Tasmanian Blackwood vs. Koa

**Chris 623** · 22nd May 2011, 06:45 AM

I'm in the preparation stages of building a Weissenborn style guitar. I've priced Koa and have priced Tas. Blackwood. Blackwood seems to be about a third of the cost of Koa. But, as I understand it, Koa is the "wood of choice" for a Weissie because of it's tone. However, on various forums I have read that many people claim that Blackwood has a much deeper more mellow sound with a longer sustain. Frankly, I'm not as worried about the type of wood to buy as I am the quality of the sound when the instrument is finished. I highly doubt I'll ever play with other musicians, so volume isn't an issue..............but the "soul" of the sound is.

Anyone on the forum owned or played both who could offer a comparison review?

Chris
:: Chris The Wood Artisan ::

**Claw Hama** · 22nd May 2011, 09:47 AM

I don't know myself Chris but I have heard from my cousin that it seems very good. CHeck out this web site, they have a good gallery.

**Chris 623** · 22nd May 2011, 10:06 AM

Thanks. Of course I've already spent much time on their site.............and have been in contact with Bob.

**woodturner777** · 22nd May 2011, 10:18 AM

Hi Chris, I have spoke with a few builders over the years who reckon that Tasmanian blackwood has more density and a much better sound than Koa.
I have also sent weissenborn blackwood sets to a few of the worlds top luthiers that build weissenborns and they would rather use Tasmanian blackwood.
I will have to put my prices up.

only joking.

Regards, Bob

Originally Posted by Chris 623

Thanks. Of course I've already spent much time on their site.............and have been in contact with Bob.

**Chris 623** · 22nd May 2011, 10:53 AM

You just get back to convalescing, Bob. I want you rested and well when you send me those pictures! And if you are well rested, those prices should be a lot better (for me).

**woodturner777** · 22nd May 2011, 11:39 AM

Nice one Chris, Talk soon.

Originally Posted by Chris 623

You just get back to convalescing, Bob. I want you rested and well when you send me those pictures! And if you are well rested, those prices should be a lot better (for me).

**Chris 623** · 22nd May 2011, 01:22 PM

Anyone else up to comparing these two woods?

**woodturner777** · 22nd May 2011, 08:29 PM

Hi Chris,
There is not many acoustic builders in this forum there is a few but most here are electric builders.
In answer to your question Tasmanian blackwood VS. Koa this would be best asked in the luthier forum in the states were you will find luthiers that have used both woods.
Welcome to the Official Luthiers Forum
As for my take on this matter Chris J.Knutsen and Hermann c. Weissenborn both immigrants to the states who started this style of guitar used Koa from Hawaii that in them days was in abundance so was the wood of choice, had they come to Tasmania blackwood would have been the wood of choice, both Koa and Tasmanian blackwood are acacia and are close cousins.
Regards, Bob

**Chris 623** · 22nd May 2011, 11:47 PM

Originally Posted by woodturner777

There is not many acoustic builders in this forum there is a few but most here are electric builders.

Oops. Sorry, I didn't realize that. Thanks for your response..........and the tip.

**Chris 623** · 23rd May 2011, 07:02 AM

Oops! Sorry. I came to the forum because of a link to this thread: https://www.woodworkforums.com/f98/we...guitar-126594/
So I just assumed it was an acustical forum. Thanks for the heads-up, Bob.

**woodturner777** · 23rd May 2011, 09:28 AM

Hi Chris, don't disappear from the forum as this is one of the best forums that I know of and as you noted there is a couple of weissenborn build threads that will be good for you to read. My answer to you was for the question Koa VS blackwood as there would not be many luthiers here that would have used Koa, so this question will be best asked in a forum in the states.
Regards, Bob

Originally Posted by Chris 623

Oops! Sorry. I came to the forum because of a link to this thread: https://www.woodworkforums.com/f98/we...guitar-126594/
So I just assumed it was an acustical forum. Thanks for the heads-up, Bob.

**kiwigeo** · 23rd May 2011, 08:28 PM

Originally Posted by Chris 623

Anyone else up to comparing these two woods?

From what I've seen, most of the weissy builders here in Australia tend to favour Tassie Blackwood over Koa. Blackwood alot cheaper and easier to source than Koa. Ive built a steel string using Tassie Blackwood and love the stuff..it's an underrated wood IMHO.

Cheers Martin

**woodturner777** · 23rd May 2011, 08:51 PM

I have to agree here Martin and not just because I sell Tasmanian blackwood.
Having sold weissenborn sets to Paddy Burgin in New Zealand also Emmanuel Romont in Belgiam two of the top weissenborn builders around today.
To me Tasmanian Blackwood is Koa on steroids, denser better sound volocity.
Not my words alone but commented by many.

**Chris 623** · 24th May 2011, 05:03 AM

Thanks guys. I won't disappear..............just will watch more quietly fro the sidelines.

**woodturner777** · 25th May 2011, 10:10 AM

Goood to hear you will stick around Chris,
Have you been affected by the tornado's.? Cheers, Bob

Thread: Tasmanian Blackwood vs. Koa

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