Makeshift Alternative for Tone Woods?

[Daniel Fenson]

I'm back with another makeshift instrument question... I've got a couple projects I want to do involving making stringed instruments out of tin cookie containers. I think they have some decent acoustics and with the right modifications, could very easily make for a nifty instrument.

The problem I'm running into is what to use for the soundboard. I want to keep with the theme of using household items (Mostly because I don't want to ruin a good piece of tone wood), but I haven't found any resources on what I could use to replace a soundboard with.

One idea I've had is clipboards. But I'm not too confident with that idea.

Any suggestions?

Thanks!

[Brian Evans]

Use the tin top of the box, just put some posts or a cross brace under the bridge. I've seen them at flea markets, sound fine. People use one or three strings and play them bottleneck style. Very fun

[Bryan Bear]

Not exactly household items but you could cut tops from SPF dimensional lumber from the big box store. The small size you need wold be easy to find boodmatched mostly vertical grain sections to resaw your tops for very little money. I'd bake the the wood before you thickness and join the halves to make sure it is good and dry.

I made a parlor guitar with a top from a pine 1X10 and it turned out great.

[Marshall Dixon]

One idea I've had is clipboards. But I'm not too confident with that idea.

Any suggestions?

Thanks!

What about Formica countertop material?

[Daniel Oates]

Cedar used in the building trade night work for you. It has good tonewood properties and you can find it in many lumberyards. Cedar shingles or cedar siding off-cuts might work.

[Bill Raymond]

Another possibility is redwood siding which is usually quartersawn, or you may be able to choose a quartersawn piece from redwood at your local box store. I used redwood for a Savart viola, and found it performed well.