Official Luthiers Forum!

Hello everyone-
Im brand new to this forum, and to the world of making a guitar. A quick run down, Im a cabinet maker with 17 years of xp, (www.johnthomascabinetmaker.com ) and a guitarist of 24 years. Not really sure why I didnt put the two together a long time ago, but now Im here.
So, whats the best or most common wood used in the core of a solid body guitar? Ive been checking out Carl Thompson site and like the way he mixes it up with contrasting woods. All advice is welcome!

The best wood for your first is what ever you have available. Of course you probably have a lot to pick from considering your business. Seriously, rather than spend big bucks for the first one, use what's available and practice on that. Mahogany is used a lot. I used walnut as I had a bunch, and was given a nice piece of ash for another. Yes contrasting woods really can set off a guitar. Layering flame maple, purpleheart and ebony really looks cool. Check out Alembic and Ken Smith basses for more ideas.

Different woods will affect the tone. Heavy woods (mahogany, walnut) give it a darker tone, while lighter woods (Maple, ash, Alder) give it a lighter tone.

I would also focus on the neck construction as that will make or break any guitar. Neck thru (my fav), bolt on or set neck, or maybe something new?

Main thing is to have fun with it. It's your creation.

Jim Thanks for the advice. Ive a nice really clear plank of maple that may work out. Speaking of necks Ive had it in my mind to complete a through neck. Any tutorials on that topic that you might know of? Thanks

I've read so much on the net I don't know where to begin. You tube has a bunch. Project guitar is another. Very often I'll just put in something like bass neck construction in google and see what pops up. You can see what some of the major guitar and bass builders do in their shops as well. Reading these forums help too.

One trick I found is if you have flat sawn wood. Cut it to the thickness you want and turn it on it's side. Quartersawn! I like to laminate my necks with contrasting woods, maple and purpleheart is good. Gives it more strength. My bass I used walnut and Ipe. Didn't contrast very well, but that neck is tougher than nails.

When you cut the woods for a neck thru, plan on a few inches longer to spare. Glue it up and thickness sand it (or plane it). Get your body wings together. Now you can lay it out and see where all the parts will go, how the fretboard will hit the cutaway, where the bridge will go, and the headstock. I draw all over it before I cut anything else. Once your happy with it you can start cutting away, shaping and sanding till your heart's content.

Don't forget to have a little extra height to keep the fretboard higher than the body. I didn't do that on my bass. It worked, but I had to sink the bridge a little deeper into the body. Height is important too with the fingerboard, bridge and all.
Have fun!