New Wilborn Arum Build: Tunnel 14 Redwood with Ziricote [Unveiling Video Added]
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First, Happy New Year, y'all!
I got the message. As scheduled when I commissioned it, Ben is about to start on my Arum, which will feature a Tunnel 14 redwood top with a ziricote body. What is an Arum? It's Ben's 00'ish-sized (14" at lower bout) guitar from his new "Comma Series" line, which seeks to set a new standard in high-performance guitars with a number of non-traditional features: triple-laminated sides, radially braced top, 3D sound port (upper-bout located sound hole/side port), and multi-scale, raised fingerboard. I believe the very first model was inspired by our own TomB'sox. You can read more about this new line here: https://www.wilbornguitars.com/comma-series-intro/ And you can read a number of other Arum and Nautilus (larger 15" body) build threads by other members here on AGF. "Excited" would be an understatement. I'm a sucker for highly figured wood and previously had two custom ukuleles (a Steve Grimes tenor and a Kevin Mason baritone) from ziricote that I absolutely loved for tone and beauty, so I'm excited to have a guitar being made from one of my favorite woods and one of my favorite luthiers. Ben built a cedar/birdseye maple "Lion" for me and I thoroughly enjoyed the build process and working with Ben. I reluctantly re-homed that beauty to make room for this build. I considered cocobolo as well and Ben has some amazing sets. While I know there are many factors that determine a guitar's tone, with builder and top wood being strong determinants, I have noted in a number of cocobolo instruments from many different highly regarded builders, a beautiful clarity in each string's notes but, for me, something missing in how they blend or meld together. As if the notes are too distinct, if that makes any sense. But Ben was confident I would be happy with what he built for me from cocobolo and I know he honors his satisfaction guarantee, so I was almost ready to take the plunge. Before I took the plunge, I asked for one final look at some ziricote sets and if nothing grabbed me, I'd proceed. "Okay, before I commit, I want to see your best ziricote. Your secret stash stuff." As soon as I saw this set, the clouds parted and the angels sang. I "knew" my decision was made and made resolutely. Cocobolo will have to wait. Those of you familiar with Ben's work know that despite his incredible precision, he is a very speedy builder and he sticks to his schedule commitments. This guitar should be finished in February. I'll update with more photos as I get them. Assuming I love this one like I believe I will, I'll probably trim down to three guitars. The Doerr, the Arum and the other one TBD. |
These woods are gorgeous! I'm very excited for you- the Arum model with these woods is going to be special. Thanks for letting us follow along!!
beth |
What Beth said!!!
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Happy New Year to all Paul |
Like you I am always intrigued by the looks of Ziricote. Beautiful woods you've picked for this one. Ben is one of the best. I'm sure you will be well pleased with the result. Congrats! :)
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An arum is my dream guitar! So excited for you...beautiful woods!
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Congrats on your new Arum build, Eddie!
As you know, I have a Tunnel 14/Cocobolo Arum that is fantastic, so I know you wouldn't have been disappointed. But these woods look fabulous--it too will be amazing! And working with Ben is always a joy. Enjoy the ride! Thanks for sharing it with us... |
Thanks, All!
Kevin, your Arum is absolutely spectacular. Probably my favorite set of Cocobolo I have ever seen. And the tone is incredible. For those who haven't seen Kevin's (@Nemoman) build thread, do check it out as it was the very first Arum so Ben did a lot of photos. It's a fantastic build thread that generated a number of orders. And a link to Ben's intro to it is here: https://youtu.be/6xchcqMaP4w |
Those seem like such great guitars. I'd love to be able to play one some day. In the vid, it sounds amazing!
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"As soon as I saw this set, the clouds parted and the angels sang. "- Eddie, January, 2021
That is awesome! I've always loved the way some Ziricote looks as if dark velvet drapes are being pulled back to reveal the blinding light behind. It's Epiphany Wood, or maybe Vaudeville Wood, depending on how pious you want to get about it. At any rate, I have built quite a few Z guitars, and I find it to be a lovely mixture of the sounds of rosewood, leavened with just a touch of, say, mahogany. And if you are a sucker for a dark, landscape figure guitar, it just cannot be beat. This is going to be a lot of fun to build. Thank you, Eddie, for the opportunity to build this little sportster! |
This will be fantastic to watch come together. I would love to hear what a 16” model like this would sound like. Anyway, love the woods. The color palette is beautiful!
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https://youtu.be/KAMGZW3aMQI |
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Congrats Mr. Eddie. You know I have a huge man crush on Ben and his guitars, jeez, I have enough of them!
Yes, you owe this all to me and Ben takes far too much credit for his Comma series, as far as I am concerned it should be the B'sox-stravaganza series!!! (Ben are you listening?). I agree, that Ziricote is mind blowing pretty and it finishes soooo well also, but I feel bad for the top as it takes second fiddle. Look at that straight grain and silking in that T-14 wood! I mean that is an amazing top. I will give Ben some credit here, he is amazing with redwood and has pretty much made me a redwood disciple starting with a hunk of shelf from a hardware store to build the Black Lion (the body size that inspired the Arum BTW). Congrats and you are going to love this. Mike, Ben has done one of the Sidewinders for Brad, AZ cardinal that he posted a video on here https://www.acousticguitarforum.com/...09#post6545009 I can't even imagine the bass out of that monster as my Nautilus has bass like no other guitar I own. |
I agree, Tom. I don't normally name my guitars, but maybe I'll name this one B'sox Box! ;-)
Thanks for commenting on the top. I looked at a number of T14 tops and it came down to this one and another. I chose this one because of the cross-silking and the wide grain, which I've always loved aesthetically. The other top, which Ben was slightly partial toward b/c of its coloring, is still available for anyone ready to hop on Ben's list and interested in T14. |
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