Bearclaw Sitka soundboard - Dreadnought SSBCMG2603229

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.

This set exhibits small inclusions outside the dreadnought template area

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.