Koa/Tas. Blackwood

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Weissenborn Players

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This group is dedicated to the Weissenborn players around the world.

179 Members, Created 2/15/2011 -

Administrators: Grizz (owner)

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From Chris C on 5/20/2011 6:56:18 PM

As previously stated, I'm going to build a Weissenborn style guitar and am in the process of researching materials for the project.

I understand...........or "get" that Koa is the wood of choice for a Weissenborn. I am also of the understanding that Tasmanian Blackwood is supposed to be a "first cousin" of Koa and is often substituted because of it's closeness of sound.

I'd appreciate a "review" by any of you Wessie players who have had the privilege to play/own instruments made in each of these woods. A "hands-on" opinion.

I'm just having a real problem considering dropping a Grand on materials for this project just because I want Koa.

6 Comments
	Gitman44 says: 5/20/2011 8:39:30 PM Hi Chris, I own a Goldtone Style 4 Weissenborn, made of Tasmanian Blackwood. The week prior to getting it I was able to play a Breedlove Weissenborn, made of Koa. I think they sounded very similar, both unamplified, and amplified (both had L.R. Baggs M1 pickups), however, it wasn't a side-by-side comparison. They both had the mellow, traditional Weissenborn sound that I think you're looking for. Visually, the woods are very similar, but the Koa is quite a bit more expensive because of it's limited availability. Here's a couple of websites that sell Weissenborn Taz blackwood sets: tasmaniantonewoods.com/musical...born-sets australiantonewoods.com/index.php?cPath=48 I hope this helps. Good luck. Andy Fekete (aka Gitman44)
	Chris C says: 5/20/2011 9:04:32 PM Thanks, Andy. I appreciate the comparison comment. I also appreciate the links. I've been in touch with both sites.
	Chris C says: 5/21/2011 8:31:13 AM Anyone else?
	Qwerty says: 5/23/2011 5:21:50 AM I'd also check out the folks on the Australian/New Zealand luthiers forum - anzlf.com/viewforum.php?f=1&si...f518fb92e Lots of knowledgeable folks on there and some interesting sound clips from blackwood builds. Q.
	Gitman44 says: 7/22/2011 7:38:12 AM Chris, in case you haven't yet found wood to build your Weissenborn, there are two 6 piece koa weissenborn wood sets just listed on ebay that you may want to check out: cgi.ebay.com/6-pc-Curly-Koa-We...565f4fa68 cgi.ebay.com/6-pc-Curly-Koa-We...565f4ff69 Good luck.. Andy
	Chris C says: 7/22/2011 10:05:14 AM Thanks, Andy...........I'll look at them.
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