Wren Guitar Works: Bearclaw/Ziricote/Snakewood

[canuck7]

Originally Posted by TomB'sox

Thank you David, that was a great answer. I learned a lot from that. I have played several guitars that sounded great, but when I would play the G string mostly when fretted to an A, the note sounded dull or thuddy without the resonance of the other strings. I now wonder if those tops happened to be tuned to an A note. If I find that again, I wonder if tuning down (or up I guess) a half note, if I would notice a difference when fretting what would now be an A flat or A sharp??? I can't wait to try it.

Tom, I have found this on my guitars as well...although usually the D/4th string, up 3 or 4 frets...I always wondered about this...and have found it on my newest one as well. And probably other positions on the fretboard. I especially notice it when I capo up to these notes. But, it has changed over time on these instruments and disappeared as David mentioned when played a lot. But, I am going to try tuning down as well on my newest beauty. The physics of sound production from wood are interesting!!

[David Wren]

Originally Posted by Nemoman

Very cool interplay with the sapwood as well--awesome!

I'm with you Kevin ... that sapwood really adds to the whole.

Originally Posted by canuck7

Tom, I have found this on my guitars as well...although usually the D/4th string, up 3 or 4 frets...I always wondered about this...and have found it on my newest one as well. And probably other positions on the fretboard. I especially notice it when I capo up to these notes. But, it has changed over time on these instruments and disappeared as David mentioned when played a lot. But, I am going to try tuning down as well on my newest beauty. The physics of sound production from wood are interesting!!

Interesting indeed Jeff!

[David Wren]

[Zandit75]

Originally Posted by David Wren

Just as I'm thinking "That's unusual, his binding doesn't line up! How is he going to fix that??!!"

Then you go and do this!!!

Originally Posted by David Wren

[RJVB]

Originally Posted by canuck7

The physics of sound production from wood are interesting!!

If I understand those physics correctly they'll work the same way regardless of the material.
This must also be the reason why speaker cabinets (and the bodies of resonator guitars) must be as rigid (and sonically inert) as possible.

Originally Posted by David Wren

[

Square-neck ... custom build for Jerry Douglas?

[David Wren]

Originally Posted by Zandit75

Just as I'm thinking "That's unusual, his binding doesn't line up! How is he going to fix that??!!"

Then you go and do this!!!

I have to admit, I didn't pay too much attention to the side fillets of the purfling lining up at the butt, since I knew the end graft would cover them ... good eye Zandit!

Originally Posted by RJVB

If I understand those physics correctly they'll work the same way regardless of the material.

Not sure if I entirely agree with that statement. Certainly you can get the same Chladni patterns out of most wood species, but they'll occur at different frequencies, which can subtly affect the tone.

Originally Posted by RJVB

This must also be the reason why speaker cabinets (and the bodies of resonator guitars) must be as rigid (and sonically inert) as possible.

Some builders like to have more mass to their side assemblies so that less energy is absorbed (especially in the one monopole where the back and the top are moving in tandem, not opposed)

Originally Posted by RJVB

Square-neck ... custom build for Jerry Douglas?

HA!

[David Wren]

[David Wren]

This instrument will have a raised fingerboard extension. There are many ways to achieve this ... I simply use a scarf joint and then reinforce the extension with a couple of carbon rods.

[RJVB]

Originally Posted by David Wren

Not sure if I entirely agree with that statement. Certainly you can get the same Chladni patterns out of most wood species,

And now I'm not longer certain I understood the remark I reacted to. I thought that was about wolf tones/admittance, not Chladni patterns. You'll probably tell me those are related in a wooden instrument, but I was specifically thinking of undesirable absorbtion of sound energy by any kind of material (not just wood).

I wish I had this kind of a photo diary of the build of my violin!

[BrunoBlack]

That sure is some nice detailing!

[David Wren]

Originally Posted by RJVB

And now I'm not longer certain I understood the remark I reacted to. I thought that was about wolf tones/admittance, not Chladni patterns. You'll probably tell me those are related in a wooden instrument, but I was specifically thinking of undesirable absorbtion of sound energy by any kind of material (not just wood).

I wish I had this kind of a photo diary of the build of my violin!

Sorry RJ ... I misunderstood your question.

Originally Posted by Haasome

That sure is some nice detailing!

Hey Paul ... thanks!

[David Wren]

[David Wren]

[David Wren]

[cigarfan]

Man, that is one purdy geetar!