Would you take this Alder blank for body?

[shai-ga]

I have an option to buy this Alder blank for a body;
It is 2 1/4" thick and I think it's a beautiful piece of wood.
Would you consider using this one even though the grains don't go straight?

 

[Jonsbasses]

The mineral stain / heartwood isn't very appealing and is checking and there is a large knot in the piece, knots usually crack. I wouldn't consider the piece suitable for instrument making.

 

[erikbojerik]

Stay away.....stay away....

Grain and appearance are in the eye of the beholder....to me, besides the checking, the biggest problem is that there is unstable wood in the area around the neck pocket, no matter which end you choose for your neck joint.

 

[bodoger]

I would put under the corner of a couch thats missing a leg.
But thats just me

 

[tjclem]

firewood?

 

[teej]

I'm told alder is good for smoking.





Meats, that is.

 

[orgmorg]

Nah.. just gives you a headache.

 

[joeyl]

maybe as a top..

 

[radii]

I have an option to buy this Alder blank for a body;
It is 2 1/4" thick and I think it's a beautiful piece of wood.
Would you consider using this one even though the grains don't go straight?

I understand that you like the piece and it could make for an interesting top, but I think that some pieces that are being offered these day for a considerable amount of money, are pushing the boundaries of what is "tasty" and what is nothing more then a big, fat defect.
Tops these days, seem to be a whole lot wilder then they used to be 10-15 years ago, and retailers try to sell anything, no matter what the defect, that could potentially appeal to somebody. Maybe it's just me ...

 

[shai-ga]

I guess you are probably right, but still have the feeling that if I do take this wood (which goes for $15) It will make a fine sounding bass.
I need to use only 3/4 of this board - without that big brown part.