This wal-nut's question about walnut...

[the_mule]

Alembic has used walnut throughout its history, but I've noticed something. If you look at my EVH Signature (clickus linkus proximus) http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/9651.html?1099239308 the top looks like English walnut, it's very red in colour compared to the much darker walnut tops (claro, flame, superb) that are offered nowadays. I've searched around, but I haven't found any pictures of other instruments with such a reddish walnut top. Am I correct in assuming there is a difference? Would this top be classified as a 'superb' top nowadays? Has Alembic changed the species of walnut they use? Can anyone shed a light on this?  
 
Thanks,  
Wilfred
 
(Message edited by the_mule on November 12, 2004)

[palembic]

Hadie Wilfred!!!
Allemaal goei daarboven??
 
Maybe age?
That bass is '91.
Bonnie is Clarowood (a Californian member of the Dark Walnuts) but She seems to red-ing too by age!
It's like the maple on her that is yellowing??
(Yes I KNOW it si bad englosh but you surely get my drift)
 
Paul the bad one

[the_mule]

Hoi Paul, ja hoor, dankje!
Maybe it's just an age issue, but I'm not sure. It would be very cool to witness the ageing of the bass as years go by, but I have a feeling that this just isn't the same walnut species that Alembic uses nowadays. I'm really curious...
 
Wilfred

[poor_nigel]

Hey Wilfred.  My bass has a lot of red in it, and dark streaks, too (Check second picture down).  I even noted in the post.  I have little idea of exactly what kind of walnut was used to make this bass, but it has a red tone in places you seldom see.
 
http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/8234.html?1095641396
 
Maybe it is a function of age.  My bass is an 84 and yellowed nicely.  Possibly the yellowing of the finish mixed with the browns of the wood give it its reddish tones I like so much.  I don't much much about woods, but I have always been a big fan of walnut.