Are we ging to need a "linen" subforum for Blackbird El Capitan guitars?

[slewis]

They aren't made of carbon fiber, so, ya know, I'm just wondering...

[Acousticado]

Haha, I don't think so. Although Carbon Fiber is being considered the catch-all term, if it were to be changed, "Composite Guitars" would be most appropriate to encompass any non-wood construction, including linen.

[Captain Jim]

Nah, I don't think we need to sub-divide our linen brothers and sisters from this fine sub-forum. We get the occasional troll who thinks it will get to us by calling carbon fiber guitars "plastic"... so, will they come here and ask about those guitars made from old shirts??

I'm thinking the new Savoy will bring more interest this way. Good for all forward-thinking guitar players.

I think Acousticado has the right idea; composite may be the better word. CF and linen would both fit under such designation. Plywood guitars could also be discussed under the heading of Composite.

However, as everyone seems to be now-a-days saying; it is what it is. And the Captain is probably right, there's room for both cf and linen in this tent. I can see some future blending of composites. For example, a cf body with a linen face.

[Earl49]

Agreed. Composite Guitars cover all the usual non-wood variants, and Carbon Fiber is the granddaddy of composites used for guitars.

I have often said that there are man-made composites (carbon fiber, glass fiber, linen or other fibers embedded in a polyester resin) whereas wood is nature's composite (cellulose fibers in natural pitch-based resins). So technically even wood guitars are "composites".

Oh sure, Earl. Now we have a forum that includes every guitar ever made. Just when I was getting comfortable with a small community of refined taste. Darn you! I hate when someone comes up with an uncomfortable fact. I may not sleep tonight.

[dogdog49]

Or just "Non-Wooden Guitars" as 3D printed polymer guitars are already here, Styrofoam and other materials are just down the road - and who knows what else may be just around the corner. Not a very sexy term, but truly all-inclusive, even of materials that may not justifiably be defined as composite.

[Earl49]

Originally Posted by EvanB

.....Darn you! I hate when someone comes up with an uncomfortable fact. I may not sleep tonight....

Sorry about that Evan. Console yourself with some guitar playing and then a Benadryl. Works for me.

[Captain Jim]

Originally Posted by dogdog49

Or just "Non-Wooden Guitars" as 3D printed polymer guitars are already here, Styrofoam and other materials are just down the road - and who knows what else may be just around the corner. Not a very sexy term, but truly all-inclusive, even of materials that may not justifiably be defined as composite.

You guys and your new age, fancy schmancy materials. (Yes, I recall that post from a while back about a styrofoam upright bass.) I'm staying with my carbon fiber... oh, I spent about 49 years or so with wood guitars, so I'm thinking I'll try for about the same run with carbon fiber. 'Bout that time, I may be ready for another change.

[slewis]

Originally Posted by Captain Jim

Nah, I don't think we need to sub-divide our linen brothers and sisters from this fine sub-forum. We get the occasional troll who thinks it will get to us by calling carbon fiber guitars "plastic"... so, will they come here and ask about those guitars made from old shirts??

I'm thinking the new Savoy will bring more interest this way. Good for all forward-thinking guitar players.

Wow, CJ, you might be on to something here. Blackbird does use a linen-type fabric for these -- imagine an acoustic guitar made of old CSNY or John Denver or Neil Young or Beatles or Glen Campbell or (insert your favorite acoustic artist name here) tour t-shirts.... holy moly....

Joe at Blackbird -- you listening???

[Ted @ LA Guitar Sales]

Originally Posted by slewis

Wow, CJ, you might be on to something here. Blackbird does use a linen-type fabric for these -- imagine an acoustic guitar made of old CSNY or John Denver or Neil Young or Beatles or Glen Campbell or (insert your favorite acoustic artist name here) tour t-shirts.... holy moly....

Joe at Blackbird -- you listening???

Love the idea, Sean, and while these might actually sell, what you would be listening to is the resin, not the t-shirt fibers. It would be the same using other decorative materials as well. Like carbon fiber, Joe's Ekoa is an excellent tone material for guitars, although with very different tonal properties.

[slewis]

Originally Posted by Ted @ LA Guitar Sales

Love the idea, Sean, and while these might actually sell, what you would be listening to is the resin, not the t-shirt fibers. It would be the same using other decorative materials as well. Like carbon fiber, Joe's Ekoa is an excellent tone material for guitars, although with very different tonal properties.

The tongue was definitely in cheek, Ted, but I'd still love to see one. Nothing a little photoshop time couldn't create, I suppose!

And man, time lately seems to just draaaaag on.... hmmm....

[Ted @ LA Guitar Sales]

Originally Posted by slewis

..And man, time lately seems to just draaaaag on.... hmmm....

I hear you, brother.

[seannx]

The linen is impregnated with resin, the same as carbon fiber. Here's an informative link:
http://lingrove.com/products/

Our premiere product Ekoa®, is made of flax linen fabric + bioepoxy and offers distinct performance advantages: exceptional strength, vibration damping and is lighter than carbon fiber. While many applications work with 100% Ekoa, it also lays up well with other reinforcements like carbon fiber.

So no need for a separate forum, and a very cool evolution for guitar construction.

[Ted @ LA Guitar Sales]

Originally Posted by seannx

The linen is impregnated with resin, the same as carbon fiber. Here's an informative link:
http://lingrove.com/products/

So no need for a separate forum, and a very cool evolution for guitar construction.

Glad that's settled.