I have a question for you guys

[bbcustomboxcalls]

I received my regular order of Zebrawood and when I got it I noticed that there were dark squiggly lines on the surface but I didn't think much of it.
Until I started sawing up the pieces for some paddles.  Then I found that these lines went all the way through the wood.
I was  told this is spalted Zebrawood and is popular with guitar makers.  I've been making Zebrawood calls for 15 years and this is the first time I have come across spalted Zebrawood.
Now for my question, since these lines look like something a youngster would do with a marks a lot would you consider buying a call with those lines?
Personally I don't like it.



Bill

[paboxcall]

Spalted calls are cool looking.

[bbcustomboxcalls]

Yes I agree some spalted calls look great.  But to me I wouldn't want to pay $100 for a call with a paddle like that one.

Bill

[aclawrence]

I like spalting.


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[ChesterCopperpot]

Personally I'd dig it.


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[doublespurs21]

i don't see what's wrong with it....... i found  a piece of red cedar that was splated, cool piece of wood.....

[bbcustomboxcalls]

O.K. guys this is what I wanted to find out.  So far it looks like I am in the minority on this.

Bill

[eggshell]

spalted wood is usually weaker as it's starting to deteriorate. Knife makers use it in handles, but only after it has been stabilized. I have seen it used in pots before and have one, but I wouldn't want it in a paddle. 

[bbcustomboxcalls]

spalted wood is usually weaker as it's starting to deteriorate. Knife makers use it in handles, but only after it has been stabilized. I have seen it used in pots before and have one, but I wouldn't want it in a paddle.

That is an excellent point.

Bill

[gergg]

Not sure how it would work out as a paddle, but if it sounded good, I would be fine with it, added character.

[Greg Massey]

spalted wood is usually weaker as it's starting to deteriorate. Knife makers use it in handles, but only after it has been stabilized. I have seen it used in pots before and have one, but I wouldn't want it in a paddle.

That is an excellent point.

Bill

X2 .. I don't care for it myself, especially for paddles ...

[Crghss]

Wouldn't matter either way too me,

[ferocious calls]

If it sounds good great! I make a call called the Woods Witch from spalted sycamore, box and paddle. Very touchy to get great sound from this for me. When they are good they are very good. A hardwood paddle is much more forgiving on a softer wood. Seems that way anyway.