Quality of Tops that are not fully quarter sawn?

[Kevin Sjostrand]

Hey all,
I am wondering if the quality of a top, in this case specifically redwood, is going to be okay if it is not fully quartersawn? How much difference is there going to be in stability, etc. in a top that is about 83% of quarter sawn?
Thanks for your experience and expertise!!

Kevin

[enalnitram]

Hey all,
I am wondering if the quality of a top, in this case specifically redwood, is going to be okay if it is not fully quartersawn? How much difference is there going to be in stability, etc. in a top that is about 83% of quarter sawn?
Thanks for your experience and expertise!!

Kevin

Do you own this top? How does it feel? I own a sitka top that is off-quarter, and it's flimsy. I won't use it. If it were off quarter and it were stiff, I'd consider it. Sometimes stuff like this should be assessed on a case by case basis. This is one of those times. If you have any doubts about it, though, I'd pass. The price of a top is nothing compared to the time you will invest in building, or, ahem, rebuilding, a guitar.

[Kevin Sjostrand]

Hey Martin,
I don't own it yet. They look great, but I was not aware of the off quarter until I asked the guy. So I have asked him about stiffness.
I agree, I want good quality, probably more than good looks!
Thanks for your input

Kevin

[Kevin Sjostrand]

Soooooooooooo, is 83% quarter vs 90% quarter going to be not as strong? Once braced, wouldn't most of the strength then be in the bracing anyway?

[kencierp]

Not unusual to see Cedar and Redwood decking material being passed off as tonewood, moisture content about 14% ---$.02

[Darryl Young]

I thought Somogyi had said some flatsawn stock is as stiff as quartersawn??? I can't imagine rift sawn being as stiff as flatsawn or quartersawn.

Since you don't yet own the top, I think I would avoid buying/using one that much off-quarter......but that's just me. Is this your first time to use redwood? If so, you may want to stick with something you know works. As mentioned, the further off quarter, the more you get tangential expansion instead of radial expansion.

[tippie53]

I agree 100% with runningdog . One thing for sure . just cause it is wide don't make it a top

[Kevin Sjostrand]

Ha ha, well I can agree with that John.
Okay, so I'm taking a little bit of a chance and purchased two of the redwood tops. They come from a reputable reseller (not on ebay) who disclosed the slightly off quarter cut, but says there is no runout and they are very stiff, with others using them with great success, so I'm hoping to have two very usable tops at a very good price. And they do look great. If they are not, then I'll sell them to Martin for a song. I will let you all know how they look...why I'll even post some pics when I get them.

Kevin

[tippie53]

I have used tops with a 45% off quarter and It worked. I would like to keep the grain as close to 90 if I can but if you need to try 45 degree may work

[Kevin Sjostrand]

These are suppose to be only 17% off quarter so I would think they will be fine. That is not much.

Kevin