Greven D-18V (torrefied) and 48' Martin D-18

[A Stocek]

I recently had the opportunity to play a bunch of guitars at John Grevens. John is making some mighty fine guitars and is a true gentleman. He had two d-18 style guitars similar in all respects except one had a torrefied spruce top and other a regular spruce top. We also had a '48 D-18 to compare them to. In addition, John had two of his D-28s.

Here's a picture of John with the torrefied d-18.



We recorded these guitars while flatpicking tunes on a zoom h4 located just in front and between the two guitars. This was an informal session so please excuse the clams and mistakes. I'll be working on uploading some additional sound clips to check out but I think the torrefied d-18 and the '48 d-18 are interesting.

Greven D-18(T) and '48 Martin D-18
https://soundcloud.com/a-stocek/beaumont-rag

Sincerely,
Aaron

p.s. the whole process of uploading pictures and sound clips is a little confusing so hopefully this works.

[Fred]

Nice job! No apologies needed for that fine music. What did you think of the various guitars? I met John a couple times years ago...agreed, a true gentleman.

[bho]

I love John's guitars - they have a true vintage sound and great projection. It's always fun to visit him in his home. Thanks for sharing the clips.

[steveh]

Am I being a bit thick here - what is "torrefied" spruce?

Cheers,
Steve

[bho]

Originally Posted by steveh

Am I being a bit thick here - what is "torrefied" spruce?

Cheers,
Steve

http://theunofficialmartinguitarforu...e#.U4Yk6ih3eko

[A Stocek]

My limited knowledge is that torrefied wood is a process where the wood is put into an autoclave and heated at very high temperatures, essentially in a vacuum. This causes the cellular structure of the wood to change without the wood bursting into flames. The cells collapse which is similar to what happens to wood as it ages. The result is that you get a more vintage sound out of the guitar. It may sound a bit like hocus pocus but I can assure you that after hearing it in person it very much has an affect on the sound of the guitar.

[AZ Slacker]

I was at John's this past Sunday and played all four of the guitars you mentioned. I walked out with one of the D28's. It is simply wonderful. The sound just makes me smile. I'm putting some hours on it for sure. So lucky to get this one.

That D18 with the Adi top.....most amazing D18 I have ever heard. How does he do that? Light as a feather; balanced, clear, bright, and seemingly no end to the volume. Wonderful.

Steve

[A Stocek]

Steve,
What did you think about the torrefied top? You're new D-28 is a great instrument, have fun with that one.

[AZ Slacker]

Originally Posted by A Stocek

Steve,
What did you think about the torrefied top? You're new D-28 is a great instrument, have fun with that one.

Much different than the Adi D18. I thought it sounded more like a rosewood guitar. Did John show you the 'light' trick with the torrefied and non-torrefied wood tops?

[A Stocek]

I did not see the light trick but I did play both guitars for quite a while. The regular D-18 is killer but I thought the torrefied top had some of the vintage tone and was louder. By vintage tone I mean more direct, focused, and woody. Considering the guitar is only a week old and played for only a few hours I am impressed with the sound. Nice and even sound all across the neck.

[6stringpickin]

This must have been what John was referring to last week when I asked him about a possible build.

He told me that he would get back to me after the weekend and he might have some news that would fit really well with the "Vintage" instrument I had in mind (an AJ to match the specs of the J35 he built me). I am really looking forward to talking to him know!

Great post and I echo the others "John is a great builder and a really nice guy"

[biben]

Aaron;
Do you if the torrefied top is adi or lutz?
Thanks,
Pierre

[biben]

Sorry for that! Now I see it's adi we are talking about....

[A Stocek]

Here are two additional recordings I made of this guitar by itself so you can hear it a bit better. Any opinions on the sound of this guitar would be appreciated.

https://soundcloud.com/a-stocek/enga...even-d-18-vr-t
https://soundcloud.com/a-stocek/wild...even-d-18-vr-t

Thanks,
Aaron