Looking for black walnut back and sides for F5 build

Hi gang!

Long time lurker, first time poster....yada yada yada.

So, after building a few guitar kits, and 2 non-kit guitars, I'm about to try my hand at an F5.

I think I'll be using western red cedar for the top, and I'd like to use black walnut for the back and sides, but for the life of me, I cannot seem to find good black walnut stock.

Anyone able to point me in the direction of someone that sells BW that's somewhat close to the necessary size (i.e not a lot of milling required...limited large scale tool availability).

Thanks in advance for any tips!

Check with Bill Bussman aka Old Wave mandolins !

Where do you live?? Several sources near me in southern Michigan.

I have some you can have if you cover shipping, however only book-matched wedges and a neck blank with no curl. Nothing exciting, but with "some" character. The tree was already cut up so I couldnt get the long F5 rib. Side wood stock should be easy to find at any hardwood store. PM if you need to. Here's half of a book-matched back set...everything I have looks like this. Attachment 163481

These guys have nice stuff.
Bill

If you search for Claro walnut that may help. There are a number of places here on the West coast that specialize in it.

Try these guys, I'm doing a guitar build and just ordered a set of BW last week.

http://www.lmii.com/products/mostly-...s/walnut-black

Anywhere near Pennsylvania?
Attachment 163595

How would black walnut affect the tonal quality of a mandolin?

My mandolin is walnut and redwood.

Love it!

f-d

Try a sawmill in Illinois near you. The only problem that I have had while looking for walnut is finding it quartersawn. Most sawmills will have some that is close enough to QS for a one piece back with plenty for ribs and neck block from the same board.

I have had real good success with bluegrass and old time fiddles with black walnut back, sides and neck. The players love them and so do iI.Have not tried it witha mando yet, but it is on the schedule. Tone depends on the builder, but my opinion is that it tends to have a little more volume and less muted tone than maple . Try it, you will like it.

If you are in Illinois, go to Pekin Hardwood Lumber in the town by that name. Pick out a plank cut from the center and have them resaw it to your needs. Illinois river valley black walnut is world renowned.