Akustik Wood

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Akustik Wood

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constructordeguitarras

Posts: 1675
Joined: Jan. 29 2012
From: Seattle, Washington, USA

Akustik Wood

I just received my first order from Akustik Wood and I am very pleased. I ordered three sets each of cypress and Santos rosewood, all #2 of four grades, which presumably has more figure than #1. It took several weeks to place the order and several more for it to get here, but the quality seems at least as good as the wood I have received from LMII and it is about half as expensive, including shipping.

It was well packed with bubble wrap on the outside--transparent so customs could see what it was without opening it--and sticky tape holding the stacks together on the inside. There was a throwaway side protecting the ordered sides and a throwaway knotty soundboard half protecting the back pieces.

In addition they sent me three bridge blanks that I didn't order, presumably samples, which are very nice Santos rosewood, and a piece of spruce about 6"x 10" suitable for bridge plates or similar things. (I can actually use that and the throwaway soundboard half for making soundhole donuts.)

So I will be ordering from them again and I highly recommend them if you are able to plan ahead a month or two.

_____________________________

Ethan Deutsch
www.edluthier.com
www.facebook.com/ethandeutschguitars
www.youtube.com/marioamayaflamenco
I always have flamenco guitars available for sale.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Sep. 4 2013 0:23:25

Don Dionisio

Posts: 360
Joined: Feb. 16 2011
From: Durham, NC

RE: Akustik Wood (in reply to constructordeguitarras)

Ethan
Is Santos rosewood named after Santos Hernandez?

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Sep. 4 2013 14:09:39

constructordeguitarras

Posts: 1675
Joined: Jan. 29 2012
From: Seattle, Washington, USA

RE: Akustik Wood (in reply to Don Dionisio)

Don, I see your laughing face, so I think you are joking. Nevertheless, for anyone else who might be reading, that possibility is highly unlikely. (Why do people say I'm too serious?)

Santos is a municipality in the São Paulo state of Brazil, so I suspect that the wood is called Santos because it first came from around there.

_____________________________

Ethan Deutsch
www.edluthier.com
www.facebook.com/ethandeutschguitars
www.youtube.com/marioamayaflamenco
I always have flamenco guitars available for sale.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Sep. 4 2013 14:58:44

keith

Posts: 1108
Joined: Sep. 29 2009
From: Back in Boston

RE: Akustik Wood (in reply to constructordeguitarras)

Ethan, the Santos Rosewood described on the website is Machaerium scleroxylon. How does this wood compare to rosewoods from genus, Dalbergia?

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Sep. 4 2013 15:29:42

constructordeguitarras

Posts: 1675
Joined: Jan. 29 2012
From: Seattle, Washington, USA

RE: Akustik Wood (in reply to keith)

Hi, Keith.

This seems to be exactly the same as the Santos rosewood (aka Bolivian rosewood) that I have gotten from LMII and from my local lumber yard. It has much smaller pores than the Brazillian rosewood I have used and doesn't require a separate filling step in finishing, which is really nice. It is also somewhat denser and the color is more brown as opposed to the purple-black that the Brazillian turns on finishing. Moreover, I have found that Brazillian bleeds color like crazy when treated with alcohol-based shellac, which is a real hassle. The Santos bleeds much less. I seal all bridges before gluing them on (and then French polish the soundboard) but with Brazillian I have still had some bleed problems, and also with Brazillian bindings bleeding across the purfling onto the soundboard. I never have those problems with Santos.

Oh, you may be interested in sound. I find that Santos gives a more bell-like sound, generally--I presume because it is denser--though this can be modified by thinning the back.

_____________________________

Ethan Deutsch
www.edluthier.com
www.facebook.com/ethandeutschguitars
www.youtube.com/marioamayaflamenco
I always have flamenco guitars available for sale.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Sep. 4 2013 17:44:35

tijeretamiel

Posts: 441
Joined: Jan. 6 2012

RE: Akustik Wood (in reply to keith)

This is a Conde with Santos Rosewood (also known as Pau Ferro or Bolivian Rosewood) back and sides

At Mundo Flamenco
Here's a EIR Sanchis Negra

and a Pau Ferro Sanchis Negra

My ears prefer the sound of a Pau Ferro negra to the EIR.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Sep. 4 2013 17:47:42

Sean

Posts: 672
Joined: Jan. 20 2011
From: Canada

RE: Akustik Wood (in reply to constructordeguitarras)

I haven't used it yet, but everyone is saying it leans towards Maple, more then Rosewood.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Sep. 4 2013 20:04:40

Stephen Eden

Posts: 914
Joined: Apr. 12 2008
From: UK

RE: Akustik Wood (in reply to constructordeguitarras)

Glad you like them. They have been the only people I buy Cypress from. It's also the best priced and some of the nicest sets I have seen.

