Thread: Poplar for instrument building?

Originally Posted by Deep Creek

Is very strong and light.

Mathew is the bass guru so he will know better than I will. PM him. Strong and light is a gteat place to start. Does it have a boing when you check the tap tone?

I have a Warwick 5 string electric bass with a birdseye poplar cap on it, Every characteristic of the guitar reeks quality. Possibly useless information, just thought I would drop it in!

Ox

Originally Posted by Sebastiaan56

Mathew is the bass guru so he will know better than I will. PM him. Strong and light is a gteat place to start. Does it have a boing when you check the tap tone?

Thanks for that. It seems to have a good boink, maybe not as bright as spuce but still there. Am new to the forum so still finding my way. Does Matthew the bass guru have a user name I can search for to PM him?

search the archives for his posts on acoustic basses, I'll search tomorrow,

That'd be great as I couldn't find him. Sorry not to get back sooner but have been gigging full on this last week.

Originally Posted by Deep Creek

I have some seasoned large tree poplar wood 600 diameter plus. Is very strong and light. Have steamed and bent sides for a double bass, works great. Wondering what it would be like for the sound board? Does anyone know anything about using this wood??

You'll find it as backs for violas and cellos, and used for corner blocks (violins included) as well.

cheers,
B-D.

Hi Mick, spotted the poplar thread and was going to email it to you, then spotted the Deep Creek then the Markwell. Sounding fairly good so far. How was the Great Northern?

Hi Mark

Had a good gig at the great northern, Been flat out since, Friday night Mayfield, Saturday & Sunday Maitland Aroma Festival which was a great gig, sold lots of cds. Got onto some more poplar logs 600mm at the top 2.8 long, hope to get them next week. See ya Mick

Originally Posted by Blue-deviled

You'll find it as backs for violas and cellos, and used for corner blocks (violins included) as well.

cheers,
B-D.

Thanks for the info B.D. am making a semi acoustic upright for my wife as the double bass is so difficult to transport. Acoustic sound would be nice but will be using pick up. The whole project is a experiment, made my own plans. Have bent poplar for sides and think I'll use it for back, Already made neck from blackwood.and soundboard will hoop pine.

Is that the tall Lombardy poplar? Poplar is great for bass sides and backs but I haven't heard of it being used for a soundboard except as part of a laminate lay-up between something like maple veneer.

i made my first DB neck/scroll from blackwood. What a chore that was!

Got any more of that poplar? I'd be interested.

cheers

Matthew ... yeah that one

Not sure if it's tall Lombardy poplar - It was very tall - the biggest poplar trees i'd ever seen. I have just cut up two logs approx 1.5 cubic metres 25, 50 & 75mm slabs. Also have a friend has some 3 years seasoned from same place.(maybe would sell some, would have to ask) am using this on back & sides of the semi acoustic double bass I'm making. Making this with no plans but seems to be going ok so far - am nearly ready to glue on sound board (hoop pine) .

Ernie Ball used to make Stingrays from Ash and Poplar..
As I understand it, they now make their bodies only from Ash, as the other wood wasnt that Poplar . . . . bad joke, but true