Letter: Osage Orange

by Rion Dudley

Originally published in American Lutherie #36, 1993



Dear GAL,

I’d like to express my appreciation to all who have contributed to the GAL over the years. I especially want Rick Turner and Harry Fleishman to know that their knowledge, opinions, and ideas have been a great help to my lutherie work. The recent publication of the information on alternative lutherie woods has inspired me to share my own experience.

A number of years ago (longer than I wish to remember), Ted Davis wrote an article about his experience using Osage orange for a small-bodied Martin-style guitar. I read that article with great interest, and purchased some Osage orange that was nearly quartered from Gilmer Woods. The wood sat around my shop and collected dust for quite awhile.