Bigleaf maple is normally considered a lower-valued commercial hardwood tree in the Pacific Northwest. However, when rare wood patterns known as figuring are observed throughout a maple log, it may be used in high value products to enhance the appearance of guitars and violins, furniture, and many other specialty items. This presentation provides an overview of figuring in big leaf maple, locating and identifying it, as well as private research currently underway to confirm whether figuring is heritable or is a result of environmental conditions.
The presenter, John Keller, is a consulting forester retained by Pacific Rim Tonewoods, Inc. to assist in the development of desirable genetic lines of high-quality figured maple suitable for eventual harvest, manufacture, and use in musical instruments.
When: Wednesday, Nov 16, 2022
Where: 19950 7th Ave NE #200, Poulsbo, WA 98370 and Online (Zoom)
Time: 5:30 – Social 6:00 – Presentation
Cost: no cost
This meeting has been approved for 1.0 Cat 1 CFE.