Hi James, pleased to hear that i am off to a good Start,by not selling you some Musk it would not be any good for Acoustic Guitar but it sure would make a magical Solid Body Guitar or it could be used as part of a inlay, in my mind its one of the most beautiful under used timbers in Tasmania, in Burl and swirl figure, most of this in in the stump, trouble is its also full of Rocks and rot pockets so its rare to get in large size, regards Bob.
James Mc wrote:I can’t believe there isn’t a luthier school in Sydney! I was there a few weeks ago, it was the first time I’ve been back in many years and I’m sure there must be a few million people living there now.
The TAFE here advertised a guitar-making course about 5 years ago, I put my name down but it was already fully booked, it never ended up happening because the guy that was going to teach it pulled out. I suspect there is a lot more interest in the luthier crafts than most people would realise.
I concur with Kim, the only way forward in the tonewood supply market is to develop a good reputation. I know having been burnt by one supplier in Australia and having gotten great service and timber from another in Washington, that now I wouldn’t even shop around if I wanted something the company in Washington could supply.
I think you’re off to a good start, when I contacted you about buying some Musk you could have gone for the sale, but instead you warned me off and gave me your honest opinion why it wouldn’t be any good for an acoustic. As a way forward, Luthierform has an online tonewood auction, it could be worth the risk of getting a low price for a few sets by putting one set up for auction every couple of weeks without a reserve. It would get your name known and let people see and judge what you have to offer.
