Flying V Wood Grain Direction

[Southpa]

Would you think it really mattered all that much if the grain ran parallel the edge of each wing instead of with the centerline? Just trying to make the best (and easiest) use of my mahogany, its the last of my 2" stock. The neck is going to be a near full body tenon, will have solid paint and the usual large pickguard, so the direction of the grain won't be noticed. I just can't see any structural problems, but would like to get some input on that issue. Somebody convince me one way or the other! Otherwise I need to glue 2" on the end of each wing.

Edited November 8, 2008 by Southpa

[ihocky2]

I've seen a number of V's done with the grain parallel to the edge. Like you I can't see any reason that it would be a problem, in fact I think it would probably be a little stronger for the shape since there is less end grain.

[guitar_player]

Go for it I think it would look better that way anyways and like the other poster said it will only make it stronger.

[Prostheta]

I've done this one before on a V. The only hangup I had before I went with it, was that by angling each half of the body you're exposing grain at an angle to the glueing edge. I practice, I don't think there will be any problems cosmetically or structurally. At least planing the glueing edge will be less prone to tearing from grain runout as you'll be going down into the grain 10-20 degrees or whatever.

[westhemann]

It is a common practice....strength is not an issue.

[Prostheta]

Exactly what I thought, on reflection. As my wife will attest, I always stand back and consider what i'm doing before I do it. I usually stand back for days, weeks. A real rocket scientist, me.

[orgmorg]

That's the way the original V's were done by Gibson ( maybe still are? )