This site is dedicated to the exploration of the materials used to build guitars – where they come from, the ecology of the trees that produce the woods, the sustainability and trade issues and the like. I’m interested in the choices available and how these are changing as traditional materials become scarcer and alternatives are…
Posts
Quenda, Zanda, Jacaranda! What’s in a name?
I’ve been writing a piece on Brazilian Rosewood (Dalbergia nigra) – or Braz, as it’s sometimes referred to. While I’m interested in all the various alternative woods and materials used to build guitars, I also need to spend some time focusing on some of the traditional mainstays. Brazilian Rosewood has an almost legendary reputation among…
Mighty oaks, whisky and guitars
Why whisky? And the answer is: “Why not?” Although I live in Australia, I grew up in Scotland and still maintain a strong affection for my home country. Many fine things originate in Scotland, not the least of which is Scotch whisky, and I also maintain a strong affection for good single malt whiskies. My…
From forest giant in Canada to floorboards in Australia
An historical example of the global timber trade that has nothing much to do with guitars A case of cognitive dissonance.. As someone with an ecology/conservation background, I love nature. I am awestruck whenever I’m in the natural world encountering magnificent trees, beautiful wildflowers and fascinating animals. I’m also saddened by the loss of so…
The big picture: storylines for the nature of music
As mentioned in an earlier post, when I started this site, I indicated that the original plan had been to write a book. That may still happen down the track. Regardless, as well as writing individual posts, I still want to develop a broader story-line that delivers a bigger picture of the topics I hope…
At home with the Hendersons
Everything starts somewhere. This project owes its genesis to Wayne and Jayne Henderson, a father and daughter in Virginia and North Carolina that both make incredible guitars. I first heard of Wayne in 2016 through coming across a book by Allen St John called “Clapton’s Guitar: Watching Wayne Henderson Build the Perfect Instrument” , published…
A message from Richard Hoover of Santa Cruz Guitar Company
Richard and I recently connected again, and he was willing for me to share his recent message relating to how SCGC is faring with the current crisis. I think there are important messages there, and also in the podcast he did for Fretboard Journal, which also appears below. Lightning, thunder and hail in Santa Cruz,…
Why write about guitars when the world’s falling apart?
I’m writing this while the world is gripped by the greatest threat to humanity in a generation – the COVID-19 pandemic is ripping through countries around the globe, and governments are scrabbling to respond effectively. In the midst of all this, I wondered why I should even bother start on this project. Spending time researching…