Wood identity question

[CarlM]

Hendrik - that is great, clarifying info - thank you so much. So burl is a characteristic of wood, not an actual type of wood? Seems that the staining tradition has changed over the years - don't see that now a days. Thanks again.

A burl is a growth on a tree which is a response to injury or a fungus infection. They can be from a lot of different species but are more common in walnuts and redwoods. Maple can have burls as well. Birds eye is a similar pattern but is not a burl.


https://organicplantcarellc.com/what-is-a-burl/

[Tim Logan]

Carl - that clarifies things a lot (for me and I suspect Joe as well). Thank you!

[BradKlein]

My two main violins have back wood of quilted maple. (see attached) I posted it on another thread on the subject of these woods.

Who made your violins, Jim? I've neber seen a design quite like that 'pointless' pair. ;-)

edit: I see from your link: Brooklyn made. Looking forward to learning more. B.

[DougC]

There are some real wood experts here and I'm no expert. But I would not call this wood birds' eye. Interesting pattern however.

[Richard500]

[QUOTE=CarlM;1780828]A burl is a growth on a tree which is a response to injury or a fungus infection. They can be from a lot of different species but are more common in walnuts and redwoods. Maple can have burls as well. Birds eye is a similar pattern but is not a burl.
Yup, burls are more like scars and cancerous growths. Years ago, attending a lecture on the latter, i lessened my appreciation for these out-of-control growths. However, since there are no grain regularities in burls, they make good stable objects, like bowls, as well as visual interest.
I also would not immediately call the mandolin in question birdseye, but there is huge variety in these genetic sports. So as a generic, maybe, a catchall term.