Roasted Curly Soft Maple is Curly Soft Maple that has been thermally modified. The wood is heated gradually to over 160°C in oxygen-free chambers, a natural, chemical-free process that darkens it to a rich caramel or chocolate brown while keeping the curl.The heat changes the wood's cell structure, so it absorbs less moisture. That makes it more dimensionally stable, which guitar makers value for necks. It also becomes a little more brittle, so it chips more easily than unmodified maple, and it's best for tops, panels, flooring and instrument parts rather than intricate joinery. Expect a pleasant, toasty smell when you cut it.The very dry wood soaks up finish, so plan on a generous coat. Our in-house woodworker has had excellent results with Osmo Polyx-Oil, and he suggests a thicker finish works best. Use sharp tools and light passes to avoid chipping in the figure.It's popular with guitar makers for necks and bodies, and for fine furniture, paneling and specialty pieces, where it offers the look of a dark exotic with the reliability of maple. See also Roasted Birdseye Maple.