Taxus baccata| Tonewood Profile | ”Yew”
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European and Pacific Yew are very similar species, in terms of physical properties.
Quick Facts
Scientific name: Taxus baccata
Trade names: Yew
Janka: approx 1,600 lbs-force
Uses: Back & sides, drop tops, veneer
RIYL: Maple, Walnut
Bling factor: Often very plain
Availability: Limited
CITES status: Not listed. No restrictions
Natural History
European Yew is a very slow growing small/medium evergreen attaining heights of 28m and a trunk diameter of up to 4m. Some stands in Scotland are estimated to be approximately 2,000 years old. The fruits are soft, bright red and berry-like. Whilst the seed itself is extremely poisonous, the aril not harmful and very sweet tasting.
The Yew has been exploited throughout history for it’s timber as well as for taxanes. In the Middle Ages, yew was extensively harvested for bowstaves whereas more recently, chemotherapy agents called Taxanes have been extracted from the leaves of European Yew & bark of the Pacific Yew.
Adrian Lucas
Arbour
(click for fullsize)
Arbour Model
Douglas fir top
English yew b/s
Read more about this guitar here.
Status
This species is threatened by disease as well as demand from pharmaceutical companies. However, conservation efforts are ongoing.
Physical properties
It has a Janka rating of approximately 1,600 lbs-force and a specific gravity of 670kg/m3. It can be stable and durable although the sapwood is susceptible to woodworm attack and many newer trees have spiralled trunks creating problems especially when bending sides.
As a tonewood…
Subjective tone…
I have found it to be an excellent tonally with a maple like clarity but with very sweet, intimate and appealing overtones. Adrian Lucas finds it “imparts a woody, springy quality to the tone of a guitar.”
Availability
Very limited.
References:
Wikipedia
Adrian Lucas www.lucasguitars.co.uk
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