Bearclaw Sitka "Vancouver Flame" soundboard - Dreadnought SSVFMG2604012

The spectacular bookmatched "Vancouver Flame" 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. Notably, this specific set features a unique "flame" figure running across the grain rather than diagonally; as such, it has been designated "Vancouver flame."

This set exhibits some small inclusions outside the dreadnought template area. And one which can be covered with fingerboard (noted in photos)

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 535mm x 240mm x 4mm (per half)

Total Width 480mm (Joined)

Figure Type "Vancouver Flame" (Transverse Flame Figure)

Sourcing Ethically salvaged, Old-growth

Physical & Acoustic Properties

Visual Characteristics: This set deviates from standard diagonal bearclaw patterns, displaying a rare transverse "flame" that runs perpendicular to the grain. The figure is high-intensity and consistent across both bookmatched halves.

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 4mm, 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 "Vancouver Flame" chatoyancy.

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