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What's this wood?
http://mowrystrings.luthiersforum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=10101&t=15563
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Author:  Dave Higham [ Sun Jan 27, 2008 10:48 am ]
Post subject:  What's this wood?

I know this is always a difficult question but, even so... I can find this in French DIY stores in various sections and 6'6" lengths. Perfectly clean, no knots, usually (but not always) quite straight.

The dictionary gives 'Sapin' = Fir tree or 'deal'. In French a Christmas Tree is also a 'sapin'.
'Abies pectinata' I haven't been able to find.
Would it have any use in lutherie? Linings, braces, etc?

Author:  Dean [ Sun Jan 27, 2008 11:46 am ]
Post subject:  Re: What's this wood?

Silver fir (Bot.), a coniferous tree (Abies pectinata)
found in mountainous districts in the middle and south of
Europe, where it often grows to the height of 100 or 150
feet. It yields Burgundy pitch and Strasburg turpentine.

I wouldn't think it would be of much use as it is quite soft and it's strength to weight ratio is far surpassed by other easily obtained woods, ie., spruce.

Author:  Dave Higham [ Sun Jan 27, 2008 11:59 am ]
Post subject:  Re: What's this wood?

Thanks Dean. I had my doubts. The trouble is, spruce is much less easily obtainable over here.

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