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Is there Instrument grade pine out there?

Discussion in 'Luthier's Corner' started by CoffeeBass, Jul 28, 2009.

  1. Jul 28, 2009 #1
    CoffeeBass

    CoffeeBass

    Aug 20, 2007
    San Juan Island, Wa
    Hey there TB,

    I am going to build this later this year:
    http://liutaiomottola.com/instruments/canotto.htm
    and wanted to use a cheaper material than spruce for the sound board. Sacrilege, I know. I just want to have a practice go with the possibility of it turning out decent. In this guys plans he says that good pine can be substituted as a cheaper material.

    So my question is, where can I find some instrument grade pine lumber? Is there such a thing?

    Any thoughts would be welcome.

    Cb
     
  2. Jul 28, 2009 #2
    Beej

    Beej

    Feb 10, 2007
    Vancouver Island
    If you want clear, knot free pine, it should be everywhere on San Juan, if not, most lumber places will carry nice big slabs. I can't imagine some nice Sitka Spruce wouldn't be there either, and it won't be much more than pine.

    Another plentiful tonewood for acoustic tops is yellow cedar...
     
  3. Jul 28, 2009 #3
    CoffeeBass

    CoffeeBass

    Aug 20, 2007
    San Juan Island, Wa
    Thanks Beej.

    I am going to talk to some local mills soon.

    Cb
     
  4. Jul 29, 2009 #4
    Rattman

    Rattman

    Jul 3, 2006
    Orange County, Ca. USA
    Pine for a bass? I guess it would depend on the 'correct' type of pine to get the results you'd be happy with. Of course the well-cured pine-type would have less tendency to ooze pitch from the grain. Anyway, I wish you well in your search for that "perfect" piece of wood.
     
  5. Jul 29, 2009 #5
    T-Bird

    T-Bird

    Apr 29, 2007
    Finland (Northern Europe)
    Hi.

    If it was for a solid body or a neck, I'd say there's a chance, but I wouldn't necessarily try to make an acoustic top out of pine.

    Regards
    Sam
     
  6. Jul 29, 2009 #6
    jworrellbass

    jworrellbass Commercial User

    May 17, 2009
    Colorado Springs CO
    Owner, builder: jworrellbass
    I once saw an arch-top guitar with pine, the guy swore it sounded better than his spruce top. I don't know where he got the pine from.
     
  7. Jul 29, 2009 #7
    AltGrendel

    AltGrendel Squire Jag SS fan. Supporting Member

    May 21, 2009
    Mid-Atlantic USA.
    You can make pretty decent instruments out of knotty pine.