Topic: Violin/viola neck

[FullMetal]

Is there a reason most necks are made of maple? Is it an easier wood to work with? Cheaper?

I'm making an electric viola; and the body is made out of mahogany. Would you recommend maple over mahogany for the neck? Why or why not?

Also, I saw a post on here about a 17" viola neck being 150mm (5.91 in). Does that sound about right? What's the usual dimension of the neck compared to the body? For example, mine is a 17.5" body.

Thanks in advance.

[jbquicky]

Speaking from not a little experience with wood but not violin mfg.  Of all the woods that I have worked with, I prefer black walnut.  It carves easily, has a beautiful grain, and is no weakling.  I have made many pistol grips and rifle stocks from it. A checkered walnut grip never seems to wear off.
I have made a few violin bridges from maple. They came out OK.  But I am going to attempt one from black walnut sometime in the near future.
There  is a lot of tradition in violin Mfg.  types of wood, etc.  Don't be afraid to experiment.
The evolution of the violin we know today is the  result of much trial and error. the evolution does not have to end here.

Jody

[giannaviolins]

I've seen poplar used.

Buyers expect maple.  Chicken and egg springing from tradition.

[Liquidguitars]

One thing to consider is the durability of the wood, I experimented with a lot of woods for necks even softwood like of all things Redwood, Cedar, Douglass fir and Pine.

Hardwoods with a tight grain like Maple, Poplar or Walnut is a good choice as it's strong and will hold the pegs without splitting the headstock years later. 

[FullMetal]

One thing to consider is the durability of the wood, I experimented with a lot of woods for necks even softwood like of all things Redwood, Cedar, Douglass fir and Pine.

Hardwoods with a tight grain like Maple, Poplar or Walnut is a good choice as it's strong and will hold the pegs without splitting the headstock years later.

I've never thought of that. So something strong, like a mahogany, would seem to be in this category. Thanks!

[jbquicky]

A clue on how to acquire quality wood.  Look  for old pieces of furniture at thrift shops and yard sales.  The legs, etc. can yield some fine wood when sliced out with a band saw. I have also taken old gun stocks and sliced them down on the band saw for the smaller pieces needed.

Jody

[beeswing]

Once saw a very nice cello with a pear wood neck & scroll, if memory serves.