It is time for me to decide on a top wood for my Read Custom. Jack found this really nice piece of Crotch Maple, that I am tempted to go with. Opinions?
oooooooo, I like that wood and Jack is a cool luthier. Congrats looks like you have something amazing in the works. BTW, if I ever get enough money put together, I'd like to have a bass with a redwood burl top.
That wood does look like it would make an amazing top. Definitely has a unique look to it. I think its your responsibility to use a piece that nice.
Just a personal preference - Does he have more boards so the doggone neck-through can be hidden underneath the top ??? I have a nice neck-through but the top is all cocobolo. I hate to see that bookmatch look broken up by the big clunky neck running down the middle. The crotch is too gorgeous to separate, IMO.
Yes, I much prefer full tops (and your Cocobolo Queen DP ns about the most gorgeous piece of coco I've ever seen).
That crotch you have lined up is a hard act to follow!!! Really great symmetry! I especially like those diamond-shaped lighter areas on the lower 2/3rds.
I absolutely agree - that's a fine piece of maple. I wouldn't break it up with a neck thru look. Jeff
It is actually supposed to be a "hidden" neckthrough. I just emailed Jack and asked him if he has enough of the wood to cover the neck portion of the body. We'll see!
Crotch or no crotch, I never liked the look of a neckthrough. NIce top wood; cover the neckthrough. God luck.
I decided to go with this top. Jack is going to cover the neck portion with a piece of the same wood as well. The body will essentially look like this, only with the crotch maple and a different pick up configuration: Very excited, can't wait!
Man, that crotch maple is a sweet piece of wood! I also like that configuration there; the neck is all covered in nice wood, but it's more interesting than a full top.....but if there's enough wood, a full top wouldn't be bad at all!