Official Luthiers Forum!

Hi,
Just wondering whether English Elm, White Cypress or Yellow Cedar is suitable for instruments?

I have the opportunity to get hold of large pieces.

Any assistance would be appreciated

Alan

My personal thought is that all timbers an make a great instrument. That said the density and stiffness mostly determine where in the instrument they can be used.

I'm not familiar with the specific species you mention but I would grab it. But I am a timber hoarder...

Sure it is. Grab it.

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Another day, another dollar.

Cypress and Cedar are top of the line top woods.

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Michael F Smith
Goat Rock Ukulele
http://goatrockukulele.com

Hi Alan,

I've often thought of using English elm as a back and side wood and would have thought it could make an excellent guitar or uke.

Elm has been traditionally used for centuries here in the UK for chair seats as it is very split resistant. Given the chance with the right piece of wood, I'd certainly be making an elm guitar.

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http://www.bobmatthewsguitars.co.uk

I/ve used elm for uke necks and Y. cedar for a vy nice sounding tenor uke with sycamore back and sides as pictured here on the left with the offline photo. If filled and laquered the elm makes for a vy slim . fast and effective neck for uke players