We are exceptionally careful with the material and hardware selection, as well as everything needed for each instrument construction. During this process we like to discuss with our costumers the different materials and finish properties. We want the instrument to completely satisfy their expectations, both esthetically and technically. Each one of our instrument's body is made of tropical hardwood that, depending on every costumer's personal taste, and on wood's availability, can be made of:
It
has an intense purple color with fine and slightly darker ribbons.
A very strong wood with closed pores.
Spanish
Cedar grows in all South America. Colors vary from pink to brown
with red tones and ribbons show nice “water drawings”.
This is a tree that grows in tropical and very humid forests. Color can vary from dark brown to grey. Ribbons show pretty figures. Highly valued for instruments construction. A little heavier in weight than Spanish Cedar but the difference in small instruments like violins is almost insignificant.
One of the most exquisite and valued woods, it grows in Central and South America. Brown reddish color that becomes darker as time passes, it also has a fine texture. Limited availability. No doubt, this is a precious, first-class wood.
Guayacán Wood - also known as Palo Santo - has an extraordinary quality and beauty. His latin name lignum vitae, means “life's tree”. Native from Central America, it also grows in some South American regions. It presents different color strips: olive green, dark yellow, tan, black and also dark brown with a spiked design effect. It has a fine texture but is a very strong wood. Perfect for an esthetically incomparable instrument.
Cocobolo is highly prized for its grain's characteristic drawing. It shows red and yellow lines between darker strips that become intensely red as time passes. It is very strong and a little heavy. Valued by electric guitars and basses luthiers. A spectacular wood.
Honduras Rosewood exquisite looks shows colors from brown to black with some red and purple dots, depending on each wood piece. Its fiber draws refined interweaved undulations. It is very resistant, with a moderate weight and unique resonant properties. Because of the delicate beauty and resonance of this wood we think it represents a perfect choice for electric violins construction.
Bloodwood - also known as “satiné” - belongs to the moraceae family. It grows in South America and we think we couldn't find a more spectacular wood, especially for its pretty color. It has an intense red color and a very fine texture, and an incredible finish. It's hard to find. We have made some of our better single piece instruments with this wood. For a singular instrument. ________________
Sound Production System and Tuners assembled in our instruments are:
German made, Schaller is one of the best tuners in the market. For a precise and easy tuning of the instrument. Available in three finishes: black, gold, and gold with ebony knobs. Ratio 12:1. Perfect for four string violins.
Those are Japanese tuners. Gotoh includes a system named Permanent Lubri-Plate™ that allows a precise and soft tuning. An attractive design in six different finishes: chrome, satin chrome, black, satin black and bright gold or satin gold. 18:1 "gear ratio". Perfect tuners for five string violins.
Gotoh Compact Bass tuners are assembled in our electric cellos. They have the right size for this instrument type. Very precise tuners. Chrome, gold or black. 20:1 "gear ratio". ________________
Our compromise for a permanent improving in our instruments has driven us to the development of an own Sound Production System. It consists in a bridge that includes an electrostatic pickup inside.
This microphone's extreme sensitivity assures an accurate nuance reproduction and allows a well balanced amplification. At the same time it provides a natural sound projection along all instrument's range. Assembled in our one piece violins, this bridge produce more harmonics and a richest sound than probably any other electric string instrument. It can be purchased separately and it can be assembled into a conventional string instrument with excellent results. We recommend the use of a Schertler preamp. ________________
Varnish and Finishes:
Tung oil We often use Tung oil, a “natural” varnish (no chemical agents) for stronger and less porous woods. It is extremely bright, with a very natural shine. It requires an easy maintenance every two or three years. Oil classical varnishes We also use oiled varnishes by prestigious brand Old Wood. Natural products used according to old formulae, they supply an exceptional warmth to the final instrument finish. French polishing Another excellent finish is achieved with French polishing. Shellac is a 100 % natural product and its use is as old as tung oil. This varnishing technique produces a very light but strong varnish coat. Wax polish We have chosen wax polish for our one piece instruments, a finish that confers a singular beauty. It produces a highly resistant coat that protects instruments from string friction against fingerboard. An exceptional touch. Easy maintenance. |
