Custom Chambered Pupleheart/Figured Maple Build

[dmraco]

I picked up some cool wood, Ambrosia Maple.  I am thinking of making a cool laminate style body, with multiple layers.  I need a core wood.  This wood will obviously be visible from the sides.  I am looking for something dark.  Finish will either be an oil finish or satin poly.  I am not filling the grain.  I am hoping for a warmer wood to balance the maple a bit.  Here is maple.  This will be my 3rd "scratch" build and I am really looking forward to it.

 

[AirCap]

Go classic - mahogany.

 

[Cagey]

Yeah, Mahogany or maybe Walnut. Something dark.

I wouldn't worry about "warming it up" at all. First off, the body only has a small effect anyway. But, even if it were as influential as some believe, laminating layers is going to deaden it up considerably.

 

[dmraco]

Both Walnut and Mahogany are on the top of my list.  I am planning a trip to wood craft this week.  They have a huge abundance of wood.  This body will likely be 4 layers thick.  Light-Dark-Light-Dark.  I plan on doing forearm and tummy cuts to show the grain and contrast. 

I too do believe woods impact is minimal.  It does effect but not near as much as some believe.

 

[Cagey]

Y'know, since you're laminating, you could easily make the thing somewhat hollow, which would mitigate some of the weight of a filler wood like Walnut. Also, it would be easy to add one more layer to balance it so it's light/dark/light/dark/light. You could end up with something like this...

...but with that nice Maple you've got on the front/back.

 

[rgand]

Y'know, since you're laminating, you could easily make the thing somewhat hollow, which would mitigate some of the weight of a filler wood like Walnut. Also, it would be easy to add one more layer to balance it so it's light/dark/light/dark/light. You could end up with something like this...

...but with that nice Maple you've got on the front/back.

This is really beautiful. I like it much better than top/bottom binding.

 

[dmraco]

I am strongly considering F holes.

 

[Cagey]

This is really beautiful. I like it much better than top/bottom binding.

Yes, it's very attractive. Warmoth makes some like that every once in a great while, only I think theirs was slightly fancier. Anyway, it's a Rosewood w/ Maple highlights, similar to one that was made for George Harrison about 100 years ago. If I ever get into a place where I can get a proper woodshop set up again, that's real high on the list for bodies I'm going to make.

 

[rgand]

This is really beautiful. I like it much better than top/bottom binding.

Yes, it's very attractive. Warmoth makes some like that every once in a great while, only I think theirs was slightly fancier. Anyway, it's a Rosewood w/ Maple highlights, similar to one that was made for George Harrison about 100 years ago. If I ever get into a place where I can get a proper woodshop set up again, that's real high on the list for bodies I'm going to make.

That and something like one of the Longboard Strats.

 

[DangerousR6]

I am strongly considering F holes.

I love this SG....

 

[BigSteve22]

Warmoth makes some like that every once in a great while, only I think theirs was slightly fancier...

Beautiful and REAL expensive! Last one I saw was $995. I'm sure it was worth every penny, but then I couldn't afford the divorce that would follow!  :icon_jokercolor:

 

[dmraco]

the SG is the effect I want, just with less pieces and colors!!!

 

[DangerousR6]

the SG is the effect I want, just with less pieces and colors!!!

Always reminds me of laminated gun stocks.... :icon_thumright:

 

[DangerousR6]

Yeah, Mahogany or maybe Walnut. Something dark.

I wouldn't worry about "warming it up" at all. First off, the body only has a small effect anyway. But, even if it were as influential as some believe, laminating layers is going to deaden it up considerably.

I'd say some walnut or wenge... :dontknow:

 

[Logrinn]

Looks like Warmoth has five Harrison Tele's in the showcase right now.

 

[Cagey]

Nice! They sure are pricey, though. Have to want one real bad.

 

[dmraco]

Well the winner is purple heart.  I got some pieces that were too good to pass up.  Considering a top like these.

The sides will be like this, sort of

 

[DangerousR6]

Nice, purpleheart makes a ZZ Top.... :toothy12:

 

[dmraco]

Pile of purple

 

[Cagey]

You sure that's enough for a guitar?