Much like
Ambrosia Maple and other forms of figured maple, Spalted Maple is technically not a specific species of Maple, but rather a general description of any type of Maple that has been allowed to begin initial stages of decay, and then subsequently dried (preventing further decay).
 Spalted Maple (sanded) |
 Spalted Maple (sealed) |
The partial decay, called spalting, gives the wood dark contrasting lines and streaks where fungus has begun to attack the wood. If the wood has been rescued from the spalting at the right time, the lumber should still be sound and usable, with little to no soft spots or rotten wood.
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I was lucky enough to have a spalted maple come down in a wind storm in my back yard a few years ago. Since then, I’ve been able to pull a Ukulele (back/sides/top/neck) and Mandolin (back/sides/neck) from the logs we salvaged.
I tried uploading a few pictures, but it seems my login only lets me post text.
That’s interesting. There’s some acoustic guitars that use spalted Maple for back and sides.
Electric, too. Check out this Malinoski Ramrod, which has a spalted maple top:
http://www.petermalinoskiart.com/frames/MAIN_FRAME_2.htm
Those Malinoski’s are wonderful electrics, never seen before. The acoustic i was looking at that has spalted Maple is the Chinese made Merida DG15SPGACES Grand Auditorium Acoustic Electric Guitar. http://www.americanmusical.com/Item–i-MER-DG15SPGACES-LIST
The challenge I find is that the longer thewood is allowed to rot before harvesting, the more interesting and beautiful it becomes.
Often the best looking pieces have decayed so far as to need a stabilizer before working.
What would you use/recommend as a stabilizer?
What I found to work as a stabilizer as good as any other is ordinary wood glue mixed half with water. brush it on the rotten wood, let soak and leave overnight to dry.
What about using boiled linseed oil as a stabilizer