Discover our high-grade 100% Old Growth Reclaimed Western Red Cedar Bracewood stock. This premium quality quartersawn bracewood is specifically selected for discerning luthiers and instrument makers who demand superior acoustic properties and exceptional dimensional stability for their creations.

Premium Western Red Cedar Bracewood

Quartersaw Vertical Grain cut old growth wester red cedar bracewood, straight grain and very light weight. Sold by the 1/2 board foot volume. The picture shows 1 bdft = 2 sku’s.

Superior Tonewoods for Instrument Making

Western red cedar bracewood is highly sought after in fine instrument construction, particularly for:

• Guitar Bracing: Provides exceptional stiffness-to-weight ratio for soundboard support
• Acoustic Resonance: Enhances tonal clarity and projection in stringed instruments
• Structural Reinforcement: Ideal for internal components requiring strength without excessive mass

Old Growth Quality Characteristics

Our western red cedar bracewood stock offers distinct advantages over younger timber:

• Quartersawn Vertical Grain: Maximizes stability and minimizes warping
• Tight Growth Rings: Results from slow growth of old-growth trees
• Consistent Density: Provides predictable acoustic response and workability
• Straight Grain Pattern: Allows for precise cutting and shaping

Technical Specifications

• Material: Western Red Cedar (Thuja plicata)
• Cut Type: Quartersawn vertical grain
• Source: Old growth timber
• Weight: Very lightweight compared to other tonewoods
• Quantity: Sold by 1/2 board foot increments
• Usage: Ideal for luthiery and fine woodworking applications

This premium western red cedar bracewood delivers the perfect balance of strength, weight, and tonal properties required for crafting exceptional musical instruments.

Unveiling the Technical Prowess of Our Western Red Cedar Bracewood

Beyond the fundamental specifications, the true value of this premium Western Red Cedar bracewood lies in its nuanced technical properties, which directly translate to superior instrument performance:

• Optimal Stiffness-to-Weight Ratio: The ideal balance intrinsic to old growth Western Red Cedar bracewood ensures maximum structural support for soundboards without inhibiting the delicate vibrations crucial for rich tone and projection. This allows instruments to be both robust and highly responsive.
• Low Acoustic Impedance: This property means sound waves encounter minimal resistance when traveling through the wood. For instrument makers, this translates to improved sound transmission, resulting in a louder, clearer, and more vibrant acoustic output from your guitar or other stringed instrument.
• Exceptional Damping Factor: A low damping factor signifies that the wood absorbs very little vibrational energy. This is vital for sustaining notes and allowing the instrument’s voice to ring out fully, providing a longer, more resonant sustain that defines a high-quality tonewood.
• Consistent Modulus of Elasticity: The predictable elasticity across the board enables luthiers to calculate and achieve precise bracing patterns, ensuring uniform stress distribution and preventing dead spots in the soundboard. This consistency is a hallmark of superior old growth timber.

Common Questions from Discerning Luthiers

We understand that choosing the right tonewood is a critical decision. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about our Western Red Cedar bracewood:

• How does Western Red Cedar bracewood compare to spruce for bracing? While both are excellent tonewoods, Western Red Cedar bracewood typically offers a warmer, more mature tone with a quicker attack and rich overtones, often preferred for responsive acoustic guitars and classical instruments. Spruce, conversely, tends to be brighter and more direct. The choice often comes down to the desired tonal signature for your specific project.
• Is this premium tonewood suitable for all types of guitar bracing, including fan bracing for classical guitars? Absolutely. The consistent grain and inherent stability of our quartersawn Western Red Cedar bracewood make it exceptionally well-suited for various bracing patterns, including traditional fan bracing for classical guitars, X-bracing for steel-string acoustics, and custom designs requiring precision and reliability.
• Does “old growth reclaimed” mean this timber is more prone to defects or inconsistency? Quite the opposite. Our 100% Old Growth Reclaimed Western Red Cedar bracewood is meticulously sourced and inspected. Old growth timber inherently possesses tighter growth rings and greater consistency than younger wood, and the reclaiming process ensures only the finest, structurally sound material is selected, often exhibiting unique character marks without compromising integrity.
• How should I store this premium Western Red Cedar bracewood to maintain its quality? To preserve its dimensional stability and acoustic properties, store your Western Red Cedar bracewood flat in a climate-controlled environment, ideally between 40-50% relative humidity and stable temperature. Protecting it from extreme fluctuations is key to preventing warping or cracking, ensuring it’s ready for your next instrument build.

Unmatched Quality and Lasting Durability

Our commitment to excellence ensures that every piece of Western Red Cedar bracewood we offer represents the pinnacle of quality and craftsmanship. Sourced from 100% Old Growth Reclaimed timber, this wood is not just beautiful; it’s built to last for generations.

• Meticulously Inspected: Each board foot of Western Red Cedar bracewood undergoes rigorous inspection for grain orientation, absence of knots, perfect quarter-sawn cut, and consistent density, ensuring you receive only defect-free, premium material for your intricate instrument projects.
• Inherent Decay Resistance: Western Red Cedar naturally contains unique compounds that provide excellent resistance to decay and insect infestation. This inherent durability means your instrument’s internal structure will remain sound and stable for decades without the need for chemical treatments.
• Dimensional Stability for Lifelong Performance: Thanks to its old growth origin and precise quartersawn cut, this Western Red Cedar bracewood offers exceptional dimensional stability. This crucial property minimizes expansion, contraction, and warping due to humidity changes, ensuring your instruments maintain their tuning, intonation, and structural integrity for their entire lifespan.
• An Investment in Superior Craftsmanship: Choosing our premium Western Red Cedar bracewood is an investment in the long-term success and acoustic brilliance of your musical instruments. Its enduring quality contributes directly to the instrument’s longevity, playability, and resale value.

Why Choose Western Red Cedar Bracewood for Your Next Project?

When crafting high-quality musical instruments, the choice of materials is paramount. Our Western Red Cedar bracewood offers unique attributes that contribute to superior acoustic performance and structural integrity. This premium tonewood is renowned for its resonant qualities and ease of workability, making it a favorite among experienced luthiers.

Enhanced Tonal Qualities

• Vibrant Resonance: The open cell structure of Western Red Cedar bracewood allows for excellent sound transmission, contributing to a rich, full-bodied tone.
• Quick Response: Instruments built with this wood exhibit a fast attack and sustain, providing a dynamic playing experience.
• Warm Overtones: Ideal for creating instruments with a pleasing warmth and complexity in their sound profile.

Optimal Workability for Precision Crafting

Working with our Western Red Cedar bracewood is a rewarding experience due to its consistent grain and moderate density. It can be easily shaped and machined, allowing for precise fitting and intricate designs crucial for instrument making.

• Clean Cutting: Achieves smooth cuts with minimal tear-out, reducing preparation time.
• Excellent Gluing Surface: Provides a strong, reliable bond with various woodworking adhesives.
• Finishing Friendly: Accepts a wide range of finishes beautifully, enhancing the natural aesthetic.

Sustainability and Sourcing of Our Western Red Cedar Bracewood

We are committed to responsible sourcing. Our Western Red Cedar bracewood is harvested from managed forests, ensuring environmental sustainability while providing you with top-tier material.

• Eco-Conscious Choice: Supports sustainable forestry practices.
• Traceable Origin: Guarantees the quality and ethical sourcing of our old-growth timber.

Invest in our premium Western Red Cedar bracewood to elevate the sound and craftsmanship of your musical creations. Its unparalleled quality and performance make it the ideal choice for discerning instrument makers.