BASS

Basswood is a pale white to light brown coloured wood with its sapwood and heartwood sections not easily identifiable. Its growth rings tend to be subtle, and its colour is mostly uniform throughout the face grain of the wood. It is uncommon to find knots and other defects in this type of domestic hardwood. It has a straight grain with a fine, even texture and moderate natural luster. Basswood is rated as non-durable in regard to core decay. Its soft and light characteristics make it easy to work with and it is perhaps one of the most suitable types of wood for hand carving. Basswood also glues and finishes well, but has poor steam bending and does not hold onto nails that well. It is frequently used in carvings, lumber, musical instruments (electric guitar bodies), veneer, plywood, and wood pulp/fiber products.