The Lucky Strike Redwood. Tonewood profile

[pakhan]

Hi Folks!

For your viewing pleasure, I have just published a profile on the legendary Lucky Strike Redwood as part of my ongoing tonewood database. As always, improvements, corrections and additional information/ your own experiences are much appreciated- I'll update the profile citing you and linking back to you! If you have an experiences or data to share, I would be very grateful.

I can't link pics directly to here so do pop by to
http://guitarbench.com/index.php/2009/11/04/the-lucky-strike-redwood-tonewood-profile/
for the full Visual presentation. As always, I present the text portion of the interview for your consideration- although I do highly recommend popping by to see the pics!

Warmest regards,
Terence
http://www.guitarbench.com


Sequoia sempervirens | Tonewood Profile | "Lucky Strike"

Tonewoods Database


From the forward-thinking David Young dreadnoughts (redwood/indian rosewood) to modern jumbo/small jumbos usually redwood/walnut or /ziricote, redwood tops have proven to be durable in use. The Young Dreadnoughts have been in use since the 80s with no signs of playing out!

Of all the Redwood tops on the market, the Lucky Strike tops from the Carters' stash are the most famous and highly sought after. Harvested from a naturally storm downed redwood in California, these tops are reknown for their tonal excellence and aesthetic properties.

Craig and Alica Carter, a remarkable husband and wife team were reknown for salvaging naturally fallen redwood trees. Often they would salvage logs from inhospitable terrain and private land to resaw into some of the finest redwood sets ever seen in the lutherie community. 'Lucky Strike' is the name Craig gave to a log he thought of as almost, if not truly perfect for guitar tops.

Craig found the Lucky Strike log in north-facing easement in a redwood forest. It fell over a small depression, suspending a segment of the log, allowing it to naturally 'air dry'. In Autumn of 1993, Craig started to salvage a portion approximately 60 feet long, 3 feet in diameter and the final harvesting was completed by Alicia carter and neighbours in 1997.

Craig cut soundboards from the segments as early as 1994. Hank Mauel, luthier and friend of the Carters says: "Soundboards from this log have been made into fine steel string (including arch top) and classical guitars. Smaller billets have produced mandolins, as well. Stiffness to weight ratio is said to be excellent; grain pattern and coloration generally even, very straight, with lots of "silk." Sound characteristics combine the warmth of cedar with the clarity and color of spruce with an added "sparkle". This log set very high standards for redwood soundboards – ones almost impossible to match. Craig cut into over 100 downed logs before he found one – the LS - that met his exacting standards."

Almost every LS topped guitar I have played has exhibited astounding EQ and efficiency. The trebles in every model are spetacular with a liquid-silver like property.

Links:
Bashkin Guitars http://www.bashkinguitars.com/
Goodacoustics http://www.goodacoustics.com/

Acknowledgements:
Michael Bashkin
Craig & Alicia Carter
I am particularly indebted to my friend Hank Mauel who taught me so much about the redwood tops!
©2009 Terence Tan.

[Lance Kragenbrink]

With out a doubt my favorite top wood to use!

Nice description Terence!

[naboz]

Ohhhh, and you should hear the tap-tone on this wood!! 
(Lance schooled me in the tapping of tops.)
"...if I were a rich man, yadda daaddi aye"