Re: Cottonwood
Of course I know Spruce is the expert here, and with all due respect to Stradivarius as well...I'm with Al on this one. Cottonwood is related to the Poplar and Aspen family. All of the species in that family, though technically hardwoods, are quite soft at a Janka hardness rating of around 300-400 pounds. That's softer than many softwoods. I just can't think of an application in mandolin making for a wood like that. If it's pretty and figured, dulcimer tops maybe. But not mandolins.
Don
2016 Weber Custom Bitterroot F
2011 Weber Bitterroot A
1974 Martin Style A
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