Thread: Huon

Paua shell
tumblr_lz2ufcNMt81qlsrn9o1_500.jpg

Thanks, I thought it was Kiwi abalone but have never heard it called "blue pearl".

Jim

Originally Posted by DarwinStrings

Thanks, I thought it was Kiwi abalone but have never heard it called "blue pearl".

Jim

Is it not frustrating when a thread changes direction like this one has. I thought it was about the attributes of Huon pine. Sheesh!!!

Originally Posted by WRB

To quote Leo Kottke (he was talking about his singing) a guitar built from Huon would sound like duck farts on a muggy day.

Ahem, it was a goose fart (far more malevolent).

Originally Posted by WRB

The Mahogany came from the same tree that produced this. R. Taylor has some sets left but, Martin only bought the cheaper stuff.
Attachment 261837

Staggering!

Baz, no slur on your violins intended
Both myself and the OP were talking guitar soundboards which are a totally different situation to violins in size, arched construction versus thin flat plate, tailpiece versus pinned bridge, bowed versus plucked etc

Originally Posted by Baz1000

Is it not frustrating when a thread changes direction like this one has. I thought it was about the attributes of Huon pine. Sheesh!!!

Nope Baz, a meandering conversation never frustrates me. You are driving this truck too so just grab the wheel and steer where you want.

Jim

Hi John, One of the large guitar companys from the U.S.A. that vistited me just before Christmas got from me samples of Huon pine - King billy - plus celery top to test as soundboards and the King billy showed lots of oil on the surface and the head luthier said to me this will not be a problem as we will put it it in the oven and bake it, . Cheers Bob.

Originally Posted by Malibu;1 631794

Now, that's got my interest tweaked... - Cooks the tops0

In what way?... Bakes them in an oven?

For your information Jim, no one is driving this truck.P.S. my truck is bigger than your truck.

Originally Posted by DarwinStrings

Nope Baz, a meandering conversation never frustrates me. You are driving this truck too so just grab the wheel and steer where you want.

Jim

Bob
Do you have Density and youngs modulus test results for your Huon and Celery soundboards

Old and tight grained who cares I don't just chose soundboards to look at

I guess if I practise enough one of these days I might be good enought to use Huon once I know what I am doing

Why not just stick to the facts about Huon? For and against. Surely people can share an opinion/ experience without being attacked. (cross post, should have quoted Bob )

Mmm same old BS all over again. First CT now Huon. I don't hear anyone saying that Blackwood or Koa does not work as a guitar soundboard! Anyway, at Port Fairy FF this year I played a Huon topped steel string (SS) guitar that sounded rather nice. Different, but nice enough to make me make a note to get around to try the Huon I have in a SS. I would not use it in a classical guitar, but the proof was plain to see and hear. It works in SS guitars, end of argument please.

Define “works”
Everything from radiata to rosewood has been used for soundboards and produced an acceptable sound.

Most Luthiers are trying to produce an outstanding instrument and as well as construction detail materials selection is a factor.
I test the material I use for stiffness and density and use the results to determine if I use that piece and what thickness I use

For me, the higher density and lower stiffness of Huon compared to Spruce are a deal killer.

Sure I could build with it and make adjustments but it would not be optimum.

Huon has a special place in the hearts of Australian woodworkers, but that does not make it a premium guitar soundboard IMHO.

Well my comments have been deleted and tells me that I will be banned for 10 days as I am having a go at another forum, I don't think that i am, all i am doing is making a point, if i am banned this will be like being at School again as a wee laddie if you don't eat your dinner you can't have any pudding but sorry but you are not allowed to put your point across.
Excuse me i will crawl into the corner and cry . Cheers Bob

Originally Posted by jeffhigh

Define “works”
Everything from radiata to rosewood has been used for soundboards and produced an acceptable sound.

Most Luthiers are trying to produce an outstanding instrument and as well as construction detail materials selection is a factor.
I test the material I use for stiffness and density and use the results to determine if I use that piece and what thickness I use

For me, the higher density and lower stiffness of Huon compared to Spruce are a deal killer.

Sure I could build with it and make adjustments but it would not be optimum.

Huon has a special place in the hearts of Australian woodworkers, but that does not make it a premium guitar soundboard IMHO.