The hemlock I've fondled around here is all a rather dense wood for a top, so it wouldn't be my first choice - unless it was a really pretty piece, of course. I have used it, because of the hardness, for small fittings, but the samples I've had access to would make better backs than tops. I haven't tried bending any.

It is listed in one of my refs as likely to produce health problems if handled too much, although not more so than quite a few other woods. It does raise the point that a dust filter should be used in many of the woodworking activities associated with instrument building. It's really depressing to find a wood you like, and then find you can't use it anymore because you've inhaled too much and become allergic to it.

John