Perhaps I shall try out some Santos Rosewood from them next!

_____________________________

Classical and Flamenco Guitars www.EdenGuitars.co.uk

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Sep. 5 2013 15:59:16

Andy Culpepper

Posts: 3023
Joined: Mar. 30 2009
From: NY, USA

RE: Akustik Wood (in reply to constructordeguitarras)

Anyone heard from these folks lately? They're not answering my emails.

_____________________________

Andy Culpepper, luthier
http://www.andyculpepper.com

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Aug. 16 2016 0:45:09

constructordeguitarras

Posts: 1675
Joined: Jan. 29 2012
From: Seattle, Washington, USA

RE: Akustik Wood (in reply to Andy Culpepper)

I haven't tried to contact them lately, but I was wondering about the chances of ordering from them since the attempted coup. As you probably know, they don't answer a lot of emails anyway.

_____________________________

Ethan Deutsch
www.edluthier.com
www.facebook.com/ethandeutschguitars
www.youtube.com/marioamayaflamenco
I always have flamenco guitars available for sale.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Aug. 16 2016 2:51:25

Stephen Eden

Posts: 914
Joined: Apr. 12 2008
From: UK

RE: Akustik Wood (in reply to constructordeguitarras)

I put in an order a few months ago (before the coup) only to be ignored too. Shame as I really liked their flamed maple and there Cypress.

_____________________________

Classical and Flamenco Guitars www.EdenGuitars.co.uk

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Aug. 16 2016 8:19:35

Andy Culpepper

Posts: 3023
Joined: Mar. 30 2009
From: NY, USA

RE: Akustik Wood (in reply to constructordeguitarras)

Me too, even their Spruce is/was nice. I was wondering about the attempted coup, but it seems Octopus is still operating unaffected.

_____________________________

Andy Culpepper, luthier
http://www.andyculpepper.com

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Aug. 16 2016 15:13:17

constructordeguitarras

Posts: 1675
Joined: Jan. 29 2012
From: Seattle, Washington, USA

RE: Akustik Wood (in reply to Andy Culpepper)

Does Octopus have comparable products and prices?

_____________________________

Ethan Deutsch
www.edluthier.com
www.facebook.com/ethandeutschguitars
www.youtube.com/marioamayaflamenco
I always have flamenco guitars available for sale.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Aug. 16 2016 16:35:06

VAHE

Posts: 82
Joined: Sep. 25 2014
From: ARMENIAN (living in U.S.)

RE: Akustik Wood (in reply to constructordeguitarras)

They are in business . i wired transferred money to them this last week , there banking info. has been changed.

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Aug. 16 2016 23:12:55

Andy Culpepper

Posts: 3023
Joined: Mar. 30 2009
From: NY, USA

RE: Akustik Wood (in reply to constructordeguitarras)

That's good to hear, Vahe. Last time I ordered from them they even accepted PayPal.

Ethan, their prices are pretty good but they have a hefty shipping charge (got spoiled by Akustik) and no flamed Maple. Here's their website: http://store.octopus.com.tr/

_____________________________

Andy Culpepper, luthier
http://www.andyculpepper.com

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Aug. 17 2016 0:14:56

constructordeguitarras

Posts: 1675
Joined: Jan. 29 2012
From: Seattle, Washington, USA

RE: Akustik Wood (in reply to VAHE)

That's great that they are accepting Paypal. Last time I paid them I had to make three trips to the bank, because they (the bank) kept thinking of more things I needed to sign for the transfer.

Thanks for that info, Andy.

_____________________________

Ethan Deutsch
www.edluthier.com
www.facebook.com/ethandeutschguitars
www.youtube.com/marioamayaflamenco
I always have flamenco guitars available for sale.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Aug. 17 2016 2:28:17

Stephen Eden

Posts: 914
Joined: Apr. 12 2008
From: UK

RE: Akustik Wood (in reply to constructordeguitarras)

Cheers Vahe,

Perhaps I shall try and email them again to see if I get a response. This time.

_____________________________

Classical and Flamenco Guitars www.EdenGuitars.co.uk

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Aug. 17 2016 7:49:15

Flamingrae

Posts: 220
Joined: May 19 2009

RE: Akustik Wood (in reply to Stephen Eden)

Emailed them about 3 weeks back and.........I got a reply. Akif who deals on line was fine and promised to send a new price list. New prices I presume as they have not changed for the last 3 years. Still waiting for this mind you, so a bit irattic. I'm going to go for it - they said they were ok where they were and the latest upsets had not affected them. Let you know the latest when I get a reply or order through.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Aug. 19 2016 0:31:00

constructordeguitarras

Posts: 1675
Joined: Jan. 29 2012
From: Seattle, Washington, USA

RE: Akustik Wood (in reply to Flamingrae)

If you wouldn't mind, please post the new price list here.

