The Spanish cypress traditionally used for flamenco guitars (cupressus macrocarpa) is unlikely to be the same wood as anything known as cypress in the US.
I made a flatback with it a few years ago (with a spruce soundboard). I'm not a player, but I think it sounded really nice. The notes seemed to come flying out of it almost before you'd played them. (If anyone wants to see some pics I can e-mail them to you.)
I should try it if you can get some for a sensible price. It doesn't have the visual appeal of curly maple but it's a joy to work with. The scent it gives off is just heavenly.
Mandolins: Bandolim by Antonio Pereira Cabral
German flatback mandola by unknown maker converted from a descant Waldzither
Bookmarks