Drying Ebony

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Drying Ebony

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Stu

Posts: 2535
Joined: Jan. 30 2007
From: London (the South of it), England

Drying Ebony

Hi folks
So I'm almost finally getting a round to fixing my sketchy, warped fingerboard (I've written about it here)

I have a new piece of ebony (bought from Madinter)
but im scared to start. I had advice from a luthier that I should dry the ebony myself before I use it (so i know exactly what im working with), and I'm sure he mentioned a method involving radiators and news paper....( imay be mistaken though)

What do I need to consider when starting to work with wood bought from an online supplier? I don't have a drying room just a humble workshop.

I want to fix my guitar and dont want to have an even worse situation in few months cos the wood wasnt ready to use.

does that make sense??

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Stu

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jun. 4 2016 12:06:37

jshelton5040

Posts: 1500
Joined: Jan. 17 2005

RE: Drying Ebony (in reply to Stu)

Ebony takes a long time to cure. I prefer to let it sit in my workshop for several years before considering it safe to use.

If you want to buy fingerboard material that is ready to use I'd suggest a piece of the synthetic stuff. There are a couple of manufacturers who make fingerboards with resin, wood fiber and black dye. I've read that it is indistinguishable from ebony and extremely stable. I plan to try it myself soon.

Here's a link to one supplier: http://rctonewoods.com/RCT_Store/rocklite-ebano-c-174/?zenid=o40n9lsku9i886aumtn2gnt8f7

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John Shelton - www.sheltonfarrettaguitars.com

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jun. 4 2016 14:05:34

Stephen Eden

Posts: 914
Joined: Apr. 12 2008
From: UK

RE: Drying Ebony (in reply to Stu)

Dave dyke in the UK has dry ebony. He uses a kiln to dry it. I think I remember him saying he leaves it in there for at least a year year. Apart from the usual winter shrinkage on newer instruments I've never jade any other issues with it.

_____________________________

Classical and Flamenco Guitars www.EdenGuitars.co.uk

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jun. 4 2016 19:22:42