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Using spalted tamarind as a fretboard

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nolanrathke@gmail.com
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Hey everyone, I've got some spalted tamarind that I was thinking about using for a fretboard. I havent been able to find anything about it online. The only thing I've been able to find is that it's tone and hardness is similar to rosewood, but I've only seen it being used on the bodies of acoustic guitars. Is it a bad idea to use it as a fretboard? If its still useful, what's the best way to go about preparing it and whatnot? Thank you!

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NSJ
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Personally I'd try it and learn as I went. With spalty wood on bodies I use thin superglue in any softer areas, let it soak in till it stops absorbing. I'd be well up for trying that on a fretboard.

 

Worst case you get a clothes iron, heat it up and remove the board if it doesn't work lol


   
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nolanrathke@gmail.com
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@nsj Awesome! Thank you! Just curious, would resin (epoxy) work as good as superglue? This is my first time using spalted wood for guitars, so I have no idea what would be the best route to go about it lol


   
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Russ
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You certainly can use it for fretboards. I've seen it used a couple of times. You might be lucky enough to not need to fill in any gaps but if you do I'd follow @nsj advice and use some super glue while sanding rather than using epoxy

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nolanrathke@gmail.com
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Bad ass! Thank you so much for the help with that!


   
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Brian Walker
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For more info on tamarind wood try the Wood Database on wood-database.com

I find it a really useful source of info about wood.

👍😃🎸


   
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nolanrathke@gmail.com
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I definitely will! Thank you everyone for all your help with this!


   
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