davidmaulik - Posted - 08/12/2009:  21:24:05

I was wondering where do I find plywood to make an old Dobro style Reso from? I have a Beard kit that I am currently working on and it has a 1/4" thick five-ply veneer core top and back and 1/8" Sides. I was wondering if this is similar to what some of you builders out there are using (at least those who make plywood) or if you are using something different. Any information would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
David Maulik

badger - Posted - 08/13/2009:  08:06:27

Most of the material being used is "Baltic Birch" - sold in several grades mostly determined by the number of patches in the face veneer. It has solid, even plies, well glued, and very stable. Most plywood distributors carry it. Email me if you're just looking for some smallish pieces and I'll see what's lying around the shop...

DBrooker - Posted - 08/13/2009:  09:04:24

I've bought baltic birch at Menards before - DB

Steevarino - Posted - 08/13/2009:  16:01:56

I think a better choice might be straight birch plywood. You can get it from any place that supplies the cabinet industry. I buy mine at a place called Nashville Plywood. It is amazingly appropriate for stringed instrument building, in that it has birch plies on both faces, and a poplar core in the middle. This is the same build-up that was used in reso. guitars in the days of old. Poplar is also the center laminate in banjo resonator backs and sidewalls. One sheet gives you 12 reso. guitar plates, enough for 6 instruments. I had two sheets delivered to the shop this morning! Gonna make some RedLine Ramblers out of it, 'cuz I can't seem to keep them in stock!



Steevarino
RedLIneResophonics.com
CumberlandAcoustic.com

Tom Jr. - Posted - 08/13/2009:  17:25:49

Great question David. I haven't used plywood except for support under the top plate and didn't know where to go for the good stuff. I just got a thickness sander from a cabinet shop that is doing mostly marble countertops now and don't need the "small" one. I should have asked if I could buy a piece or two of plywood while I was there.

Don''t squat with your spurs on.

davidmaulik - Posted - 08/13/2009:  21:07:28

Well I guess I will just try some Birch ply then. What type of plywood do I ask for, do I just ask for the Birch? And I was also wondering if anyone has tried any other type of plywood with any success. I will have to try to make a trip to Menard's there is one in the next town over (only about 125 miles) maybe they will be able get me what I want.

Edited by - davidmaulik on 08/13/2009 21:08:43

Slideman1939 - Posted - 08/14/2009:  12:45:21

Slideman suggests: here is a source of instrument grade good woods at very good prices. Most folks know Grizzly of Bellingham, Wash to be an importer of foreign woodworking tools with a free catalog and shipping warehouses in 3 U.S. locations (grizzley.com) (1-800-523-4777). HOWEVER the president of the company is also a luthier/guitar builder and has let his "hobby" spill into wholesaling some limited items in his catalog.Better than birch plywood--on page 388--hidden among the machines are builder's matched sets (tops, sides,back) of Indian Rosewood, mahogany, cocobolo,bubinga, Curley maple, QUILTED maple, Spruce (Englemann & Sitka) AT VERY REASONABLE LOW COMPETITIVE prices. There is also a limited selection of tuners, kerfing, inlay strips, and purfling. Before you blow your budget on birch ply, Slideman suggests you get a Grizzly tool catalog (AN UNEXPECTED SOURCE) and compare how much lower he is than Luthier's Mercantile, and other typical sources of catalog guitar grade wood.When you see THIS catalog you may upgrade from your birch ideas for the same money or less.This is not your father's old catalog of Grizzly Chinese shop tools--some brand new instrument building good stuff hidden between the drill presses and bandsaws. What do you have to lose?? The catalog is free by request. Mr. Balolia has been a big tool guy for 25 years. Who would guess that his personal hobby would jump into his 700 page catalog for the use of builders looking for good wood at great prices ???? Try it. So sayeth the Slideman.