I know we have touched on this briefly before, but I would like some suggestions on where people go to buy their wood when making an oud.
I am no woodworker, but my brother is an incredible one, so I figured I could pester him until he caves in and helps me build one.
I am sort of leaning toward a nice curly maple (I really love curly maple), and some darker, contrasting wood (cherry, perhaps). Any idea where I
could buy a couple of blocks of nice aged woods like these?Jason - 10-8-2005 at 06:57 AM
Where are you planning on using the curly maple? I wouldn't think a figured wood would be strong enough for the staves or top. It would look nice to
have a flamed maple neck though. If I'm wrong about the stability of figured woods on the bowl perhaps you could do curly maple/burl walnut?Jonathan - 10-8-2005 at 07:02 AM
I have seen curly maple used on the bowl on ouds in the past. Maybe I am using the wrong term. Maple that is striped. Nice bold stripes. Is that
called curly maple? Flame maple? I am not an expert, that is for sure.
I know that there may be stability/bending issues with figured wood, but I do like the look.Jason - 10-8-2005 at 09:51 AM
If it has stripes it is probably flame maple. You see flame maple on violins more than anything, nearly always the neck and more times than not the
back is made of flame maple. Curly maple is more "swirly" or softer looking similar to quilted maple, although I have seen curly maple that is very
striped looking.
I know if it is too highly figured it could be a bit harder to work with.
You're right. Flame maple. I think it is even called fiddle back maple. Gibson and some other companies also used it on some high-end electric
guitars.
I have seen some highly figured oud bowls (particularly on Kyvelos ouds) that have just been incredible to see.
Do you know of any other sources other than the one listed above? Also, is there a good source for some awesome quality spruce for the face? Old,
old, and really tight grain.Dr. Oud - 10-9-2005 at 07:34 AM
Quote:
Originally posted by Jonathan... Any idea where I could buy a couple of blocks of nice aged woods like these?
my favorite sources:
for exotic woods, with cutting service- Gilmer Wood Company
good tonewood at low prices with reliable service- LMI Tone wood
Curly and quilted maple, aged walnut, cutting service- Northwest TimberJonathan - 10-12-2005 at 10:46 AM
Thanks, Dr. Oud. I ended up using Gilmer--the selection is pretty amazing, and they were really helpful on the phone.
