Has any one used bamboo for a nut or a bridge on a guitar?
I have a bunch in the backyard and am about to embark on a new build. I don't recall seeing any used like that. Seems like a durable wood, but I wonder if it can stand up to string tension.
—B
Replies
I decided to make a test using bamboo. So far it looks to work well. i cut some small grooves for the strings. I may try it on my next build. Here are some photos:
I didn't quite figger you were going to lay a section of boo on there! lol
Don't know how I imagined you were going to section it, then use a segment of that as a bridge...
So how does it sound to you?
I can't see how the crack in the piece is going to help, but do you notice good tone and sustain?
Have you tried any other materials on hand for comparison?
I tired cowbone for the nut and bridge, both circular whole, and then sectioned using a U shaped length.
Did not sound as well as simple hardwood scraps. I got one small scrap of hardwood by splitting off a small piece from some hardwood flooring, such as you are using for your soundboard.
Your two string is probably excellent for doing preliminary testing on different materials
How would it sound if that boo was split lengthwise, scrubbed on some sandpaper to smooth the bearing surface, then, set it on your soundboard???
Then try it after roasting as described above !
and you can compare to the standard nut n bolt...
Have fun!
rc
I've seen bamboo cutting boards for use in the kitchen that are supposed to be very strong and durable and a lot of the throw away chopsticks they have in Chinese restaurants are bamboo. My guess is it will work fine depending on how you use it.
I have used Tonkin Boo for a bridge. It has worked just fine. It was hardened. Heat the piece in the oven at maybe 300 fro 20 min. It is very tough stuff. I mad a triangular piece that sits on a piece of mahogany.
Cheers Ron
Yes. I believe you can heat the stuff up with a torch and it strengthens the fibers in some way..
Wade
Thanks for all the responses. I think I will try it, as mentioned the worst that can happen is that it wont work and I'll trade it out for some other material. —Brendan
Bamboo is not a wood, its a grass. A really big grass though. The grain is more stringy than wood fibers. I have not tried it for bridge or nut but have cut some bamboo skewers to use as side markers. I found that in a small size they tend to splinter easily. This may be the case when used for a nut or bridge saddle. But hey get creative and try it out.
this was made by Larry Chapin a few years ago
I've used bamboo flooring, inset with a fret and that works great. Never tried just a round piece but it seems like it would work fine in small diameters. I'd be afraid that just a "half round" piece may crack under string tension.
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