Are Quartersawn necks worth it?

Quartersawn instrument necks are unusually strong, straight-grain necks superior to standard necks in almost every way. Quartersawn wood is less susceptible to wear, shrinking, swelling in width, twisting, warping and splitting. It also provides a better paint surface—all highly desirable qualities in a guitar neck.

What does quartersawn maple look like?

When maple is quarter-cut the figure appears as vertical flame lines. The same appears in Koa wood. However, the same figure appears curly when viewed on plain-sawn grain. In truth, the same vertical flame lines appear when quartersawn or plain-sawn.

What is the difference between quarter sawn and flat sawn?

Plain Sawn lumber is the most common cut of lumber used in hardwood flooring. The plain sawn (tangential) grain is less dimensionally stable than other cuts and can cup more easily. Quarter Sawn. Quarter Sawn lumber is produced when the log is cut into four quarters (hence the name), then each quarter is flat-sawn.

Why is maple neck roasted?

Roasted maple necks are purported to be more resistant to humidity shifts owing to the removal of moisture at the roasting stage. Plus, their darker hues look more appealing than plain maple, which can sometimes appear somewhat anaemic.

What is quarter sawn white oak?

Quarter Sawn White Oak is the same species as White Oak but the wood has been cut from the log at a different angle (quartered). It is more stable than standard (flat sawn) White Oak and has a finer texture with a dramatic flaking pattern that runs perpendicular to the grain.

What is tiger maple wood?

Flame maple (tiger maple), also known as flamed maple, curly maple, ripple maple, fiddleback or tiger stripe, is a feature of maple in which the growth of the wood fibers is distorted in an undulating chatoyant pattern, producing wavy lines known as “flames”.

What is the strongest cut of wood?

RIFT SAWN
RIFT SAWN ADVANTAGES Produces the strongest possible boards with the most consistent visual look of long and straight grain patterns. Generally the choice of cut for fine furniture makers looking for consistent patterns throughout their design.

What does quartersawn oak look like?

Quarter sawn lumber is defined as wood where the annular growth rings intersect the face of the board at a 60 to 90 degree angle. When cutting this lumber at the sawmill, each log is sawed at a radial angle into four quarters, hence the name. Dramatic flecking is also present in red oak and white oak.

Are maple guitar necks good?

Some guitarists tend to avoid maple necks due to the fact the finish, which is applied to stop it from warping, can feel less natural than the likes of ebony or rosewood fretboards. However, those who want a brighter, zestier tone that offers greater sustain will often choose maple.

Are roasted maple necks finished?

Is Roasted Maple Right For Me? Roasted maple doesn’t require a finish to be used since it’s completely dry and lacking oils inside. We still use a super thin Nitro cellulose finish to seal it and smooth out every inch of its surface. Making it feel like a finely sanded, lightning fast neck!

How is quartersawn wood cut?

Quarter sawing gets its name from the fact that the log is first quartered lengthwise, resulting in wedges with a right angle ending at approximately the center of the original log. Each quarter is then cut separately by tipping it up on its point and sawing boards successively along the axis.

Does flatsawn sound better than quarter sawn necks?

There is no better just different. I am totally convinced flatsawn sounds better, and is why Custom shop guitars do not sound like vintage Fenders. It is the piece of the puzzle that’s missing. There is a “ping” and much harder attack, more treble, less bottom, and less of that nice elastic feel with quarter sawn necks.

How do I know if my guitar has a quarter sawn?

You can see what your guitar has by looking at the top of the headstock. The image at the top of the page shows a Quarter Sawn neck on the left and Flat Sawn neck on the right. In the photo, you can clearly see the direction in which the grain runs.

What is a quartersawn neck on a Stratocaster?

Below, the long, strait and parallel grain of a quartersawn neck is easily discerned on the back of this heavily relic-ed Fender Custom Shop Stratocaster® guitar. “Quartersawn” is a woodworking term that describes a certain specific and non-standard method of milling lumber from trees.

What is the difference between quarter sawn and flat sawn Maple?

The image at the top of the page shows a Quarter Sawn neck on the left and Flat Sawn neck on the right. In the photo, you can clearly see the direction in which the grain runs. Vertical grain pattern comes from Quarter Sawn maple and the neck on the right has a horizontal grain pattern, which is Flat Sawn.