**** Stewmac special on European Spruce *****

[kiwigeo]

For those of you with a Stewmax membership the current special on European Spruce tops might be of interest. Hurry as it ends soon:

https://www.stewmac.com/tonewoods/shop- ... alId=MJlbP

[kiwigeo]

Just bought 3 classical Eurospruce tops. Per unit price with Stewmax free shipping worked out at $85.68Au per top.

[Steve.Toscano]

Thats an exceptional price.
However my experience in the tops from stewmac has not been positive. Their grading seems to be far lower then others.

Occasionally i'll have a student that gets tops from them, more often then not they end up getting sawn up for patching/braces.

In saying that, i'm extremely fussy with my selection of soundboards...

[kiwigeo]

Ive bought a few tops from them over the years and not had any issues. I suspect most of the Eurospruce comes from a small number of suppliers.

I'll report back on quality of the wood Ive got on the way. Theyre AA grade so Im not expecting anything spectacular.

Thats an exceptional price.
However my experience in the tops from stewmac has not been positive. Their grading seems to be far lower then others.

Occasionally i'll have a student that gets tops from them, more often then not they end up getting sawn up for patching/braces.

In saying that, i'm extremely fussy with my selection of soundboards...

[peter.coombe]

Thank you, have just ordered 3 AAA tops. Will see what the quality is like when they arrive. Can always make 2 mandolin tops from them if not so great.

[kiwigeo]

My tops arrived today. Grain count is fairly low as you'd expect for a low grade top. One of the three tops had some black material on the surface. Thought it was mold but the way it came off in the drum sander suggests otherwise.

Overall assessment.....the Stewmac grading is a bit optimistic compared to other wood suppliers. That said with the free freight the price is fair and the tops will make a half decent guitar.

[peter.coombe]

Mine arrived on Friday. I have to agree with Martin, the grading is optimistic, but the tops are certainly usable. For the money and free postage I paid a fair price so am not complaining.