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Amazing Guitars Proudly Displayed
Here, I'll show you more guitars than cases. Read on and you'll see why. This is just a modest peek at the finest collection
of guitars I have ever seen. After playing each and every one of them, I must admit that my four Jumbo Shell Cases are humbled
by the guitars they host.
Neverthless, I hope you'll see in these images what patience in woodcrafting yields, both in the guitars and in the cases
that present and preserve them.
Mitch - Founder & Owner
The wildest, most exotic and heaviest wood we've ever used is called Jatoba.
{ Pronounced: Wa-Toe-Ba, we call it Wow-Toe-Ba }
It is a sub species of Cherry from Brazil. Ten times harder than Oak, it is
commonly used as flooring. It is so dense, carbide tools dull in a day's use.
This client asked for the best. We searched and waited, and searched some more. We were rewarded with a rare, highly figured
Jatoba. Ribbons of gold flicker with iridescence under the hand rubbed varnish. Bright sections turn dark, and visa versa,
as you view from different angles. This 3D wood looks to be alive.
Some of the wood is Spaulted, an effect of microscopic rotting that results in wild colors and textures. Despite the incredible
density of this wood, the dovetails are clean and tight. A tribute to the patient hands of old fashioned craftsmanship. Dense
woods are the trophies of a shop's skill.
On the left, a beautiful Taylor T5 with an iridescent Koa top. Wood lovers are most attracted to what we call figuring.
Textures with depth are often falsely attributed to the varnish. Even an ammeter wood finish will glow when the wood has as
much character as this Koa.
Speaking of exotic wood, look closely at the image above right. You will notice a guitar hanging backwards and for good
reason. This guitar's back and sides are made with what may be the rarest wood on earth. My goal was to match the finish on
this gorgeous guitar with my varnished Jatoba.
Found in New Zealand, this wood was buried in peat bogs before the last ice age. Massive stumps and logs are harvested
like buried treasure. In a sense, this is the oldest guitar in the world. Hard to believe? Research this ancient wood and
the Master Luthier who builds with it, Laurie Williams:
Web Link: Laurie Williams Guitars
www.ancientwood.com
| 50,000 yrs old guitar !!! |
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The Kauri top of Laurie Williams' guitar is beautifully book matched and figured with texture that rivals the ancient Kauri
back. This guitar was as amazing to play as it was to see. It has a bright and rich sound. Bass tones vibrate from the top
of what may be the softest guitar I have ever played.
To the right of the Kauri, a guitar built by Master Luthier Tony Vines. With an instrument as beautiful and as valuable
as this, a savvy collector never lets it out of sight.
African Blackwood makes an erie sound, much deeper than any guitar I've ever heard. The neck is lightning fast. So much
faster than any other acoustic, I was ripping Satriani licks without knowing it. I thought I'd found a hybrid of an electric
neck on an acoustic body.
An exotic wood from French Guinea called Miridiba trims every edge and seem. This is a heavily appointed guitar. With a side
sound hole, you'd expect something unusual, and the effect is outstanding.
On the right, a custom Owl Inlay dresses the headstock and Diamond Crown Hydration Accessories dress the case.
The loudest acoustic guitar I have ever played, the African Black-Wood back and sides resonate forever with a deep tone
that rings your ribs as you play.
tonyvinesguitars.com
On the left, look closely at the way the top is bound to the sides on the Tony Vines. A tapered section of highly figured
Miridiba cuts the typical 90 degree angle into a pair of 45's. The guitar is much more comfortable with this softening of
the edge, but I suspect it is the softening of the top that Tony was looking for. Something must explain the nearly infinite
sustain.
On the right, a peek at the African Blackwood back. A small section of brighter sapwood splits the seem. The neck is built
up from too many sections to count, each a wild contrast with the next. Every aspect of this guitar pushes the envelope of
quality. It is such an honor to have it hang in one of our Jumbo Shell Cases.
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