Machiche tonewood?

[warfrat73]

There are a few posts about it from several years ago, but really not seeing much.

Any thoughts on machiche as a tonewood?

[Bill Kraus]

I've cut some from lumber into guitar back and side sets. It is very much like the mid to heavier weight rosewoods, nice tap tone, and a nice rosewood look. I have not used it for a guitar yet, but I plan to. I think it would work well for finger boards and bridges also.

[warfrat73]

Thanks, Bill.

Just for context, I was asking about alternatives to Brazilian. This really cool looking spalted machiche set was offered along side a Brazilian set that is a very good deal (though still a bit spendy for me), and grenadillo (which is what I'm leaning towards).

[Tim McKnight]

I’ve built a few with Machiche. Notably Jamie Johnson (CW artist) and Jamie Johnson (Bluegrass artist) both are playing our Machiche MacNaught guitars. Very Rosewood-ish sounding with lots of sustain. I think one of the two guitars we built for Marty Raybon is Machiche as well.

[The Bard Rocks]

Originally Posted by warfrat73

Thanks, Bill.

Just for context, I was asking about alternatives to Brazilian. This really cool looking spalted machiche set was offered along side a Brazilian set that is a very good deal (though still a bit spendy for me), and grenadillo (which is what I'm leaning towards).

That is definitely unusual-looking, the kind of things that attracts moths like me.

[runamuck]

I know that machiche causes allergic reactions in a lot of people. I came into the house one evening with dust on my clothes and had to take my wife to the emergency room.

[strangersfaces]

That's a stunning looking back to my eyes. If the sides came from the same source and display similar character it would be hard for me to pass up.

Do you have a photo of the sides?

[Bill Kraus]

That is a great looking set of wood and you may never see another set like that again. There is a chance that with that amount of spalting, the wood may be significantly softened, so I would check into that. I've used granadillo, and that can make a very nice sounding guitar also, so you seem to be on the right track.

[warfrat73]

I asked Jayson to set this aside for me. This will be my second Bowerman, and will be paired with a torrified Adirondack top in a dread. He thought that this and the Granadillo wouldn't be too far apart in tone, but that this might have slightly glassier trebles. It was just too cool to pass up.

Details to be worked out later.

Probably the better part of two years off.

[strangersfaces]

Great choice! One of the more unique looking back sets I've laid eyes upon, and from what those fine luthiers above had said of Machiche, Jayson should be able to wring out superb sounds from the guitar.

Congratulations,

Lance

PS-Any shots of the sides you'd care to share ahead of the two year due date?

[warfrat73]

Reviving this thread to get opinions on sides (and don't really want to start a build thread).

There are two potential side sets. The darker one is the one that was originally paired with this back, but he offered me the lighter one if I want it.

I think the darker set would make for a more cohesive, harmonious looking guitar (for lack of better descriptors).

What say you? (This is probably still about a year off).

I tried to include an image that he sent that was color corrected for the LEDs lights in his shop, and which he says more closely resembles the real thing. That shows the back being a bit warmer orangey/red, but it is not behaving for some reason.

[Bill Kraus]

I like the look of the lighter set a bit more, though I think you could go either way and have a fine looking guitar. It will be interesting to see what people prefer.

[warfrat73]

Originally Posted by Bill Kraus

I like the look of the lighter set a bit more, though I think you could go either way and have a fine looking guitar.

Thanks for the input, Bill.

I agree that the lighter set has some more desirable qualities. My thought was that the dark sides will tie in better with the dark spalting on the back, as opposed to the lighter, in which the spalting will just be out there on its own. That if we got as much of the lighter part of the dark set as possible in there, that it would almost be like a gradient/flow going from the neck to the end graft. Though, part of that would also depend on how much of the sapwood would be involved (he said it's a pretty oversized set).

But, honestly, I'm having a hard time visualizing it. I may just tell him to do what he thinks is best.

[Tim McKnight]

I’m on the other side. I like the 1st set because it has the spalting fade that matches the back. Set two doesn’t match the spalting fade.

[Bill Kraus]

Originally Posted by Tim McKnight

I’m on the other side. I like the 1st set because it has the spalting fade that matches the back. Set two doesn’t match the spalting fade.

Good point there Mr. McKnight.
It will be nice to see the finished pictures of this one, so unique.