Thread: Sassafras for Soundboard?

The truth is that I havent heard of anyone else using sassy for a soundboard. That doesnt mean it wont work. The most important test is to hear the tap tone. To do this hold a board about 30% of the way from the top between two fingers and rap lightly with you knuckle on the lower half of the board. If you hear a boinnngggg you are in business, if you hear thunk then it will make a great back or sides set.

If it does go boinnngggg then the instrument you make will be unique as it wont sound like Spruce, WRC or any other soundboard material.

Let us know how you go, it would be stunning visually!

Sab, the board is about 30mm thick. I will try the tap test to see how it goes. Damien.

There are many factors involved in the sound of a acoustic instrument, the choice of wood is one. It is not a wood commonly used for tops but I have seen it used for back and sides. If you can't find someone with previous experience using it for a top then do as Nike would have you do and "Just do it" then post your results here and we may all benefit from it.

Jim

Life is good when you are amongst the wood

At 30mm you will probably get much sustain.4mm is the standard that soundboards timbers are sold at. At 4mm you want sustain, you may want to slice a piece off. Slice two and if it doesnt sound good you can use it for a bookmatched back