Catalpa

[MrZMess]

Anyone used catalpa when building a bass? Good tone? My grandfather is having one cut down in his backyard and I'd like to use it for a body if its good wood. Heck maybe a neck too.

 

[FBB Custom]

I have not seen it used in guitarmaking. There's no real reason not to use it in a body if it is dried properly and stable. It's a little wimpy so I probably would not use it in a neck.

 

[MrZMess]

Thanks. I think I'll give it a shot. It's got some pretty nice grain patterns

 

[Konquest]

Body yes, neck no. If you are drying it make sure you sticker the boards and give it a year for each inch of thickness, at least.

 

[Jensby design]

I used it for the body on my 3-string bass.It's soft like aspen and will dent easily.It looks like ash but with a silver ish shine.The sound is well not a lot of highs,kind of short sustain,so punchy but not a lot of clarity.
I think if you used a hardwood top on a catalpa body you would have something good going but I will never use it again because I'm very allergic.Its easy to work with(if you can breath).

 

[SpankyPants]

I have a strip of it in one of my basses. It is extremely soft. It sands very quickly and is very, very easy to dent.

I, personally, would not work with it again. It's like ash but without the redeeming qualities of ash.