A Curly Maple Viola Backs

Overview  Curly Maple Viola Backs:

Few parts of an instrument are more beautiful than a curly maple viola back. This highly prized wood has been used for centuries in bowed string instruments, virtually without exception. The reason is simple: maple is for all its properties (physical, aesthetic, tonal) the best choice for multiple parts of the instrument. Add to this the incredible look it gets once varnished and you will understand why it is so successful.

European maple - Acer pseudoplatanus - is a light-colored wood, with golden reflections that intensify when oxidized. It is a wood with no appreciable grain, which in many cases eliminates the need to use a filler. It is easy to work despite its hardness (although it requires sharp tools) and a bright and attractive finish can be achieved simply by using a scraper or planer, without even needing sandpaper. It is undoubtedly one of the most pleasant woods to work with.

Many apprentices or people interested in lutherie start using A grade backs for their first projects. These pieces have less curl than the higher grades, but are just as strong and stable. There may be some small knots or discoloration in the piece. But it will always be purely aesthetic and not structural considerations which determine their classification.

Features:

• Dimensions: 460x140x47/22 mm
• Botanical Name: Acer pseudoplatanus
• Origin: Center and East Europe
• Density: 610-680 Kg/m³