Bob taylor talks ebony

[WezV]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=anCGvfsBoFY&feature=youtu.be

[gwEm]

Really interesting video..! And I guess that's where the famous black dye comes in ;)

I have a handmade SG which has a slightly streaky ebony board, still feels great. I love the feel of the stuff.

[Stevepage]

It may sound strange to some but I actually prefer woods to have 'imperfections'. To me a piece of wood with lots of different colours and interesting streaks looks far more beautiful than a clean cut, 'perfect' piece of wood.

[TheyCallMeVolume]

I couldn't agree more. Kinda like my beef with Epihone LP tops; they look too manicured and "perfect." I know that everyone's favorite tops have something in them that makes them unique, whether it's an odd pattern, minerals, grain, etc. Same with Fret wood, I just think it looks 20x cooler when it has something unique about it. It's what makes it real.

[WezV]

It may sound strange to some but I actually prefer woods to have 'imperfections'. To me a piece of wood with lots of different colours and interesting streaks looks far more beautiful than a clean cut, 'perfect' piece of wood.

right there with ya

flame, quilt and birdseye are structural imperfections, burl is pretty much tree cancer and spalt is a fungal infection.   i love it when you get all of them together ;)

[MrBump]

It may sound strange to some but I actually prefer woods to have 'imperfections'. To me a piece of wood with lots of different colours and interesting streaks looks far more beautiful than a clean cut, 'perfect' piece of wood.

Exactly! What's the point of paying megabucks for a guitar, and have it look just like everyone elses?

[Ian Price]

Another +1 for imperfections. I'm sure there is someone on here who posted a pic of their LP that had a top where each side was not matched at all. It looked much netter for it IMO.

Also, this is a bit like recording for me too - I like hearing imperfections in songs, stuff that has been overdubbed doesn't sound anywhere near as good to me. Give me a good live recording over stuff recorded in a studio as well.

[WezV]

i think the real point is we need to stop thinking of colour variation as an imperfection

the stuff i listed above are actual structural imperfections that can theoretically affect the integrity (and tone of a guitar) - yet we accept them freely because we think they look good

this ebony has no imperfections, it just needs a catchy name so people expect the colour variation


i.e.
pale moon ebony



macassar ebony



both highly prized for their colour variation

[FernandoDuarte]

I agree with every word of Mr Taylor and hope this initiative grows strong!

No need to happen equal to Pau Brazil - the red wood that was extinct because people wanted clothes to be dyed red (some centuries ago...) :roll:

[DavidRees]

it was Jonathan @ Feline who first drew this video to my attention - it is good to feel inspired by the actions of those who care and exercise the power they have for the good of everyones future. Mr Taylor is showing great leadership here should be commended for pushing the right approach...

[Philly Q]

I think the colourful, streaky types of ebony are absolutely beautiful.

But I must admit, there is something wonderful about jet black ebony, because there's nothing else quite like it.  I understand why it was so highly prized.

But cutting down 10 trees to find one "good" one is indefensible.

Fascinating video, and Mr Taylor presents it very well too.


(Trouble is, this morning I was thinking about selling some Warmoth bits.... now I'm thinking about going and panic-buying ebony-boarded necks and guitars while they're still available....  :roll: )

[Stevepage]

Why not? Look at how much Brazilian Rosewood fetches now and just how hard it is to get. Especially as it's difficult getting a guitar with a Brazilian rosewood fretboard through airport customs not matter how old it is.

[Alex]

Why not? Look at how much Brazilian Rosewood fetches now and just how hard it is to get. Especially as it's difficult getting a guitar with a Brazilian rosewood fretboard through airport customs not matter how old it is.

What, they check your guitar at the airport?

[Loomer]

If I ever "grow up" and decide to get an acoustic I'm getting a Taylor solely out of principle. I'm with this guy every step of the way.

Also:

It may sound strange to some but I actually prefer woods to have 'imperfections'. To me a piece of wood with lots of different colours and interesting streaks looks far more beautiful than a clean cut, 'perfect' piece of wood.

THIS!!!!

Although the statement isn't really that strange when everyone here agrees with you  :lol:

[38thBeatle]

Great video. I have two Taylor guitars and now I am extra glad that I have them.