Not many chambered alder bodies in showcase, reason?

[endrju.m]

I'm still planning my build or two.. or three.. gosh, I've haven't built any and yet I became an addict  :icon_biggrin:

I've just found out that there are not many chambered alder bodies in showcase. I'm curious, are they so hot and become sold quickly? Or is there any reason for not chambering alder?

 

[thearmofbarlow]

I'm still planning my build or two.. or three.. gosh, I've haven't built any and yet I became an addict  :icon_biggrin:

I've just found out that there are not many chambered alder bodies in showcase. I'm curious, are they a so hot and become sold quickly? Or is there any reason for not chambering alder?

My guess would be it's a rarely requested option for alder, given that it's not exactly the heaviest wood in existence.

 

[Cagey]

Right. It's generally pretty light to begin with, and all chambering really does is drop weight. If the body doesn't need to lose weight, there's little sense in paying for it.

 

[croquet hoop]

Well, there are also plenty of light (under 4 lbs) solid swamp ash bodies in the showcase — more than alder bodies actually. I had the same impression as the OP — why so much choice for swamp ash compared to alder?

 

[thearmofbarlow]

Well, there are also plenty of light (under 4 lbs) solid swamp ash bodies in the showcase — more than alder bodies actually. I had the same impression as the OP — why so much choice for swamp ash compared to alder?

Again, guessing, that for whatever reason it's a more popular request with swamp ash.

 

[Cagey]

Well, there are also plenty of light (under 4 lbs) solid swamp ash bodies in the showcase — more than alder bodies actually. I had the same impression as the OP — why so much choice for swamp ash compared to alder?

Swamp ash is highly variable in weight. Two identical guitar body-sized pieces can vary as much as 2 pounds or more. So, some pieces you wanna hollow out, others you don't. The lightest parts of an Ash tree grown in a swamp are at the very base, within 6-8 feet. Past that, it gets pretty heavy. As you might imagine, very light Swamp Ash is getting tough to find, so they charge a premium for it. Or, you can also pay a premium to get it hollowed out. Or, live with the weight. Whatever's best for you.

 

[croquet hoop]

So, some pieces you wanna hollow out, others you don't.

I was aware of the variability, but missed the practical conclusion. Thanks for pointing that out

 

[benactonbond]

I suppose they're not very popular

 

[MikeW]

I suppose they're not very Poplar... (sorry, had to be said.)
:icon_biggrin: