Opinions wanted on use of this Sitka top...

[rangerdave1]

I purchase a bear claw Sitka Spruce top from eBay and when it arrived, I was a little disapointed because the growth lines are spread wide apart. From my understanding, the tighter the grain the better so I am a bit concerned if this is good enough top. It has a good ring when I tap on it but mostly concerned about it's stability long term .

And before anyone ask, I bought it because I thought it looked good.. probably should have looked at it closer.

I attached a few photos and seeking advice and opinions

[kiwigeo]

I've got some red spruce that looks a lot like that top. Looks a bit scary but sounds ok.

[lamanoditrento]

I had thought the association between tighter grain and strength is a misnomer and the only reason for tight grain it is purely aesthetic. So if you liked the look of it, I'd say use it.

You could test the modulus of elasticity to be sure for that particular piece.

[Allen]

I have plenty of soundboards that have wide grain spacing but so bloody stiff that I end up taking them thinner than others that would have narrower spacing.

Lots of my clients would pick that top because it looks like timber.

[kiwigeo]

Well I think the consensus is...go for it!

[Steve.Toscano]

I'd be more concerned about the bearclaw then the wide grain....
In my experience tops with heavy bearclaw tend to be less stiff along the grain then those without.

[rangerdave1]

Thanks for the replies. I wont stress over the wide grain.

I wouldn't normally buy an expensive guitar with bear claw but being able to build my own for fun lets me experiment so when i found this top for reasonable money, I jumped on it.

[yakka]

http://pacificrimtonewoods.com/wp-conte ... Report.pdf

for information purposes
regards