Tone Woods

[Mark Simcox]

I have just had my first bad experience of trying to obtain tonewood for a flat back mandolin. I went to the Craft Supplies wood shop in the Peak district. I was told in no uncertain terms that they supplied wood for guitars and violins and "it is company policy that we don't cut any of our wood". As it happens I don't remember asking anyone to do that all I wanted was a little advice on what I could get.
So I need your help to find a suitable supplier in the UK. I would prefer it if I could visit the supplier so anywhere within 1-2 hours of Birmingham would be great. Thanks in advance.

[Spruce]

What species are you looking for, Mark?

You are lucky to be living in a country with some of the finest sycamore (aka "European Maple") in the world...lovely stuff. #I just found a bunch of nice rippled sycamore last week in Yorkshire, but that's a bit beyond your driving limit...

A visit to David Dyke (http://www.luthierssupplies.co.uk/) would be a fun and productive day. #He carries woods, both imported and from the UK, and will allow you to go through the stacks. #They are very knowledgable and helpful...

Luck!

[Scotti Adams]

..hey Bruce..just wanted to say thanks again for the tone wood..it was a great piece...

[bobz]

Hello Mark,
I`m afraid there`s not much in the way of tonewood suppliers in the UK. I have dealt with Craft Supplies in the past and I was pleased with the materials they supply. Another company I have dealt with is Touchstone Tonewoods. I have built a jazz archtop using wood supplied from them and found it to be of good quality. The photo displays the materials obtained from them. I have`nt finished this instrument yet, it`s going to be finished the same time as I finish my two F5 mandolins. Here`s the address of Touchstone. They supply a catalogue which costs about £3 or £4.

Touchstone Tonewoods Ltd.
44 Albert Road North
Reigate
Surrey
RH2 9EZ
Tel 01737 221064

Here`s another address you can try for tone woods. Send a stamped addressed envelope for a catalogue.

K. Walton
136 Durham Road
Spennymoor
Co Durham
DL16 6SL