Description
Discover the exceptional character of our AAA Minus Full Figured Bearclaw Dread Top, a figured soundboard designed for discerning luthiers seeking distinctive acoustic character. This Bearclaw Dread Top offers a unique blend of striking visual bearclaw figure and superior acoustic performance for your next dreadnought guitar. Sourced from salvage old-growth Sitka Spruce, these soundboards provide an incredible opportunity to craft instruments with both aesthetic appeal and outstanding resonant properties.
AAA Minus Full Figured Bearclaw Dreadnought tops are produced with the finest tonewood fiber in the world, procured from salvage-sourced old-growth Sitka Spruce. These booksets feature genuinely nice bearclaw figure with a discounted price point compared to premium grades. Most sets are cut at or very close to VG (on quarter), resulting in stiffness as glass and moderate to strong medullary ray presence. The bearclaw figure remains visually distinct while offering exceptional value for luthiers prioritizing both visual energy and acoustic performance.
Enhanced Resonance for Your Bearclaw Dread Top
Experience unparalleled acoustic depth with our Bearclaw Dread Top soundboard. Sourced from centuries-old, salvage-recovered Sitka Spruce, this timber has been naturally aged for an average of 400 years. This natural seasoning process enhances the wood fiber, delivering an exceptional stiffness-to-weight ratio crucial for superior projection and dynamic range. The inherent properties of old-growth Sitka Spruce create enhanced resonant characteristics, a quality unmatched by younger, plantation-grown alternatives, ensuring your dreadnought guitar achieves its full tonal potential.
Technical Specifications
Every Bearclaw Dread Top is meticulously prepared to meet the demanding standards of professional luthiers. Here are the key technical details:
- Grade: AAA Minus Full Figured Bearclaw (Visually distinct bearclaw figure at exceptional value)
- Species: Sitka Spruce (Picea sitchensis) – Old-growth, salvage-sourced
- Cut: Predominantly Quartersawn (near VG on quarter for maximum stiffness and tonal clarity, with moderate to strong medullary ray presence)
- Dimensions (per half bookset):
- Lower bout: 8″
- Waist: 5.25″
- Upper bout: 5.75″
- Length: 19.75–20″ (fits standard dreadnought guitar patterns)
- Overall 2 pc bookset boards: 8.5″ x 23″ (may not pattern full width and length; please consult if dimensions are critical)
- Source: 100% salvage-sourced old-growth timber, ensuring ethical and sustainable practices
100% Old Growth Reclaimed Wood Guarantee
With every Bearclaw Dread Top, we guarantee its origin from naturally fallen or salvage-recovered trees, never from environmentally damaging clear-cutting operations. This commitment to sustainable sourcing not only preserves vital old-growth forests but also provides luthiers access to tonewood with centuries of natural seasoning. Our figured soundboards represent an environmental gold standard in tonewood production, allowing you to build with both conscience and confidence.
Quality and Durability Assurance
Drawing on over 30 years of expertise, Alaska Specialty Woods ensures that each Bearclaw Dread Top meets rigorous structural and aesthetic standards. Our comprehensive grading system meticulously evaluates the distinctive visual bearclaw figure alongside critical acoustic factors such as grain slope, inherent stiffness, and overall resonant properties. While these tops are priced for exceptional value, their inherent quality and durability are assured, making them a reliable choice for professional luthiers worldwide crafting their finest dreadnought guitars.








jbgtr73 (verified owner) –
Great looking top!