Black Walnut Tonewoods

**JEStanek** · Sep-21-2017, 7:07am

The custom Labraid I had used a walnut back. It had a wonderful, warm voice.

Jamie

**Pablo Bosticio** · Sep-21-2017, 10:59pm

Very interesting grain Jim! Outstanding!

**hank** · Oct-09-2017, 6:18pm

Jim your F4 is about as good as it gets. Chris did an amazing job with that one. How does it’s voice compare with F2/F4. How wide is the nut? Did you pick out the wood and bindings?

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**Timbofood** · Oct-10-2017, 11:37am

Well, Orville himself used walnut on at least three instruments I have had in my own hands so, there is precedent. As well as the the examples put forth here. Give it a shot!

**Bill McCall** · Oct-10-2017, 12:28pm

Originally Posted by whistler

Not sure about that - maybe in its acoustic properties, having similar density and hardness. But visually, walnut (any species of Juglans) can be a much more interesting wood, in my opinion. Besides, anything that doesn't involve cutting down rainforests has to be a good thing.

While I was speaking tonally describing the lack of sonic difference between the two species, I don't think anyone could tell the difference in tone between a walnut bodied and mahogany bodied instrument. Obviously the figure in walnut is quite different to mahogany, and also quite different between species of walnut, but plainer woods can often be easily confused with added coloring, as a lot of 'walnut furniture' is actually mahogany with an appropriate stain.

Both are great for building and I wouldn't hesitate to use either.

**Magnus Geijer** · Oct-10-2017, 10:39pm

Different application here, but the center block, rims and center of the neck are all black walnut in this thing. It sounds so close to what I was going for it almost makes me feel competent.

Thanks,

Magnus

**Inklings** · Oct-13-2017, 11:01am

Magnus, what's the pickup in that? What I think I'm hearing is a really well matched set of electronics and woods. Thanks for posting this! Great playing, as well, btw. Very thoughtful touch on the instrument.

**Magnus Geijer** · Oct-16-2017, 9:07pm

You're very kind. The pickups are actually a pair of cheapo mini humbuckers from eBay. I bought them with the intent to upgrade when I had the kinks worked out, but they turned out sounding just like I wanted them to, so now I can't really see a need for that upgrade.

Thanks,

Magnus