Author Topic: Need help identifying wood (Read 102 times)

herbdavidguitarstudio · « **on:** June 06, 2008, 08:27:08 PM »

We got a 1989 Elan 5-string in our store the other day without any information, and can't identify the wood it's made from. I've looked at the wood samples on Alembic's site and on this forum and can't conclusively tell what it's made out of.

Anybody want to offer their opinion?

Images here:

http://www.herbdavidguitarstudio.com/catalog/images/product_images_large/alembic_elan-5string.jpg

http://www.herbdavidguitarstudio.com/catalog/images/product_images_large/alembic_elan-5string_a.jpg

http://www.herbdavidguitarstudio.com/catalog/images/product_images_large/alembic_elan-5string_b.jpg

http://www.herbdavidguitarstudio.com/catalog/images/product_images_large/alembic_elan-5string_c.jpg

http://www.herbdavidguitarstudio.com/catalog/images/product_images_large/alembic_elan-5string_d.jpg

http://www.herbdavidguitarstudio.com/catalog/images/product_images_large/alembic_elan-5string_e.jpg

http://www.herbdavidguitarstudio.com/catalog/images/product_images_large/alembic_elan-5string_f.jpg

keurosix · « **Reply #1 on:** June 06, 2008, 09:08:22 PM »

Wow, She's pretty. Top looks like Bocate, but could be any number of species. Try posting on Owning an Alembic - Serial number / History Requests.
Here is link to top page:

This is the difinitive way to find out.
Neck is Maple / Purple Heart and body should be Ash or Maple.
Kris

keurosix · « **Reply #2 on:** June 06, 2008, 09:10:38 PM »

Back of body really looks like Maple.
Kris

tbrannon · « **Reply #3 on:** June 06, 2008, 09:31:49 PM »

I agree with Kris on the maple body- neck is maple with purpleheart stringers.

That top wood is lovely- you could convince me that it was flame walnut, Bubinga, bocate or schedua.... I'll bet you'll hear from Mica or somebody else who will be able to ID it before too long though.

Either way, it is stunning!!

bassman10096 · « **Reply #4 on:** June 07, 2008, 05:32:58 AM »

The back is almost certainly maple. The top could be any of the several Toby mentioned. I'd vote for walnut - The regular size and coloration pattern of the long figures looks like bocate. But where the flames fold over around the waist in the second to last photo and the burls that appear on the right hand horn (same photo) just scream walnut to me. I love walnut when it gets that red/deep amber color. Of course, with my luck, it's a schedua bass (LOL). It's very nice looking, though.

bassman10096 · « **Reply #5 on:** June 07, 2008, 05:49:40 AM »

Duplicate removed

(Message edited by bassman10096 on June 07, 2008)

3rd_ray · « **Reply #6 on:** June 07, 2008, 05:55:56 AM »

My guess is walnut on top, maple on back, and maple/purpleheart on the neck.