Months ago Ryan and I obtained two large slabs of Kelobra (aka Guanacaste, aka Perota) in swap for a future guitar. They were in table form, though damaged in shipping. The wood looked promising, so we thought it would be worth a try. We enjoy working alternative species, and with the ongoing constrictions on traditional woods this seemed a worthwhile experiment.
Here's a few pics of the result:
Attachment: Finish1 Sm.jpg
Attachment: Finish2 Sm.jpg
Attachment: Finish3 Sm.jpg
The neck is also Kelobra from that same table. Bindings are a brownish Macassar ebony, top is Sitka bearclaw, rosette is a wood called Sapodilla from the Florida Keys.
The sound of this guitar is wonderful--loud, crisp yet warm, with a lushness in the overtones that suggest rosewood, only a bit drier. It's very like a really good Koa guitar. As a plus, it's light as a feather, with good looks that remind of Monkey Pod, or unflamed Koa.
The tree grows quickly and becomes massive with substantial yields.
You should try some--Steve Roberson at Colonial has some sets.
Only caveat is that it makes both Ryan and me break into coughing fits. Only wood I've encountered that does this. But dust mask in place, no problems.
Steve
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