Bending Claro Walnut

[Mike Crabbe]

I'm thinking about an 000 style guitar using claro walnut B&S. I'ved used a "light bulb" bender previously - easy with EIR, difficult for me with highly figured mahogany soprano uke.

What's walnut like to bend? There are some nice figured sets out there, but expect it might be difficult and hope some of you might be willing to share some experience. I have been assuming it would be similar to mahogany. True?

Thanks!
Mike

ps - also thinking about a port orford cedar neck

[Brad Heinzen]

It bends easily. I've used it quite a bit, and have never had any trouble bending by hand or with a blanket and form. The figured stuff can get lumpy where the curl happens, so less water is definitely the way to go. Sometimes you'll find that it bends more easily one way than the other. One half of a set will go just fine, and the other half will fight you. Even so, I think it's probably a bit easier than mahogany, which seems more willing to break or flake.

[Steve Rolig]

I agree walnut bends without much problem. I only do bending by hand on a hot pipe. Yesterday I bent a set of "peruvian" walnut for a parlor size and got only on slight flake that should repair invisibly.
Steve

[Patrick DeGreve]

I have found that it bends very well. The second guitar I built was a Claro Walnut 3/4 size classical. I used a "light bulb" Fox style bender, and it bent beautifully. I like using walnut very much. I have used walnut more than any other wood, and have never had a problem bending it. I have used Claro, Black Walnut, Myan Walnut, and Peruvian Walnut, and they all bent very well. The sound is very much like Mahogany. I just finished a Black Walnut OM for the Local material Challenge and I am very happy with it. Use it you will be happy.

[Alan Carruth]

I'm just finishing up a small jumbo in curly claro, and the sides bent very easily. I've always had good luck with walnut.

Alan Carruth / Luthier

[Mike Crabbe]

Thanks all! Encouraging advice!
Mike