Musings on Purple Heart

[Hagwood]

I’ve been contemplating changing out the neck on Purple Haze for my new Trademark PAF Gunslinger headstock and Supernova inlays, and thought that Purple Heart would look really cool on it. So as I always do when thinking of a new wood, I went to Rockler today and picked up a Purple Heart board to experiment on.

I prefer raw wood necks, so wanted to see how the feel was after burnishing with no finish. I used Assilex and Buflex up to 3000 grit, and I gotta say I’m super impressed. Silky smooth and a very nice sheen that you would swear had a finish on it. I’m going to do a resaw on it since it’s 3/4” thick and have more to experiment on.

Thought I would share in case anyone was considering Purple Heart and on the fence. I’m definitely doing it, it is incredible.

As is from Rockler:


After burnishing to 3000:

 

[Hodgo]

Beautiful chunk of lumber. I always wanted a purpleheart fretboard on a cream or vintage white color guitar, I think it would pair beautifully and showcase the wood.

 

[Hagwood]

Beautiful chunk of lumber. I always wanted a purpleheart fretboard on a cream or vintage white color guitar, I think it would pair beautifully and showcase the wood.

That would be cool. I was originally thinking only the fretboard, but after seeing how nice it burnishes I’m leaning toward shaft as well. With black pearloid supernova inlays I think it would look killer on Purple Haze.