Wenge duders/duderettes.

[Iommic Pope]

Anyone using Wenge for their neck?
I was thinking about getting one made but there are a few things I've been reading on its properties that I wanna clear up which would help me decide on which way to go, and most importantly, what to potentially spend.

I was thinking one piece with an ebony fret board, Ibanez wizard profile, standard 25.5' scale, but I've heard conflicting reports about whether or not it is suitable for a one piece.
Some say its incredibly strong and will resist the warping most one piece necks are prone to, others say it doesn't like heat and humidity too much (I live in QLD) and should be used in 3 or mor peice construction (3 piece is the other option the builder I was considering was offering).

Also, there's the matter of finish. Some say its fine to leave unfinished, which would be rad because that would keep costs down, and bare grains are sex. Others say something like a light tru oil finish should be applied to help seal it a bit, which also looks sexy. Then others say you shouldn't do that because it can fuck up the pores.

SO, who knows?
Anyone got one or a similar wood that can throw some light on this topic for me?

(Hehe, wood.)

[Twangasaurus]

[WayToHip]

This was last summer, but I played a '98 or so Warwick with a unfinished wenge neck. I didn't like the feel of the wood at all, the grain of the wood was massive. If you get a chance, try a wenge neck for yourself.

I will say though, that that Warwick was sexy and wood was coffee table beautiful, even the massive grains on the neck.

[Iommic Pope]

Yeah, that Warick was the thing everyone was talking about when I did some background research before posting here. People either loved it or hated it.
I'd love to try one out but the odds on finding one in my town are pretty slim. Still, it might be a good excuse to hit some guitar shops. Haven't done that in a while. Mostly because I loathe the asshats that work in those places.

And fuck yes, it looks like an amazing wood.
I think people were saying the feel of the grain depends on the way the wood is cut, so that might be another factor I need to look into.
Was also why I asked about the finish. Smoothing it out with a layer of something may be necessary???

Manga about table tennis. Crazy.

[WayToHip]

You would want the grains going with the length of the neck. I don't think wenge needs a finish, but I don't now a thing about wood.

[Iommic Pope]

I've read it doesn't, which is par of the appeal in keeping costs down.
Yeah if the grains are right and it feels good and it doesn't need to be finished, I wouldn't fuck with that.

[UglyCasanova]

If you're worried about humidity I would look into canary. It's more dense, less grainy and works great as a one piece. It's a little brighter in both looks and tone though.

[GlitteryChunks]

Firstly Wenge is cool. No, it doesn't need finish. But if the wood is shitty/not cured right then it doesn't really matter what anyone says or does to it, it's going to warp. If you got a builder you trust then pull the trigger on dat shit

As far as grain what you want is quarter saw (grain goes length-wise) This will make it more stable. I don't know of many necks that aren't quarter but they do exist. I don't see why Wenge wouldn't be quarter because then the grains would be like ribbed for her pleasure. But the truss rod has more to do with stability than the wood (once it's in there)

Some people are paranoid about their equipment, (fucking up the pores? What the shit does that even mean?) I'm not. I don't think a "thin layer" of tru oil would do shit except fall into the deeper crevices of the wood leaving the vast majority of the grain unfilled. I call BS on that one.

Wow I have an uncreative potty mouth

[Iommic Pope]

Wow I have an uncreative potty mouth

But otherwise, incredibly helpful. Thanks man!

When I'm cashed up again I will probably make this happen. You just answered all my questions. And tasty, those answers were.

UC: Not sure if canary is an option down here (maybe it violates one of our many bizarre quarantine laws ), I've never seen it offered as an option, but it sounds pretty good from your description there.

[Chaosmic]

Love Wenge...my favorite neck wood by far. I definitely wouldn't finish it as it will take on a natural gloss over time from your hands (depending on your pH, I guess). Incredibly stable and very resonant. That said, my favorite aspect of Wenge is how fast it is. It's like the grain absorbs sweat and grime and stays fast all night...even under hot stage lights.

[fuzzyoctaves]

If you're worried about humidity I would look into canary. It's more dense, less grainy and works great as a one piece. It's a little brighter in both looks and tone though.

I got a Warmoth canary neck and haven't finished or oiled it. The feel of wood is so superior to polyurethane. When I play another guitar with a satin neck finish, it feels sticky because I am used to the sexy smooth feel of real wood. My next build will include a raw neck of either Rosewood or Wenge.

[Iommic Pope]

SOLD.
I'm going Wenge.
Thanks fellas

[UglyCasanova]

Sick! Looking forward to hearing your thoughts on it and seeing some photos!

If you're worried about humidity I would look into canary. It's more dense, less grainy and works great as a one piece. It's a little brighter in both looks and tone though.

I got a Warmoth canary neck and haven't finished or oiled it. The feel of wood is so superior to polyurethane. When I play another guitar with a satin neck finish, it feels sticky because I am used to the sexy smooth feel of real wood. My next build will include a raw neck of either Rosewood or Wenge.

Welcome, and awesome first post, haha! I'm thinking of giving wenge a go for my next build too

[Iommic Pope]

Wengemasters, UNITE!