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Old 01-06-2012, 06:02 PM
JoeCharter JoeCharter is offline
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Default How rare is "The Tree"?

I just commissioned a new guitar today and chose mahogany from "The Tree" for the back and sides.

Is quilted mahogany super rare for real, or is "The Tree" desirable mostly for the romantic story around it?
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Old 01-06-2012, 06:14 PM
000-18GE 000-18GE is offline
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Joe - is this in addition to the custom build's you indicated recently that you're getting from two world-renowned builders??? In either event, I wish I had your new guitar budget. Would love to hear how they all sound when you finally take possession.

Sorry I got nothing in response to your question though....hehe.
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Old 01-06-2012, 06:16 PM
jhchang jhchang is offline
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I'm no expert but my impression "THE TREE" indicates there is just that 1 single tree of its kind in the world.
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Old 01-06-2012, 06:21 PM
PowerTube PowerTube is offline
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Where is information about this tree?
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Old 01-06-2012, 06:28 PM
TimberlineGuy TimberlineGuy is offline
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I love the Tree! I've been lucky enough to play a guitar with 'The Tree' back and sides! From what I understand, it has a few different characteristics to it than other mahogany boards. I don't know the exact details, but i remember there is a considerable difference in the stiffness and workability. I don't build guitars, i just play them! All I can honestly speak to is the tone! And it is noticeably different than plain ol mahogany!

I think i was trying to answer your question of "reason for desirability"
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Old 01-06-2012, 06:40 PM
JoeCharter JoeCharter is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 000-18GE View Post
Joe - is this in addition to the custom build's you indicated recently that you're getting from two world-renowned builders??? In either event, I wish I had your new guitar budget. Would love to hear how they all sound when you finally take possession.

Sorry I got nothing in response to your question though....hehe.
You're hi-jacking my thread!

One build has been confirmed ("The Tree") while I've backed out of the second one. I figured I'd rather have one Camry than two Yarises...

I've got no kids and my folks are well taken care of. My only vice is guitars. And fine dining. And just three years ago I was nearly broke so hang in there...
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Old 01-06-2012, 06:40 PM
000-18GE 000-18GE is offline
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I found this article if it's helpful to anyone:

http://www.guitarbench.com/2009/10/0...ature-article/
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Old 01-06-2012, 06:41 PM
JoeCharter JoeCharter is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jhchang View Post
I'm no expert but my impression "THE TREE" indicates there is just that 1 single tree of its kind in the world.
Funny guy...
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Old 01-06-2012, 06:49 PM
Jeff M Jeff M is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by JoeNewbie View Post
I just commissioned a new guitar today and chose mahogany from "The Tree" for the back and sides.

Is quilted mahogany super rare for real, or is "The Tree" desirable mostly for the romantic story around it?
It's pretty.
The supply of wood from it is limited.
Lots of folks like pretty guitars.
Supply and demand.
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Old 01-06-2012, 06:51 PM
PowerTube PowerTube is offline
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UNREAL........

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Old 01-06-2012, 07:17 PM
JoeCharter JoeCharter is offline
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Quote:
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UNREAL........

Is that your guitar? That is unreal indeed. Not all pieces from "The Tree" have that much contrast in them...
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Old 01-06-2012, 08:59 PM
PowerTube PowerTube is offline
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Quote:
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Is that your guitar? That is unreal indeed. Not all pieces from "The Tree" have that much contrast in them...
Um.....no. That's from the article linked above.

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Old 01-06-2012, 09:58 PM
Kevin A Kevin A is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Jeff M View Post
It's pretty...
Lots of folks like pretty guitars.
Taylor makes pretty guitars!


Whoops....wrong thread!
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Old 01-06-2012, 10:00 PM
JoeCharter JoeCharter is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Kevin A View Post
Taylor makes pretty guitars!


Whoops....wrong thread!
The build will take a year so it's not an R. Taylor...
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  #15  
Old 01-06-2012, 11:48 PM
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riorider riorider is offline
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BBWW is the most knowledgeable person I know about the tree. RTaylor used to have the story on their website, along with a picture of one they build for Bob.

Yes, it's just one tree, a Honduran mahogany tree. Found in the 60s, and not harvested until the 70s, and it's rare, and the tone from it is like "super" mahogany - lots of fundamentals but sustain and some moderate overtones, but limited. And, of course, like any wood, most of the tone is from the builder.

I have one from Mike Baranik with a cedar top; one commissioned from John Mayes which will have an LS redwood top; and one commissioned from Tim McKnight which will have a spruce top (not settled yet on which spruce).

If you like mahogany tone, and if you like flamey wood, "the tree" is a great choice. But it's rare and getting harder to find.

Cheers,

Phil

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