One aspect of the Holy Grail Guitar Show was The Locals Woods Challenge — a challenge to the luthiers to build a guitar for the show that only used local woods available to the luthier. Since most luthiers don’t live in the tropics, this meant using non-exotic, sustainable woods. These are the luthiers that took up the challenge:
- Thierry André, André Instruments, CANADA
- Matthias Meyer, Bassart Guitars, GERMANY
- Benoit Lavoie, Benoit Lavoie Luthier, CANADA
- Karan Singh, Bigfoot Guitars, INDIA
- Ralf Boerjes, BOERJES Bass&Guitar Design, GERMANY
- Chris Larkin, Chris Larkin Custom Guitars, IRELAND
- Celso Freire, Dreamer Guitarworks, BRAZIL
- Leonhard Augenstein, Eyestone-guitars, GERMANY
- Daniel Stark, Gitarrenatelier Daniel Stark, GERMANY
- Øystein Husemoen, Husemoens Gitarmakeri, NORWAY
- Jeffrey Yong, Jeffrey Yong Guitars, MALAYSIA
- Hans Geerdink, JHG Guitars, NETHERLANDS
- Fred Pons, Kopo, FRANCE
- Jeff Letain, Letain Guitars, CANADA
I found this challenge an excellent addition to the show as it showcases not only need for sustainable woods, but the ingenuity and design talents of the luthiers who think out side the box to arrive at toneful solutions without using conventional yet rare and expensive woods.
All the guitars on display for the Local Woods Challenge
The Local Woods Challenge List
Fred Pons entry. This guitar’s back is completely made from linen and composite material.
Benoit Lavoie Moderne Archtop. The darker woods are actually maple that have been baked (Torrefied).
Jeffrey Yong. The top and sides are Mango wood, all other wood is Malaysian Blackwood.
Jeff Letain from BC Canada. Canada has plenty of great local woods for archtops — Yellow Cedar and Maple.
Mike Sankey. Amazing side sound soundholes. Neck of Butternut, fingerboard of Hornbeam, body of Black Walnut.
Trio of more guitars …
Marek Dabek of Stradi Instruments. Neck of Oak/Ammonia smoked oak/Hornbeam, fingerboard of flamed maple, body of Alder spalted , Ammonia smoked oak, Ash, top of Polar Burl, bridge of Bog Oak.