Poplar Vs. Alder...

[Strat Avenger]

Is poplar generally heavier than alder?

 

[Rick]

https://www.wood-database.com/poplar/
https://www.wood-database.com/red-alder/

1lb diff on cubic ft.  negligible.

lived in a place with lots of poplars.  they get big.  we called it tulip.

 

[rgand]

I just finished making a body out of alder. I have poplar for the next one. The alder is firm and cuts cleanly with the router. The poplar seems softer and doesn't cut as nicely, requiring more sanding to get a smooth surface. The weights are about the same. Alder is by far the nicest wood I've worked with so far (I've also done swamp ash, mahogany and now poplar).

 

[AirCap]

But neither has desirable grain or color.

 

[Rick]

The good thing about poplar, is that it's cheap, local (here in the East), plentiful, workable, accepts a finish well if it's sanded right, and while plain, under a solid or opaque finish can look good.  It's nice to make a body out of the kind of wood that grows in your back yard.

As for Alder, a lot of the same can be said ... I've seen some nice pieces with interesting beauty marks, that look great under an opaque or translucent finish.

Sure, neither are figured Korina, or flame maple, but with a little imagination they can look real nice.

 

[rgand]

Poplar, like alder, is hit or miss on grain and more often miss but there are nice pieces. This is the poplar I have. It will get a transparent color.

 

[bagman67]

You have an eye for timber, Robert.

 

[Rick]

Indeed, that's a beautiful piece.

 

[rgand]

Thanks guys.