Woods

The woods used in my instruments have been chosen as a result of many years experimentation by Luthiers past and present. They are not random choices but are used to provide the specific qualities required of a particular instrument.

My stock of woods is extensive and has been built up over the years. I source timber that is quarter sawn with a straight and even grain. It is stacked and seasoned for many months in a stable and dry environment before use.

The top or soundboard of an instrument is the part that really has to work. It needs to be able to detect the vibrations from the strings through the saddle and bridge, and then amplify them. It has to recognise, interpret and distinguish the individual frequencies and amplitudes and impart character.

Soundboard

There are two main choices of woods for instrument tops, spruce and cedar. Of the spruce family the most favoured variety is European spruce. This has the power, projection and clarity that is required yet can still impart a warmth and softness to the tone. Western red cedar is still occasionally used and should definitely have a place in the Luthiers workshop. It will impart a warmer and more mellow tone than spruce.

European spruce is a stronger and more resistant wood than cedar, which can be prone to wear. An instrument with a spruce top will also continue develop in tone and character over the years unlike cedar, which has a tendency to peak early on.

Body

The back and sides of an instrument with the soundboard complete the body. The density of the wood used for the back and sides and its ability to either reflect or absorb the vibrations from the top will have its own influence on the tonal character of the instrument. For my instruments I favour Indian rosewood. It is a dense and resonant wood and imparts richness to the tone of the instrument.

Neck

I use Brazilian mahogany for the necks on my instruments. It is light in weight but also has excellent strength and stability. Fingerboards and bridges are made from ebony, a dense, durable black wood. All purfling and binding, soundhole rosette, and headstock decoration is made from solid wood.

Mandolins, Mandolas, Bouzoukis, Citterns