Official Luthiers Forum!

What does Martin mean by "Select Hardwood" neck material? Why don't they just say what it is or what it might be...?

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Steve Sollod (pronounced sorta like "Solid")
www.swiftcreekguitars.com

I think it's genuine immitation mahogany.

Actually, I read that Martin uses the term "select hardwood" to allow them to use whatever woods they have available to them interchangably.

I know 'select hardwood' meant sapele a couple of years ago, but like PoppaWoodie said, it leaves them the option of using whatever they deem suitable.

Bri

It might mean the flavour (wood of the month) best deal they could get from their suppliers. Or it could be some poor schmuck who looks like popeye sorting through tons of wood looking for the right neck wood.

What would they likely use... sepele, honduran mohagany, spanish cedar?

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Steve Sollod (pronounced sorta like "Solid")
www.swiftcreekguitars.com

The use what is most available and legal. If the supply is there it may be Honduran , African , Spanish cedar , Maple on a fe select models. When you need wood to service 300 Guitars a day , 1500 a week and they can't keep up , they use what they get.
Remember that Spanish cedar was used before Mahogany. In the 1900's when that supply dried up they went to Honduran Mahogany.

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John Hall
blues creek guitars
Authorized CF Martin Repair
Co President of ASIA
You Don't know what you don't know until you know it

I've got to say, I really like Spanish cedar. Even if you mess it up, it smells great. What would a cigar box be without this select hardwood?