2ND LIGHTEST HARDWOOD IN THE WORLD!
Hear it for yourself--> https://youtube.com/watch?v=LrCxZ_txmRw&si=K8rARZ1OAkE2RjCa
The tops from this billet have the highest cross grain stiffness of all the samples I've tested!
Riftsawn from the log, so all grain is within 90⁰-87⁰!
Paulownia: (Paulownia tomentosa)
*Average Rings Per Inch: 4.5 - Average
True Grain Slope: 0/0 - Master
Grade: AAA (See key at bottom of page)
Size: Super Jumbo or Bass/Free Paulownia Bracing/10ft Aircraft Grade Tenax A 24k Carbon Roving.
Weight: 18 lb³ - Extremely Light
Stiffness to Weight: 46,511 to 1 - Exceptional
This soundboard for downgraded from "AAAA" to "AAA" because of a small grain distortion spot.
One of the Highest stability and lowest shrinkage woods in the world. Even more so than Cedar! 0 runout! Riftsawn at 90⁰ to 87⁰ and billet split! Includes 10ft of Aircraft Grade Tenax A 24k carbon roving for bracing lamination. The Japanese pay absurd prices to import this wood for their stringed instruments, mainly the Koto. It makes the best soundboards. Paulownia is 1 to 2.7% more efficient at transmitting energy than Sitka. In fact, it has a higher strength to weight ratio than Honduran Mahogany!
https://www.pegheadnation.com/instruments-gear/fine-lutherie/tony-yamamoto-omy-paulownia-demo/
Here is a link for laminated bracing and a better alternative to tap tuning.
https://www.portlandguitar.com/blogs/features/acoustic-guitar-bracing-science
I sell these tops separately from the full Paulownia back, sides and neck sets. You can find those on my seller page!
★Remember!★
Because of its softness it is recommended to join the bridge and bridge plate through the board with wooden plugs so the bridge cannot peel up.
★Remember!★
0.150 to 0.110 is the suggested thickness. You'll want the thickness to reflect the desired pitch. The thicker the board the higher the boards natural pitch. This also depends on the bracing scheme and if you use the carbon for laminate. A board with carbon laminated ribs can go below 0.100" if you load test.
★Remember!★
To get the sound you heard in the video it is very important you use the included Paulownia bracing. Sitka Spruce and other woods have a lower conversion efficiency than Paulownia and will limit the soundboard!
*Ring spacing in ring-porous hardwoods*
The ratio of latewood to earlywood is reversed in ring-porous hardwoods. This means that unlike softwood, a wider ring spacing in ring-porous hardwood is stronger.
Harvested in central Pennsylvania!
Nyle's low temp. dehumidification kilned to 6%. Equalized and conditioned.
Shipping charge is by location. Multiple items will be combined in one box.
Drum sanded thicknessing upon request! Just send me a message as soon as you buy.
(Dimensions listed in "Item specifics".)
*"True grain slope" takes into account the "grain slope" of both the radial and tangential faces of the wood*
*Shown without solvent*
*Surfaced to 120 grit*
*The ends and end grain are sealed for seasoning and shipping*
I'm looking for feedback. Please leave me notes as far as how you prefer part dimensions and construction or species you'd like me to change or supply.
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★MORE SPECIES IN THE STORE★
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★--Key--★
1=Light
2=Average
3=Higher
4=Exceptional
5=Master
Paulownia Grading Criteria
I've started grading by cross grain stiffness!
Sets start at-
2.3 Rings an Inch or more - AA
2.2 to 1.5 Rings an Inch - AAA
1.4 to 1 Rings an Inch - AAAA
They lose a star for "small" black spot cosmetic defects common in Paulownia. Boards with "large" asymmetrical black spot cosmetic defects common in Paulownia can't be graded higher than "A"
They gain a star for-
No grain wiggle
No grain distortion
They gain a star if they have none of these-
Dark grain lines common in Paulownia
Uneven ring spacing
Growth rings parallel on joining edges but not outside edges
Boards gain a star if they have a half inch of deflection or less and two stars if they have a quarter inch or less
Boards can't go above AAA if they aren't cut at 80⁰ or more