Doing Things Wrong

Poplar

Stained Poplar body

Although sold as a hardwood, poplar is actually softer than some pines. It often has an unattractive green color, although the grain patterning is usually nice. The grain itself is tight, requiring no filling. Poplar is suitable for stained and solid-color finishes that hide the natural color. Poplar requires a hard protective finish like polyurethane.

Poplar may be thought of as east-coast Alder - it is equivalent - if not superior - to that west-coast wood in every way. Poplar is often available at lumber yards in large thick pieces that can make a smaller guitar body in one piece, or a larger one from two pieces. Large thick pieces may be prone to cracking. It is also available at home centers in 3/4" thicknesses.

I recommend Radiata over poplar. I have used up my last large poplar blank, and I doubt I will use any more.

Some Poplar body projects:


Comments on Poplar

Questions or Inquiries?

Just want to say Hello? Sign the .

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *


Click image to replace if unable to read.

Enter the digits from the image above, except for the last one:

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.


Printed from luthierylabs.com