_____________________________

Ethan Deutsch
www.edluthier.com
www.facebook.com/ethandeutschguitars
www.youtube.com/marioamayaflamenco
I always have flamenco guitars available for sale.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Aug. 19 2016 0:47:12

Flamingrae

Posts: 220
Joined: May 19 2009

RE: Akustik Wood (in reply to constructordeguitarras)

As soon as I get something through, I'll paste it up. Akif did say to use the old one as a guide, so I think he was hinting at an adjustment rather than a radical price shift. Lets see.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Aug. 19 2016 12:13:43

Stephen Eden

Posts: 914
Joined: Apr. 12 2008
From: UK

RE: Akustik Wood (in reply to constructordeguitarras)

Just got and order in! I guess they have been busy.

_____________________________

Classical and Flamenco Guitars www.EdenGuitars.co.uk

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Sep. 6 2016 8:30:38

Flamingrae

Posts: 220
Joined: May 19 2009

RE: Akustik Wood (in reply to constructordeguitarras)

Ok, new price list has arrived. There has been a jump in prices. I just tried to paste up but the system is not letting me. So a quick fix - main differences: -
Soundboards up by about 12 Euros 1st grade
Most of the premium boards are up by a similar amount - less so on the lower grades.
Main difference is minimum order which has gone from 250 Euro's to 350
That last one will make me think and see how Madinter compares.
I think that provided the quality remains it will still be a good option.
Like I say, I'm sorry at this stage that I cannot post the new one up right now. Maybe I can print off and scan on my own system. I did ask about fingerboards too but they said they were only for "Local People" ;-)

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Sep. 17 2016 11:18:15

mqbernardo

Posts: 47
Joined: Mar. 26 2012

RE: Akustik Wood (in reply to constructordeguitarras)

Thanks for the info. So that is the 2016 price list? I have one from 2014 (but sent to me in 2015). Spruce was 27, cypress 57 - both 1st grade. With 12 euros on top of that and a minimum order of 350 I feel tempted to try octopus instead - no minimum order and 37 for 1st grade spruce, 60 for cypress. Grades can vary a lot between different sellers, of course.
I've bought just one spruce top from octopus many moons ago - rather nice looking and with nice tap but on the heavy side. Still haven't used it because of that.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Sep. 17 2016 23:16:42

benros

Posts: 144
Joined: Aug. 27 2016

RE: Akustik Wood (in reply to constructordeguitarras)

hey all,
i just got the new pricelist from akif. premium cypress is 72 euro, a-grade cost 52, caucasian spruce in premium quality costs 37, a-grade 24 euros, santos premium: 67, a-grade: 52 euros.
the also have caribean rosewood. does anyone know, what that is? has anyone tried it?
greetings,
ben

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Sep. 22 2016 16:13:05

Andy Culpepper

Posts: 3023
Joined: Mar. 30 2009
From: NY, USA

RE: Akustik Wood (in reply to constructordeguitarras)

Good, it seems like responses are beginning to roll in from Mr. Tasatan. He still has not replied to my numerous emails. I already had to go somewhere else for Cypress

But if I can still get some Maple and Spruce from Akustik I will be happy.

_____________________________

Andy Culpepper, luthier
http://www.andyculpepper.com

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Sep. 23 2016 0:20:12

benros

Posts: 144
Joined: Aug. 27 2016

RE: Akustik Wood (in reply to constructordeguitarras)

hey andy,
you mentioned that their spruce is good in quality. which one have you tried, premium or a-grade?

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Sep. 23 2016 7:55:57

Stephen Eden

Posts: 914
Joined: Apr. 12 2008
From: UK

RE: Akustik Wood (in reply to constructordeguitarras)

My order should arrive today, so the local post office tells me. If it helps, I sent my order in English and Turkish using google translate just incase. Akif also told me that they have just had a huge public holiday so are just catching up with emails.

_____________________________

Classical and Flamenco Guitars www.EdenGuitars.co.uk

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Sep. 23 2016 12:12:58

Andy Culpepper

Posts: 3023
Joined: Mar. 30 2009
From: NY, USA

RE: Akustik Wood (in reply to constructordeguitarras)

benros,
Premium grade. I think I tried an A grade top once and it was pretty floppy with more runout.

_____________________________

Andy Culpepper, luthier
http://www.andyculpepper.com

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Sep. 23 2016 23:48:41