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One of my other interests is a hobby business of buying and selling collectibles. I go to a lot of garage sales and estate sales. Among other things, I always watch for fine tools and what my wife refers to as "playwood."

While poking around in a dusty shed at an estate sale Saturday, I noticed a stack of Florida storm shutters (plywood sheets) leaning against a wall in the back corner. I could see a darker board poking up behind them, so I dragged the plywood aside to get a closer look.

Turned out I was looking at a mahogany board — and it had some companions. I ended up buying my pick 'O the pile for $20.

After sorting through the junk I ended up with three nice clear mahogany boards, 16?x25?x2? inches, 12x46x1? inches and 9?x52?x1? inches. Also got a nice chunk of what I think is figured maple, 9x29?x2? inches, plus several smaller black walnut boards. The figure on the maple, if that's what it is, will look like wadded-up silk under finish.

It pays to look in the corners!

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D..

Nice score Dennis!

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Dave Rector
Rector Guitars

Can't see the pic for some reason....
but sounds like a great score for sure!

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"I want to know what kind of pickups Vince Gill uses in his Tele, because if I had those, as good of a player as I am, I'm sure I could make it sound like that.
Only badly."

Dennis, that's a great find, congrats

The other day I was up at the barn. There were all these slabs of walnut with bark hanging on them.

I took a picture of a five foot tall piece, twenty wide with bark, and listed it on Ebay.

It found a home in California to the tune of $100, shipping was $40. I had no idea it might make a slab coffee table witha little work. He was happy, my bank account was happy.

Congrats on the great stuff.

I can't wait to try some other wood out of the barn, cherry for guitar sets, pretty plain stuff. Another species I want to cut is Catalpa. I bet not a single OLFer has ever made a guitar from Catalpa. It's a pretty simple butternut color and has a great smell of sweet-feed when cut. Very tonal and light, which I think is a great combination, maybe even for a top too!

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http://www.dickeyguitars.com

Great catch Dennis, i'm gonna watch those sales from now on! Thanks for sharing!

Serge

[QUOTE=Bruce Dickey] Another species I want to cut is Catalpa. I bet not a single OLFer has ever made a guitar from Catalpa. [/QUOTE]

Bruce, I've built one out of Catalpa. The sawmill guy I visit gave me a board of it and I resawed it up and built one. It was a dred size and sounded quite nice. First one I ever sold.

Keep us posted if you build one from it, ok?

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Dave Rector
Rector Guitars

Dennis--I hate you, I hate you, I h.....oh, alright good catch!!!

Dave, you beat me. I have some nicely seasoned stuff, about two inch thick billets, the smell takes me back. Ahhhh, sweet feed, Dad milking the cow, mmmmm fresh milk, thanks for the mammaries!

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http://www.dickeyguitars.com