Lumpur, Paris.
    Bass builder @ MüB.
    Very nice bass, Tom. It looks and sounds great.

    This board is about 2" x 9" x 40".

    In the video Limba is presented as being tonally similar to Mahogany, perhaps just a bit brighter that M.
    Would you say that's accurate? I am referring mostly to the neck's contribution to the overall tone, rather than the body's ...which should hopefully prevent another tone-war... LOL

    Thank you
     
  9. Jul 21, 2013 #9
    tjclem

    tjclem Commercial User

    Jun 6, 2004
    Central Florida
    Owner and builder Clementbass
    Sorry I just don't discuss tone much but considering it is only 40" long and 9 wide you really can't do a neck and body can you? Also I have seen the weight range of the Limbas vary so much that it would be tough to quantify the tone. Some have been as light as 2.3 lb BD Ft and others almost 4
     
  10. Jul 21, 2013 #10
    miziomix

    miziomix Über on my mind Commercial User

    Sep 28, 2009
    Milan, Kuala Lumpur, Paris.
    Bass builder @ MüB.
    Fair enough.

    My bodies are a bit smaller than the standard size and I usually laminate necks with another wood, so this board is big enough for what I need.

    I haven't weighed the board but it doesn't feel heavier than similarly sized African Mahogany boards I have.

    Thank you Tom.
     
  11. Jul 21, 2013 #11
    tjclem

    tjclem Commercial User

    Jun 6, 2004
    Central Florida
    Owner and builder Clementbass
    Cool good luck with it. Looks like a nice board