What types of wood would be typically be in a hardwood sleeper?

[Ferdad]

I’m planning on making a lap steel guitar, which is made from 200mm x 75mm sleepers, but the specific hardwood matters for the right tone.

What would typically be the types of wood Bunnings would use?

thanks

[Jason]

Hi @Ferdad,

Thanks for joining in the discussion. We're looking forward to seeing you build your guitar. Sounds like a fantastic project. 

Let me tag our resident Bunnings D.I.Y. expert @EricL to find out for you what hardwood is typically sold in-store. If you let us know your nearest warehouse, Eric would be able contact the store to see what is currently available. 

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. Please let me know if you ever need a hand getting the most from the site.

Jason

[Ferdad]

Jason,

im northern beaches based so either Narrabeen or bel rose 

[EricL · Accepted solution]

Hello @Ferdad

Thank you for sharing your guitar project with the community.

I've spoken to the Narrabeen and Belrose stores, I'm so sorry but the type and size you are after are not available. The common hardwood timber that the store carries is either sierra or jarrah. Due to the size, you are after it may have to be specially ordered from the store. When building a lap guitar would it be possible to use hardwood timber that has been glued together? It sounds like a fantastic project to make. Let me make some more inquiries for you on sourcing hardwood at that size. Did you have a specific hardwood in mind? At what length do you need it? Any information you can provide about your proposed build would be much appreciated.

Eric

[Ferdad]

Eric

the design is below, dimensions are 900-1m long, 200m wide, needs 75mm thickness. 
the wood should be one piece for tone. Preferred a “hard, dense, resonant wood” for tone

Looking  for pine style grain to match my other guitars.

[EricL]

Hello @Ferdad

Thank you for the update and measurements for your project. I know you are after hardwood but have you considered using Microshades Sleeper H4 200 x 75mm - 2.4m as an alternative? I'm so sorry, I've asked our timber specialist and suppliers at the store and am unable to find a source for you. I recommend searching third-party sources such as gumtree or demolition markets.

Let me tag our experienced members @JDE and @TedBear for their recommendations.

Please keep us updated, we look forward to seeing your lap guitar built.

Eric