I had,nt intended to return to this thread but in consideration of Alf's efforts to calm the situation and because of the excellent discussion which followed I felt that I should show my appreciation. The information has been invaluable. I'm not sure I agree with Alf's reprimand re sarcasm , I still feel that my perfectly clear and sensible question was met with unfounded "micky taking".
BUT I'm prepared to accept that I didn't receive the comments in the spirit in which they were intended and wish to draw a line under it all and move on
. Alf also suggested I should have given more info.Well, here goes, I will try to keep it brief and to the point. I play a commercially manufactured Lap Steel Guitar but I make them as a hobby. The Lap Steel Guitar in very basic terms is like a solid body electric guitar except it is literally an oblong board ,no shape,with 6, 8 or 10 strings across the top. It is played laying on your lap, it has no frets (bit like a Violin) and the notes are selected using a Tone Bar on the strings.I would post a phot in the gallery but I hav'nt figured out how to ! :? The top and edges are
usually clad in laminate to (A) Add decoration, (B) Reduce wear, which is high and (C) It aids the hardware to achieve good contact with the base board.The bottom is only covered with baize. The type of wood is all important e.g. Hard Maple gives a "bright" tone and very good sound sustain qualities, mahogany gives a "warm, mellow" tone like a classical or hawaiian guitar and Ash (depending on origin) usually gives an "edgy, sharp" tone favoured by some musicians but there are endless opinions about which is best. My project is to rebuild a 10 stringer Lap. The original base board, which needs renewing, is Hard Maple. This has been confirmed by the original maker. This brings me back to the original question which I believe had been adequately discussed here. I have posted the same question on a few musical forums but because they are mainly in the US or Canada where the temp and RH conditions vary so much according to state, you can understand that the replys are of equal variation. I was after "Local" UK expert opinions. It has been suggested to store the board in our spare room in a constant RH of around 40 to 45% for 3 months or would it would be prudent to have the board kiln dried to make sure?. (Johnelliot "needs to be forced")
If anyone is still awake after this, thank you for your replies they are much appreciated and I hope you found this of interest.
To morrisminordriver, I will contact you with info within the next few days.
JG.