Padauk Bariolé: A guitar wood with personality
Ensuring that a guitar stands out and reflects a unique personality is an essential detail in its construction. If you want your guitar to possess an exceptional character that makes it stand out, choosing the right wood is crucial.
Samanguila, the best alternative to American Mahogany
Samanguila, or Khaya ivorensis for the technically inclined, is a type of wood that has been appearing in the world of luthiery. Known as African Mahogany in English, it has come to take the place traditionally held by classic Mahogany. This African-origin wood is increasingly appearing in luthiers’ workshops and guitar and bass manufacturers' catalogs. But is it really a good alternative to American Mahogany? Here, I’ll tell you more about African Mahogany.
Why Shellac is So Special in Musical Instruments
Shellac is one of those finishes that luthiers love, and for good reason. It protects and enhances the beauty of instruments without excessively affecting the natural vibrations of the wood—something not all finishes can achieve. Of course, every finish adds a bit of weight and changes the instrument’s properties, but shellac does this so lightly that it barely interferes.
Aging Techniques Every Luthier Should Know
Wood aging is a fundamental aspect of building high-quality guitars, a key technique in crafting a great instrument. Traditionally, luthiers have valued the passage of time in woods as a way to enhance the acoustic qualities of the piece. However, waiting decades for the wood to reach those qualities isn’t always practical.
Woods and Luthiers that Changed the Spanish Guitar in the 20th Century
The Spanish guitar is one of the most iconic instruments in the world. Its characteristic sound is not only the product of the luthier’s skill but also of the choice and combination of the woods used in its construction. During the 20th century, Spain experienced a golden age of guitar making, with master luthiers perfecting their techniques and developing a unique relationship with the woods to create true masterpieces of sound.
Estopa's new guitars are crafted among friends and woods
A few months ago, Guitarras Bros visited Maderas Barber in search of the best woods for the new guitars of Estopa, the group formed by the Muñoz brothers in 1999. Receiving them always turns into a gathering of old friends, where we share ideas and experiences, as well as a commitment to offer the best pieces to our customers.
Discover the foolproof method to enhance curly maple figure
Lutherie is an art where every detail matters, and wood is a fundamental element in considering all these details. Its natural beauty can be enhanced with the right techniques, making each piece unique.