Royal Ebony & Other Non-Traditional Tonewoods

A lot has changed in the world of guitars over the last few years, and some of the most exciting developments are happening with the builder, Kiesel Guitars-- formerly known as Carvin Guitars.  

Kiesel Guitars "Royal Ebony" Fingerboards

Jeff and his dad Mark Kiesel explains the evolution of the Carvin/Kiesel company brand name HERE.  To briefly summarize the changes, the guitars/basses will now be built separately from the amplifier/pro-audio side of the house.  Both divisions remain owned & operated by the Kiesel family, but will now operate independently of each other, with amps/pro-audio remaining under the Carvin banner, while guitars are now built under the Kiesel brand (some models will continue to wear the Carvin name).  This move has enabled Jeff to introduce a lot of changes to the guitars/basses.  Not only in overall improvements to their instruments, but also addition of non-traditional woods!

If you are a long-time reader of the blog, you already know about the state of ebony in the world today. Cameroon is the only place in the world where Ebony can legally be harvested.  Traditionally known for its jet black color, Ebony has been a very popular tone wood.  The problem is, not all of the ebony trees yield the jet black color.  Determining which trees do, can only be done by cutting down the tree; only 1 in 10 trees yield the jet black color.  Considered "B-grade" wood, the other 9 trees were left behind.  Bob Taylor explains all of this in his video, "The State of Ebony."

Buckeye Burl top, Royal Ebony fingerboard

Kiesel Guitars is now offering ebony from those trees that were once left behind.  This is great news because not only is it a more environmentally responsible business practice, but the wood is just as beautiful-- some would say more so-- than the jet-black variety.  Ebony is not the only new addition to Kiesel's wood catalog: Buckeye Burl, Ebony as a top-wood, Purple Heart, White Limba, and Zebra wood just to name a few.  

Purple Heart top, White Limba body & neck 

These are exciting days for guitarists/bassists.  No longer are we limited to solid colors, or the same old wood combinations that we have seen on so many instruments.  While the traditional combinations are quite nice in and of themselves, embracing the freedom to be different and try new designs, new colors and new woods can breathe new life into a guitar company, as well as sparking excitement within the musician.  

All of this is good news for several different reasons:
- Woods previously discarded for being considered "trash" are now being utilized.

- Increased use of alternative woods decreases demand for threatened traditional species.

- These newly adopted woods are beautiful!

How about an 8-string headless guitar, made from White Limba, and Purple Heart? That sure makes my pulse quicken!  How about yours?

Stay tuned & in tune!