Replies

1. 
   NormInFujino | Nov 11, 2003 02:59pm | #1

   <aimless guess mode ON>

   I suppose it depends on the sound you want. Spruce is used as the soundboard in a number of other other instruments, so assuming the maple is harder grained, it would would probably produce a bit harsher, more metalic sound.

   <aimless guess mode OFF>

   ". . .and only the stump or fishy part of him remained."

   Green Gables: A Contemplative Companion to Fujino Township

2. 
   OneofmanyBobs | Nov 11, 2003 03:00pm | #2

   Wouldn't recommend it.  Too heavy and not structurally the best owing to the curl.  People do use some fairly odd stuff, but I would go with mahogany, spruce or cedar.  Soundboard wood needs to be light and stiff.  Only 1/4 inch thick or less for mahogany, a bit thicker for spruce or cedar.  Note that you want spanish cedar, not the aromatic kind.  Music makers kits sells an all-spruce plywood which is light, strong and saves the effort of jointing several pieces.  Spruce might have a slight edge as far as sound quality, but it dents very easily.  They also have reasonable plans, strings and other parts.

3. 
   jonsherryl | Nov 11, 2003 04:43pm | #3

   Pat, I make fretted dulcimers, as opposed to the hammered kind...but I don't use maple anywhere in the construction and certainly wouldn't consider it for a soundboard. It's heavier than necessary and I suspect it would have a dampening effect. It's used in making the bodies of fiddles and sometimes guitars...it shapes well and its special figures are very attractive...but sound-wise, I think cherry would be a better choice. It's about 20% less dense than hard maple and it's a slightly more brittle wood.

   The woods I use most for soundboards are spruce, yellow-cedar ( AKA; Alaska-cedar), western redcedar...and among the hardwoods, my favorite is sassafras. I'll use other woods for appearance sake, if I want the instrument to have a single species look...but the above woods seem to provide a little better functional (tonal) properties. You constantly face the "look good or sound good" choice in instrument making.     

1. 
   patternmaker | Nov 11, 2003 09:49pm | #4

   Thanks to everyone who responded so promptly to my request. I probably will use edge grain mahogany for the sound board. I have constructed the stiffening parts from hard maple,since it was the wood of choice from several sources on the web.

   My friend plays the instrument,and his priority is the clarity of sound.Since I no longer hear too well,mine may be in the appearence of the instrument Again,thank you all for the replies.

   Work safely ¬¬¬¬¬¬¬PAT¬¬¬¬¬¬¬

1. 
   CharlieD | Nov 13, 2003 02:32am | #5

   Pat, in case you haven't, check out the musical instrument maker's Forum, http://www.MIMF.com. Great site for instrument builders. You can post a question there, just like here, and just liekhere, you'll get clear if entertainingly diverse opinions.

   CharlieI tell you, we are here to fart around, and don't let anybody tell you different. --K Vonnegut