Sitka is grown on the west coast of Canada. The bearclaw figure, remarkable for its beauty, interupts the straightness of grain. The effect on sound is controversial. For good soundboard response, most important are vertical cut grain (quartersawn) and tightness of grain (lines per inch across the grain).


Some of the bearclaw is diagonal, short and wiggly, and some straight across the grain, wider and longer.  As most bearclaw figure is not deep or consistent across the depth of the board, it can change from side to side in the bookmatch.  Some bearclaw bookmatching does happen!   Mainly in AAA grade. It is quite stiff.

Bearclaw Sitka 358
AA top.  12 - 18 lines per inch.
very Prominent long bearclaw figure in a large circular pattern, like a head or a heart shape.  Well bookmatched.  Long, straight grain lines.  ENTER vertical cut.  Sitka white-yellow colour dominates this top.  
Each board: Length 23.5, 59.8 cm;  Width 8.75”, 22.3 cm; Thickness 0.170”
Weight 16.05 oz; Density 24.73 lb/cubic foot.
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Bearclaw Sitka 357

AA top with consistently dynamic bearclaw figure all over this board, and excellently bookmatched.  Colour typical of Sitka Spruce is uniform.

Each Length 23.375”, 59.3 cm; Width 8.625”,  22.2 cm; Thickness .193”, planed on both sides.

Weight 18 oz; Density 24.95 lb/cubic foot.
Lines per Inch 15 - 35.  Super tight grain through 4" from centre.  Straight longitudinal lines.  Excellent vertical cut.


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Bearclaw Sitka set 97
AAA top.  Tight and straight longitude grain at 16-32 lines per inch.  Very tight grain from 3.75 inch from centre.  
Good bearclaw figure resembling clouds, and well bookmatched.  Colour typical white-yellow-brown blush-of-red Sitka colour. 
Each board: Length 23”, 58.5 cm;  Width 8.75”, 22.2 cm; Thickness 0.180”
Weight 19 oz; Density 28.30 lb/cubic foot.  
Medullary rays, indicating very good vertical cut.
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