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#1
07-10-2018, 10:19 AM
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Here’s to Koa...a most under appreciated tone wood
I pretty much only play my OM 21 or my big ole Jumbo Gurian anymore. But I broke out my OM 42 with Koa back and sides yesterday for the first time in a long time and what a delight. A little less thumpy than rosewood, a little more ummph than mahogany. And beautiful to look at.
So here’s a salute to this uniquely harvested tonewood from the beautiful Hawaiian islands!! Last edited by Slothead56; 07-11-2018 at 01:40 PM. Reason: Already explained once! 
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#2
07-10-2018, 10:37 AM
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I wouldn't call koa as being underrated. I consider it to be "rare" and the price reflects it. For me, black walnut is underrated because it's considered to be more plentiful yet also produces a pleasing tone and can be found with some figuring that I find as visually beautiful as koa.
As for tone, that's personal preference. Personally, I'm not wowed by koa. I once played a Martin OMC-15E Koa and found its bass to be "restrained" compared to rosewood and the trebles not nearly as "warm" sounding as mahogany.
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(2006) Larrivee OM-03R, (2009) Martin D-16GT, (1998) Fender Am Std Ash Stratocaster, (2013) McKnight McUke, (1989) Kramer Striker ST600, a couple of DIY builds (2013, 2023)
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#3
07-10-2018, 11:25 AM
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I love my All Koa 12 string!
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#4
07-10-2018, 12:28 PM
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I love my Froggy Bottom L Deluxe with Koa body. It compares VERY favorably with some of my other parlors with fabulous Brazilian RW bodies.
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Bill Guitars: 1910's Larson/Stetson 1 size guitar 1920 Martin 1-28 1987 Martin Schoenberg Soloist 2006 Froggy Bottom H-12 Deluxe 2016 Froggy Bottom L Deluxe 2021 Blazer and Henkes 000-18 H 2015 Rainsong P12 2017 Probett Rocket III 2006 Sadowsky Semi Hollow 1993 Fender Stratocaster Bass: 1993 Sadowsky NYC 5 String Mandolin: Weber Bitterroot
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#5
07-10-2018, 12:37 PM
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I know you're just enjoying your OM-42, but I'm surprised that you think of koa as underrated.
However, this does bring up the interesting question of what are the top five most commonly used and "highly rated" (whatever that means) tonewoods used for guitar back and sides? You'd have to put rosewood and mahogany on top, but koa might be in there, along with -- what -- maple and walnut? Bet there would be a range of opinions on the top five.
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#6
07-10-2018, 12:44 PM
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The other thing to keep in mind is that a koa guitar needs time to open up so the tone can be "subdued" when new. I was pretty happy with my Taylor K-22 when I got it last year. It was just not as loud and responsive as my other guitars but it's opened up a bit improving in both areas and it will only get better with more playing time. It's very balanced which makes for a sweet sounding guitar.
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Doerr Trinity 12 Fret 00 (Lutz/Maple) Edwinson Zephyr 13 Fret 00 (Adi/Coco) Froggy Bottom H-12 (Adi/EIR) Kostal 12 Fret OMC (German Spruce/Koa) Rainsong APSE 12 Fret (Carbon Fiber) Taylor 812ce-N 12 fret (Sitka/EIR Nylon)
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#7
07-10-2018, 12:51 PM
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I agree, I adore koa, though I find many people disagree with me. I will admit though that part of my love comes from it being Hawaiian. I have three custom koa ukuleles and my family’s ashes are scattered in Hawaii. So I feel a deep sentimental bond to my koa guitar that transcends its sound, though I like that as well.
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Taylor Custom Grand Concert Master Grade koa, Taylor K22ce 12-fret AA koa, Emerald X7 "Kauai" (custom painted artwork), Grimes Hapa nylon, Benedetto Andy, Kanile'a GL6 Guitalele, Moore Bettah and KoAloha custom ukuleles, Rob Allen Mouse koa bass
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#8
07-10-2018, 12:56 PM
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I'm a big fan of Koa...good Koa. The problem with it, is that it can be all over the place; but that said, when a builder knows and understands Koa, I find it glorious sounding! I've sold off all my guitars but a few to pursue a build with Michael Greenfield, and that guitar will be Koa because Michael knows Koa...can't wait!
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Martin 000-28EC '71 Harmony Buck Owens American Epiphone Inspired by Gibson J-45 Gold Tone PBR-D Paul Beard Signature Model resonator "Lean your body forward slightly to support the guitar against your chest, for the poetry of the music should resound in your heart." -Andrés Segovia Last edited by drplayer; 07-11-2018 at 06:03 AM.
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#10
07-10-2018, 01:18 PM
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I’ve always wondered if Koa is either really variable or if you need a really good piece to get good results. I’ve owned one koa guitar and it didn’t last long. It was a Taylor 400 series limited, so the koa may have been low quality to be on a 400. That is the only Taylor I’ve owned of about 10 that have passed through my hands, that was super bright and sterile and had absolutely no character.
I’ve heard clips of koa guitars that sound great so I’m going to write my experience with as a one off for a guitar that just didn’t have it.
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#11
07-10-2018, 01:18 PM
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Quote:
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Jim 2023 Iris ND-200 maple/adi 2017 Circle Strings 00 bastogne walnut/sinker redwood 2015 Circle Strings Parlor shedua/western red cedar 2009 Bamburg JSB Signature Baritone macassar ebony/carpathian spruce 2004 Taylor XXX-RS indian rosewood/sitka spruce 1988 Martin D-16 mahogany/sitka spruce along with some electrics, zouks, dulcimers, and banjos. YouTube
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#12
07-10-2018, 01:26 PM
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Koa has a very rich mid range overall, that's not my tonal opinion but it's a fact. my opinion is its unmatched in its uniqueness.
How it's presented in the build determines projection potential. Everyone should experience a good Koa guitar. 
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#13
07-10-2018, 02:04 PM
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OP here. Wow...getting called out for calling Koa underated. Perhaps I should clarify.
In my opinion Koa is a misunderstood wood in the broader guitar world that focuses (in my opinion) on rosewood and mahogany. My opinion is that Koa, since it doesn’t have a very broad and deep representation in the guitar world is not appreciated by the masses because they don’t get to hear it/see it. Of course, that’s just my opinion
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#14
07-10-2018, 02:24 PM
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I have a very special Alrvarez Yairi with cedar top and Koa back and sides. With the right fresh strings it is amazing.
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Assuming is not knowing. Knowing is NOT the same as understanding. There is a difference between compassion and wisdom, however compassion cannot supplant wisdom, and wisdom can not occur without understanding. facts don't care about your feelings and FEELINGS ALONE MAKE FOR TERRIBLE, often irreversible DECISIONS 
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#15
07-10-2018, 04:41 PM
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I'm a big koa fan. My K24ce has a beautiful tone that gets better the more I play it.
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Susie Taylors: 914 • K24ce • 414 • GSMeK+ Pono Guileles: Mango Baritone Deluxe • Mahogany Baritone Have been finger-pickin' guitar since 1973! Love my mountain dulcimers too! (7 Mountain Dulcimers)
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