Why don't companies torrify all of the wood?

[mc1]

maybe this has even more significance today...

[jaymarsch]

I also think there have been a few torrified players over the years - especially in the 70s.

Best,
Jayne

[mc1]

Originally Posted by jaymarsch

I also think there have been a few torrified players over the years - especially in the 70s.

Best,
Jayne

[jwayne]

Thought I saw something to the effect that torrified wood was much harder to bend?

[Purfle Haze]

Originally Posted by mc1

Keef! Keef! Keef!

[mc1]

Originally Posted by Purfle Haze

Keef! Keef! Keef!

i had to search to see what was causing that, and i turned up this:

http://www.ronankavanagh.ie/musician...ians-get-sore/

These pictures, taken by Francesco Carrozini makes it obvious to this rheumatologist, that Keith has well established osteoarthritis (OA) of his fingers.

[Wade Hampton]

Originally Posted by jwayne

Thought I saw something to the effect that torrified wood was much harder to bend?

My understanding is that it's more brittle and prone to breaking, so that would tie in with what you're suggesting.


whm

[Purfle Haze]

Originally Posted by mc1

Keef! Keef! Keef!

[Guitarsan]

Originally Posted by LostDog

Am I alone in thinking that this is no replacement for the natural aging process.

That say after 20 years a torrified guitar will not sound comparable to a guitar that aged naturally?

Am I the only one terrified of torrified (and other attempts to unnaturally apply "age" to a guitar)?

LostDog

I think the premise is a bit off. The goal of torrefaction is to crystallize the resins to achieve better tone, like the aging process naturally does over time. So the goal is not to age the wood, but achieve the same tonal result a lot faster. To deliver more total guitars with a richer tone than the natural aging process does on its own.

As you've heard, many luthiers are pursuing this and seeking to perfect it. Taylor and Martin will be expanding its use. The train has left the station and they're not afraid of it, but actually racing to endorse it through their action.

And will it sound the same after 20 years? Folks don't wanna wait, that's the whole point.

[DRodgers]

Phased in marketing...

[tysam]

Welcome to the instant gratification age. Have your guitar be 50 years old the day it is built. Seriously though, torrification is the flavour of the month right now. Will this make a crap guitar sound good.....no. Will it make a beautiful guitar sound even better...to most folks ears...no. Will it make your guitar fold up like a card house in ten years...HMMMMM, maybe. Jury is still out on that one.

[lalowdwn1]

Originally Posted by LostDog

Am I alone in thinking that this is no replacement for the natural aging process.

That say after 20 years a torrified guitar will not sound comparable to a guitar that aged naturally?

Am I the only one terrified of torrified (and other attempts to unnaturally apply "age" to a guitar)?


LostDog

Far from the only one, my friend. I think there are philosophical issues overlooked by many of the proponents of this process. Noting wrong with new methods, etc...but most will flock to it because of the "short-cutting" the aging process idea. And it gives Taylor yet one more thing to market.

[printer2]

Originally Posted by Guitarsan

I think the premise is a bit off. The goal of torrefaction is to crystallize the resins to achieve better tone, like the aging process naturally does over time.

Sorry but no. it is to reduce the amount of hemicellulose.

Doing the backs and sides is a different kettle of fish. I am not sure if sides bend as well after the process. The back might be ok but it does reduce the strength of the wood. Might be just as well to thin the unbaked sides and backs rather than cook them. Stiffen them up with the bracing. We'll see how things pan out.

[induction]

Originally Posted by lalowdwn1

I think there are philosophical issues overlooked by many of the proponents of this process.

Really? I'm intrigued. Care to elaborate?

[MaurysMusic]

Originally Posted by D28A1941

Just curious - companies torrify the braces and tops, but I never read about them cooking the back and sides. In all the golden era Martins, all of the wood aged over time, not just the top. I think the back and side wood affect guitar tone as well.

Anyone know why, besides being costly?

I visited the Martin factory yesterday. I had lunch with one of my reps, Jason, and this very conversation came up. He doesn't run in the circles that decide what to do about torrefaction, but he said it's being discussed.