Thread: Need some advice about ironbark

I have used Red Ironbark on the back of a flat top mandolin. It is heavy, so might not be suitable for a violin back where European Maple is the traditional wood, so Ironbark would be high risk. European Maple is a heck of a lot lighter than Red Ironbark. I was looking for a heavy back (dead back) so the density was what I was looking for. Red Ironbark is also very hard, so although your CNC might be able to rough carve the back, you will still need to do the final carvings by hand, and that is going to be tough going. My mandolin back was made in a drum sander, no hand work was involved. The sound was very clear, with mostly fundamental, very little overtones. Great for some one looking for great clarity of sound, and that is who bought it, but I was not particularly fond of the sound. Acceptable, but not really what I am after. With heavy woods I get better results from Red Gum and Ebony. In a violin there is so much work involved I would not be taking the risk.

About the only things on a violin I would even consider using Ironwood for are the bridge and the pegs, This is because ebony is sometimes used for these parts.

You will need something more resonant to use for the body, and even more responsive (spruce) for the top.

Thanks to all of you for those information.
I might have have a go with the handle; thanks again
V.