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Thread: Walnut for a neck?

  1. #1
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    Default Walnut for a neck?

    I am starting a build for a pair of flat top octave mandolins and am wondering how stable walnut would be for a neck. The back an sides are going to be black walnut.
    Bob Schmidt

  2. #2
    harvester of clams Bill McCall's Avatar
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    Default Re: Walnut for a neck?

    Cut on the quarter it should be very stable, assuming its well dried.
    Not all the clams are at the beach

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  4. #3
    Jo Dusepo, luthier Dusepo's Avatar
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    Default Re: Walnut for a neck?

    I've used walnut for necks many times, works fine.
    I am a luthier specialising in historical and world stringed instruments. You can see more info at my website.

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  6. #4
    Teacher, repair person
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    Default Re: Walnut for a neck?

    Walnut was successfully used by several manufactures in the old days. Among others, Gibson used walnut necks on quite a few of their banjos from the late 1920's through the early 1940's; also on some modern era re-issues.

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  8. #5
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    Default Re: Walnut for a neck?

    Thanks for the replies. That is one less thing to worry about. I did not realize it had such a long history.
    Bob Schmidt

  9. #6
    Registered User Charles E.'s Avatar
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    Default Re: Walnut for a neck?

    Walnut was used historically and is a nice tone wood with good woodworking properties. I don't know why it is not more widely used.
    Please share photos of the build process or at least the completed build.
    Charley

    A bunch of stuff with four strings

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  11. #7

    Default Re: Walnut for a neck?

    i had a beautiful van eps tenor banjo with a beautiful neck with carved heal.

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  13. #8
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    Default Re: Walnut for a neck?

    Charley,
    Will do. It is my first attempt at a flat top octave so I am sure there will be many questions.
    Bob Schmidt

  14. #9
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    Default Re: Walnut for a neck?

    Walnut has open pores that you probably want to fill to create a smooth neck.

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  16. #10
    Registered User meow-n-dolin's Avatar
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    Default Re: Walnut for a neck?

    I had a banjo built of walnut many years ago. Not a problem. I also built a 5-string electric mandolin with a walnut neck, and have built a few custom rifle stocks in my time. Good piece of walnut is very stable and quite strong. It also takes finishes quite well. On my electric mando, I used a sanded-in tung-oil finish. Gorgeous.

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