Beech is more flexible than maple. Beech also compresses more than
maple.
Bear in mind that there are variations in maple and in beech. Rock
maple is the material of choice for pinblocks and bridges. Maple is an
indigenous American wood. Beech is all over the place but has several
types within the species.
Del would know more about this than I. I just know that B+APY-sondorfer
uses spruce exclusively except in those parts that _have_ to be made of
a hardwood, like pinblocks. Their structural, rims and keybeds are
spruce. Their lids are not.
Wood technology is wonderful and I wish I knew more than I do.
Newton
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