Californian Redwood Dreadnought Guitar Top Book-matched Set Spalted
Unique, long-rotation plantation Redwood from the Otway Ranges in Victoria. The timber is processed to ensure the grain is as straight as possible to minimise long-grain runout and increase stability, strength and acoustic qualities.
These top sets have a bright tone similar to cedar, but brighter, and has very good sustain. Growth ring widths are a lot wider than old-growth Californian Redwood yet stiffness to densities are exceptional compared with all types of soundboard material.
Five samples were tested for velocity of sound with a Lucci meter. Densities were also calculated. Average densities were 340kg/m3 at 11%EMC. Average stiffness to density was 15.99 Gpa/kg/m3. These results were tested against samples of Otway Spruce Picea sitchensis (Average of 10 samples - 14.37 Gpa/kg/m3), Euro Spruce Picea aibes (1 sample 14.93 Gpa/kg/m3), Lutz Spruce Picea x lutzii (1 sample 14.85 Gpa/kg/m3), Engelmann Spruce Picea engelmannii (1 sample 14.77 Gpa/kg/m3), Torrified Northern Hemisphere Sitka (1 sample 14.45 Gpa/kg/m3), Adirondack Pruce Picea rubens (1 sample 14.40 Gpa/kg/m3), Northern Hemisphere Sitka Spruce (best of 2 samples 14.27 Gpa/kg/m3), Douglas Fir (Oregon) Pseudotsuga menziesii (best of 2 samples 14.46 Gpa/kg/m3) and Bunya Pine Araucaria bidwillii (1 sample 12.27 Gpa/kg/m3).
These results showed that the Otway-grown Californian Redwood has an exceptionally high stiffness to density and appears to have the most resonant timber properties for Australian-grown soundboard material. Many native Australian soundboard materials have higher densities which reduces their r-values. Keep in mind these results were tested on timber with a relatively high moisture content of 11%. It is expected that if testing was done at an emc of 8%, results would show lighter densities and greater velocity of sound readings. It is also expected that as the timber ages it will naturally "set" and further increase in stiffness.
Top Set
Minimum dimensions: 540mm x 220mm x 5.4mm (LxWxT) see outlines on photos for a guide
Finish: Thin-kerf Bandsaw
Density guide (Light, Medium, Dense): light
This timber has been air dried and seasoned for at least 4 years and has reached an EMC of approximately 8%. EMC on delivery may vary.
Blemishes/Defects: Sap may be avoided on some sets if they are wide enough. Sets may have unique spalting or freckles (epicormic bud spots). See photos for most accurate description. Shape in description is guaranteed.
Disclaimer: It is recommended that the luthier ensure that the timber has reached the appropriate EMC for their environment and application, and is stabilized to their working conditions before gluing. We give a 100% satisfaction guarantee on all products if it fails to meet the description.
If at all you have any questions or concerns please contact us.