Butternut lumber

[Ken McKay]

It is a bit low density is my first impression. Compared to your cherry it is the other end of the spectrum. Density is around 24 lbs/ft cu. Cherry is 45-55.
Measure its density or Specific gravity compared to water. I will tell you how later if you don't know.

[Arnold Schnitzer]

Butternut is a nice tonewood, IMO. I saw a nice bass by Ed Maday with butternut back and ribs. I believe it behaves similar to a real poplar (not tulipwood). I have a stash of it myself, though I doubt I'll ever get to it.

[Craig Regan]

The density of Butternut is around .38. About the same as Basswood, Western Red Cedar, and Willow. I got the idea, after seeing a Shen "willow cello" that was super light, and had a smooth tone.

One advantage of Butternut; It carves very easily!

[Ken McKay]

Craig, Butternut can be very beautiful wood, I have used it for some carving and furniture before. If you have some that measures 38 lb /cu ft then it should be pretty close to willow which is obviously a good tonewood.

Did you measure the density of your wood at 38? Can you show a photo of it just for yucks?

[Craig Regan]

Originally Posted by Ken McKay

Did you measure the density of your wood at 38? Can you show a photo of it just for yucks?

Oops, I did not measure it myself! I just googled "Butternut wood density" and got 17,600 results, in .44 seconds. Here is one:

http://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/wo...sity-d_40.html

It would be interesting to do the calculations myself, how is it done?

Pics coming.

[Craig Regan]

Originally Posted by Ken McKay

Can you show a photo of it just for yucks?

Here is a photo of the Butternut wood. This piece would be for the ribs (4/4 stock).

I wet the board with water, so the grain and color, would be more evident.

[Craig Regan]

I have two choices for the back. The piece below is 15" wide, and 1 5/8", or 40mm thick (rough cut). It would make a nice two piece back, but the swell might be shallow.

[Craig Regan]

The other is 2" thick, but only 12" wide. This would require some "wings" glued on the bottom bouts to make the full width. This board seams to be a little lighter, or less dense, than than the 15".

Its all beautiful lumber that was earmarked for a furniture project, but now I am thinking a bass might be more a more exciting project.

I am going to see how it bends before I make anymore decisions.

[Arnold Schnitzer]

Originally Posted by Craig Regan

I have two choices for the back. The piece below is 15" wide, and 1 5/8", or 40mm thick (rough cut). It would make a nice two piece back, but the swell might be shallow.

I vote for this one. I have made several nice round-backs using 6/4 stock (1.5").