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Samarto -> RE: anyone own/play a Tsiorba guitar? (Jun. 12 2011 23:18:52)
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SBR, Peter uses a variety of woods and is always willing to experiment. If you have an idea of what kind of sound you want, Peter can help you pick the right woods and bracing. Peter doesn't use forms so he can make different sizes and styles. It is hard to recommend what you might want, but here is what I wanted and Peter delivered perfectly.
I wanted a traditional blanca flamenco with basses that growl and trebles that sing. I chose Reyes style bracing and Santos body. I might point out Peter braces for your humidity, something very few makers offer. I chose plain figured straight grain maple for the back and sides because I like the extra edge maple and myrtle offer over cypress. I chose an Englemann spruce top. The guitar sounds and responds phenomenal and the action is as easy as it gets. I also chose the mechanical pegs. I have had the guitar over a year and it is amazing now that it has settled in.
Peter is working on another flamenco guitar for me that is a special project and will have all Oregon tonewoods, some very rare. This includes the fingerboard, bridge, and pegs. An Oregon violin parts maker is making the pegs for it. It will be same bracing and body style as the other. Peter uses hand tools and uses old world techniques in scraping and french polishing the guitar. In my opinion this makes a difference over sanding and lacquer. Peters guitars have a look to them that is very different from power machine finished. You might find some light tiny tools marks on close exam, but this is a plus for me. He is one of a few that truly makes a hand made guitar using non toxic glues and finish.
You might consider a Port Orford cedar top and Myrtle wood back and sides or even Port Orford for the back and sides and a spruce top. Douglas fir is also a superior neck wood over Spanish cedar IMO. I think our tonewoods here in the northwest are as good, if not superior, as any in the world. After getting my guitar from Peter, I sold off my expensive Spanish handmade guitars. They did not compare and were lacking in response and playability.
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