Members Cams Posted November 21, 2003 Members Share Posted November 21, 2003 I'm very interested in an all Tasmanian blackwood guitar build by German luthier Heiner Dreizehnter, pics of which are on my site. This guitar blew me away when I tried it and it's been on my mind since then. As blackwood tops are pretty thin on the ground, and given that it's a similar wood to koa, I wondered if anyone could give me any thoughts on all-koa guitars, or indeed all Tasmanian blackwood guitars. I'm interested in what you consider to be their strengths and weaknesses, and what sort of "opening up" can be expected from these guitars. I've already played it and love its tone, but just wanted a few thoughts from those with more experience of such guitars than I. Cheers,Cams Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members EvilTwin Posted November 21, 2003 Members Share Posted November 21, 2003 I've heard koa referred to as very, very similar to mahogany tone-wise, except that it doesn't compress at all like mahogany. It's a very open sounding wood, and its brightness depends on the density of the particular slab of wood. At least that's how I've heard it described. I haven't really had a chance to play one, but I've played various all-mahogany guitars. Cool stuff. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Quake17 Posted November 21, 2003 Members Share Posted November 21, 2003 Cams, Good timing on your question! I spent last night playing my all koa Martin dred and was attempting to put the sound into some sort of coherent description. I've had the guitar for almost two years and it took a good 8 or 9 months to start to open up (the process still continues). Most koa tops sound very tight but they do have great sustain from the start. I had an all koa dred in the mid-'80s that I missed for 10 years before replacing it. It's such a unique sound and if you like it from the first time, it will only improve.When I play for non-musicians, I like to switch between the koa and rosewood and I'm at a 100% preference for the "chorus-like" sound of the all koa. Grant Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Cams Posted November 21, 2003 Author Members Share Posted November 21, 2003 Originally posted by Quake17 Good timing on your question! I spent last night playing my all koa Martin dred and was attempting to put the sound into some sort of coherent description. I've had the guitar for almost two years and it took a good 8 or 9 months to start to open up (the process still continues). Most koa tops sound very tight but they do have great sustain from the start. I had an all koa dred in the mid-'80s that I missed for 10 years before replacing it. It's such a unique sound and if you like it from the first time, it will only improve.When I play for non-musicians, I like to switch between the koa and rosewood and I'm at a 100% preference for the "chorus-like" sound of the all koa. Thanks for that Grant. Yes, I did like the blackwood guitar from the outset, which is why it's still on my mind six weeks down the line. I'm pleased to hear you mention the opening up, as I was almost convinced that a hardwood-topped guitar just wouldn't do that. Could be fun then. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members guitarcapo Posted November 22, 2003 Members Share Posted November 22, 2003 I've never played a hardwood topped guitar that sounded better than a spruce one but I must admit that they often record better when issues like volume aren't as important and boomy guitars can be a pain. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.