butternut

[shanejw]

Anyone ever hear of using Butternut for a body?  I'm bidding on one on ebay.  The description says that its like Walnut only lighter.  Was just going to check with you guys.

 

[SlingBass]

Flavor of the week  :laughing7:

 

[-CB-]

Good Lord, there's a joke there, but I'm not gonna be the one to make the butternut soufle.

 

[Super Turbo Deluxe Custom]

The butternut has been squashed.

 

[Alfang]

I got yer butternut hangin

 

[Wana_make_a_guitar]

I sure do like pumpkins.

 

[Kublai]

Nice body, butternut!

 

[shanejw]

Its butternut, not nut in her butt!

 

[MUYFUE]

BAZINGA!

 

[jimh]

Butternut?

I think you can get a cream for that! If symptoms persist for more than 7 days, see a doctor.

 

[Wyliee]

Anyone ever hear of using Butternut for a body?  I'm bidding on one on ebay.  The description says that its like Walnut only lighter.  Was just going to check with you guys.

OK, so someone has to play the straight guy here.....

Yes, it can be used and I know a few builders that have used it.  I would have put it more in the korina/mahogany family.

 

[Keyser Soze]

Butternut is a variety of walnut (juglans) that used to be quite common in the central highlands of the eastern US.  It has been significantly reduced by a fungus (butternut canker) that is also spreading up to the northeast.  People are working on developing a resistant strain suitable for re-introduction but nothing large scale has been started.

 

[jackthehack]

It's "white walnut"; check this link with the groovy "Worm Grade" full of Toneworm holes; imagine how great that would sound!

http://www.vermontwildwoods.com/grades.html

 

[SkuttleFunk]

while some people like to refer to it as white Walnut, it definitely carves and finishes like a completely different wood species.

Walnut is crisp and holds an edge well. it machines well, sands well, and takes an oil finish well. it has great figuring ... and it can be heavy

Butternut is significantly softer, and doesn't hold a sharp edge very well. it hand carves wonderfully, and is popular amongst woodcarvers for this reason. it doesn't machine or sand so well, as it likes to leave fiberous edges where you transition across the grain or have a sharp edge. a freshly sharpened card scraper will definitely be of use for all of the fine detailing prior to finishing. IME Butternut is also an oil finish sponge - I'd suggest a spray sealer and final finish. it has a non-interesting grain - but it can be quite light weight


I've used Butternut for a couple bodies, and have always enjoyed it's carving/cutting properties. I no longer offer it as a body wood option simply because Alder is so much better in every way. Locally, Alder is also cheaper than Butternut

all the best,

R

 

[clearerphish]

looks like it would make a terrible guitar