Bearclaw Sitka soundboard - Dreadnought SSBCMG2603222

The spectacular bookmatched Dreadnought bearclaw Sitka spruce soundboard, sourced from ethically harvested old-growth trees, exemplifies master-grade craftsmanship. This extremely rare wood, rescued from a blow-down event on the northern tip of Vancouver Island in 2025, enhances the acoustic properties of guitars by offering a balanced tonal range with rich overtones. Its structural integrity contributes to superior sound quality and longevity.

Feature Specification

Species Picea sitchensis (Sitka Spruce)

Origin Vancouver Island, British Columbia (2025 Blow-down Event)

Grade Master Grade / Exhibition

Cut Bookmatched, Quarter-sawn

Dimensions 560mm x 240mm x 4mm (per half)

Total Width 480mm (Joined)

Figure Type Bearclaw

Sourcing Ethically salvaged, Old-growth

Physical & Acoustic Properties

Visual Characteristics:

This premium set features a classic bearclaw figure, characterized by the natural, "tufted" ripples that occur when wood fibers grow in a contorted, asymmetrical pattern. Unlike standard straight-grained sets, these markings create a distinct, shimmering chatoyancy that catches the light from multiple angles. The figure is high-intensity and remains consistent and well-balanced across both bookmatched halves, providing a rugged yet refined aesthetic to the wood's surface.

Tonal Profile: Provides a high stiffness-to-weight ratio, resulting in a broad dynamic range. Expect crisp highs, resonant mid-tones, and significant harmonic complexity (rich overtones).

Structural Integrity: Excellent longitudinal and lateral stability, suitable for high-tension steel-string configurations.

Processing Recommendations

Final Thinning: At a starting thickness of 4 mm, these boards provide ample material for precise thicknessing. Target a final range of 2.8mm to 3.2mm for optimal resonance.

Finishing: Responds exceptionally well to French polish or thin nitrocellulose to accentuate the bearclaw chatoyancy.

Jointing: Ensure precision edge-joining to maintain the visual continuity of the transverse figure across the center seam.