Backing Material

[tradbower]

I have a question concerning backing material. Between Hickory and Bamboo which would make a better backing?

[PEARL DRUMS]

Both. Bamboo is 10x (or so) stronger in tension than hickory, hickory is easier to work with and obtain locally.

[J.F. Miller]

Bamboo is a superior backing material to even the finest quarter sawn pignut hickory. "Bamboo" is a little vague. don't fall for the less expensive, lesser quality Moso bamboo that is advertised all over the place. you get what you pay for, and for a little more money, you can get better quality Maso bamboo.

[John Scifres]

Bamboo is harder to work but better in performance for me.  Hickory is great too and easier to work.

[fujimo]

wher can one obtain the maso bamboo as apposed to the moso.
thanks
wayne

[J.F. Miller]

Bamboo and Rattan Works.

[Sal]

Where is maso from?  How is it different that moso?  I'm curious about all types of bamboos, I've made bows with moso and black bamboo.  

For some reason, I thought it was the same stuff, just spelled differently.  Kinda like bowdark, osage, hedge, bois d arc all mean the same thing.