Good guitars can be built from average materials but the very best guitars require the finest materials. I believe in the sourcing of materials so there are no compromises in the construction. Timbers must of course be carefully selected, seasoned and stored. I harness science and technology (i.e sound spectrograms) to help identify those timbers with the best potential to transmit sound vibrations and to work them in such a way so that their potential is maximised.
I prefer the use of rosewoods and related timbers, favouring those that are dense and displaying a brightness of tap tone. Madagascan Rosewood, African Blackwood and Indian Rosewood have all been used successfully to great effect. I am always looking to use woods of exceptional character to deliver both the tone and a strong and appealing aesthetic.
I generally use master grade German Spruce or Western Red Cedar although I have also used Red Spruce with great results.
Spruce is stiffer and can therefore be used thinner and will produce a very clear, pure and brighter tone.
Cedar, whilst less stiff will add more complex overtones and warmth.
Spanish Cedrela or Honduras Mahogany for strength and stability.
African Blackwood, Rosewoods or Ebony. Recently I have been using with great success Rocklite Ebano/Sundari for ultra lightweight bridges.
Solid wood bindings to complement the choice of the back/sides
Purflings and rosettes all handmade by me to my own house style
Nickel/silver fret wire is easier to install and cheaper but is quite soft and wears out much quicker. I favour the use of the harder fret wire Jescar Evo Gold. The gold colour complements the ebony to perfection and the harder alloy has a ‘smoother/slicker surface quality’.