Originally Posted by: RobSm...
Queensland Maple has similar properties to Mahogany
Victorian Blackwood has similar properties to Koa
Myrtle is an 'undiscovered' tone wood that a number of local makers applauded, and
Victorian ash while somewhat opened grained is often used as tops because of its figuring.(it will be a flame maple analogue)...

... The way the timber has come up is great. The Qld maple (mahogany) has sported flames when it's not supposed to, the Blackwood and the myrtle are dark and sensual. The ash is a little disappointing...it was supposed to flame and didn't. I had read that what you get when buying Mountain ash can be a bit of a pig in a poke because of the way it is felled & it's difficult location...ie an area is worked & everything is called mountain ash. But I have not split it or done anything to it yet. I may have to rethink how I am going to use the various timbers...

[font=trebuchet ms]Take some comfort in knowing that the relatively thin layer of wood used to create those lovely flame tops actually make [u]insignificant[/u] contribution to the tonal properties of the instrument. You may as well save yourself some work and make the body from Queensland maple clear through.

Or top & bottom, as case may be.[/font] :D