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Post by marcus on Feb 1, 2024 22:00:56 GMT
I do like that end view photo --- looks very architectural and reminds me of parliament house in Canberra, Australia...
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Post by marcus on Dec 23, 2023 22:20:25 GMT
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Post by marcus on Nov 21, 2023 0:47:06 GMT
Hi Colin, Can I ask whether you thought it was worth using the tree as opposed to normal mahogany? Do you think it made any difference to the sound or is it more about the spectacular looks? All the best, marcus
Without doubt it is a stunning tonewood both visually and tonally, but of course like any other tonewood it is down to the maker to bring out it's best. Both of the guitars I have heard using this wood sound superb, (modestly) I'd say that the one I built was the best sounding 'Honduran' mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla) guitar that I have made, but it did have an LS redwood top and as we know the top is the major contributor to tone. Ian's Tom Sands' guitar, which I have heard at a number of the HB get togethers, is also a great sounding guitar in his hands. But yes part of the attraction of the Tree is it's wonderful looks. Tone is a very personal thing, my favourite B&S wood for a steel string guitar is still Cuban Mahogany (Swietenia Mahogani), which to me gives the perfect blend of mahogany's separation and rosewood's resonance. I think that the Tree is just a little more leaning towards rosewood's sound. The very best straight grain BRW from re-cycled furniture is unbeatable for classical guitars, but for steel string there are many of the tropical hardwoods that are it's equal. Honduran Rosewood, Ziricote and Cambodian Beng are three, among many, that come to mind. But I still prefer Cuban mahogany for a steel string. Just my opinion of course.
Hi Colin,
Thanks very much for your detailed and informative reply. It’s interesting that you found the Tree to be unique/special compared to other Honduran mahogany guitars you built. Just as interesting that you still prefer building with Cuban mahogany. Appreciate that everyone’s opinion regarding tone is unique but I appreciate hearing your thoughts on tone as a guitar maker with experience of using the Tree vs non-Tree.
Funny that you should mention Honduran rosewood. The nicest sounding guitar for my ears that I ever got to own/play was a Spruce/Honduran rosewood 00 built by Bruce Sexauer in the States. I should not have let that one go…
Thanks again, marcus
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Post by marcus on Nov 19, 2023 23:24:54 GMT
They keep feeding it out in small numbers, at increasing prices. I did make a guitar from it a number of years ago when it was at a reasonable price, I think about $3500 a set for the top grade. The set belonged to the customer so I had nothing invested in it, and I insisted that the customer took responsibility for it. The back is not a problem but bending the sides is where all of the risk is, I did use Supersoft veneer spray on it to relax the fibres prior to bending, and it bent like a dream. I also used a brand new router bit when cutting the binding channels, and precut the sides with a gramil to limit the possibility of tear out when routing as the grain of the quilting can run in multiple directions. It was paired with a superb LS Redwood top from Hank Mauel. So ended up with both the premium B&S set and top. Now working on a highly figured Ziricote B&S is where the real challenge comes, if not the financial risk. Hi Colin, Can I ask whether you thought it was worth using the tree as opposed to normal mahogany? Do you think it made any difference to the sound or is it more about the spectacular looks? All the best, marcus
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Post by marcus on Oct 20, 2023 1:30:01 GMT
Lovely video, thanks Phil. Eagerly awaiting a copy of this double CD in the mail...
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Post by marcus on Sept 13, 2023 1:32:21 GMT
Haven't put anything on this thread for ages but came across this today. And when I say 'stripped back' I mean 'stripped back'. Of course helps if you have a voice like Rachael Price ... That is beautiful...
How about this for an interesting take...
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Post by marcus on Aug 3, 2023 23:42:28 GMT
I'm having the same problem with my AER 60.
I contacted AER and they got back to me quickly with a quote. While I would have considered forking out 14 euro for the foam, the quoted 50 euro shipping cost to Australia was somewhat of a "dealbreaker".
Given Keith's apparent predilection for "naked" AERs, I may just follow suit...
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Post by marcus on Apr 9, 2023 9:38:07 GMT
Looks like your Turnstone is well and truly adjusting to a new, relaxing life on the couch Downunder... enjoy Russ.
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Post by marcus on Feb 7, 2023 8:59:33 GMT
Very soothing... thanks for sharing this Robbie.
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Post by marcus on Feb 7, 2023 0:22:30 GMT
For me it's my beautiful Brook acoustic bass. Rarely does a day go by when I don't miss it. I remember you posting about that quite some years ago Robbie, and perhaps seeing a video of you playing it on a multi-track guitar piece. Do you still have a video clip somewhere of it?
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Post by marcus on Feb 7, 2023 0:15:00 GMT
This was a lovely, simply-appointed small guitar built by Bruce Sexauer that had such a great big beautiful tone. It also had a wedge body which made it easy on the picking arm. I never quite got used to the slightly angled frets but believe that this was due to my lack of skill rather than the design... I should have stuck with it and adapted. Apart from that, the playability was great and the neck very comfortable. By gosh it sounded good and I do regret letting it go (especially as his prices went up considerably after that time)....
PS, that's not me in the picture... that's someone else who evidently enjoyed the guitar very much
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Post by marcus on Oct 29, 2022 6:41:09 GMT
Wonderful, thanks for taking the time to post the video. They both look and sound great.
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Post by marcus on Oct 29, 2022 6:33:45 GMT
Nice one Russ. That looks really unique and sounds like you are very happy with the result.
Lovely to learn about a new-to-me Australian builder.
Looking forward to seeing your other new guitar.
And, congrats on turning a big number this year.
All the best, marcus
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Post by marcus on Oct 27, 2022 4:01:07 GMT
The suspense is killing me.........
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Post by marcus on Jun 8, 2022 9:46:31 GMT
Hi jwills57,
Thanks for the clarification. I checked out that video for Taran guitars and the join looks really complicated (and strong and secure). Evidently there are many different approaches to this.
Looking forward to seeing the finished guitars.
All the best, marcus
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