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Double Bass Maple vs Poplar

#22
Treyzer said:
I was thinking more of the poplar grown in Italy. Many Italian basses are made with this wood. I believe Arnold has built basses with this wood as well.
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I have some Lombardy Poplar but I haven't used it yet. It has a beautiful figure. I have built with Black Poplar, Aspen and Cottonwood, all of which are considered true Poplars, as opposed to Tulipwood, which I think is a Magnolia. Poplar used in a bass back and ribs gives a slightly warmer and softer tone than maple, I think. I have also used Walnut, which is stiffer and less resilient than maple; the Walnut seems to provide good projection with extra bottom. I have not used Willow. Most of the Willow that grows in these parts is gnarly with twisting grain, not the best material for something as large as a bass. It makes great linings, though, as it bends like rope. Also keep in mind that Maple is not a homogeneous species, but the "Maple" group includes several different trees, such as Sugar, Red, Big Leaf, Silver and Sycamore-Maple, which is the European tree traditionally used in violin-family instruments. I don't know what the maple used in Chinese instruments is, but it has a unique look. I think the future of bass-making will include lots of non-traditional woods. On my list are also Mahogany, Makore, and Butternut.
 

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