Birds Eye maple = bad???

[AVH]

I read comments from some guitar builders who are saying birds eye maple is not as solid and straight grained maple and using it for necks is a bad idea (and no this wasn't a Ed Roman rant).

Is there any truth to the strength issue? Or is it more theory than reality?

As a EBMM owner I have had nothing but joy playing and looking at my necks. I haven't found it to be an issue at all.

[GWDavis28]

Well from where I live the necks that I have that have less birds eye and more flame seem to stay in tune better when stored. A friend of mines a carpentar nut and explained it to me like this once. The birds eye are really flaws in the wood, people love the look of them though.

Just me take. Later, Glenn |B)

[jamminjim]

I'd have to agree with above comments, birdseyes are like a bunch of little knots in the wood. I prefer clear and straight hardrock maple or similar.

[jongitarz]

As a EBMM owner I have had nothing but joy playing and looking at my necks. I haven't found it to be an issue at all.

'Nuff said

[GWDavis28]

Jon, a man of few word, but word to live by.

Rock on Dude!!!!!

Glenn |B)

[robelinda2]

people read all sorts of crap and get told all sorts of rubbish. has anyone here actually had any problems with birdseye necks? i wouldnt have thought so. they are magnificent looking and playing necks and its a pleasure to own a few that have heaps of birdseye. they play no differently than my other non-birdseye EBMM neck.

[fogman]

It would be true that birdseye may weekend the wood as would knots, but unless you are standing on the neck of the guitar, or using several of your guitar necks as legs for a china cabinet; I would not worry about it.

[brentrocks]

they would probably break easier

[tommyindelaware]

in that case .....i've seen LOTS of violins worth more than 3 large houses that must be made w/ defective wood.

figured wood is harder.......& more unbredictible out tof the gate.......but it's not defective or inferior tone wise.


& why...for hundreds of years.......... are some of the most sought after & sweetest sounding violins in the world made w/ highly figured english sicamore ??????

[robelinda2]

sometimes i just sit with my Axis and just marvel at the awesome birdseye and smile! so smooth and nice to touch. oh yeah and it plays ok too......

[Jimi D]

It's probably true... to avoid heartache and sorrow, you should immediately send all your EBMM's with highly figured birdseye maple necks to me for careful monitoring. Here in my custom temperature and humidity controlled storage facility, I can guarantee that each will receive all the attention they require to remain toneful and true. It's a sacrifice I know, but I'm willing to make it on behalf of my EBMM brethren.

[GWDavis28]

Jimi D your a trooper man. I think not.

Glenn |B)

[fbecir]

Birds Eye are great and I don't think it is a source of weakness for the neck.
The most important is to know if the wood is old enough and if it was dry before it was used.
You can see guitars with "wrong" maple necks without birds eyes ... the reason : the wood was still "wet".

My MM Steve Morse has a beautiful birds eye neck and it will live longer than me !!

[John C]

While I've never had problems with any birdseye necks that I've had, I wouldn't call two of the builders who have this view people who would print crap and rubbish. I would call them two of the most respected small builders around.

However, that doesn't mean I'm not hoping for a nice birdseye neck on the AL I have on order!

[Quarter]

Maple can have a mind of its own, figured or plain.
I certainly would not consider figured Hard Rock maple soft or weak with the exception of spalted lumber, (spalted = fungus rotting)
Wood selection, curing, and grain orientation play a more important / major role in whether a neck is stable / controllable or not.