Torrified sound boards go mainstream

[ken cierp]

Seems Martin has actually taken the giant step required to make synthesized vintage sound boards and bracing -- they now have their own torrification system -- VTS

http://www.martinguitar.com/guitars/cus ... m-vts.html

[Kevin in California]

I saw that the other day. Very interesting. John Hall is doing some building with these tops also. Not sure if he buys them terrified or if he is doing that himself.
I like the look. Whether the sound is better is probably pretty much subjective I would think.

Kevin

[ken cierp]

Torrification requires an autoclave which is pressurized and removes oxygen otherwise the wood will burst into flames, so it's not something one can do in a small shop. And baking is not at all the same, it just baking! I like that the Martin process does not make the wood dark, to me that is odd looking.

[Dave Bagwill]

We had a little discussion on this some time back as well.
viewtopic.php?f=10&t=924&p=7302&hilit=tulacek#p7302

[Tim Benware]

I wonder what that is eventually going to do to the vintage Martin market. What do those owners that own a $20,000 to $40,000 or even a $10,000 to $15,000 Martin think about this and how it might effect the value of the instrument they own?

[Tim Benware]

I like that the Martin process does not make the wood dark, to me that is odd looking.

Interessting, I like the looks of the darker top better. To me it has more character, the other seems to "perfect" looking.

[ken cierp]

Yeah its just a personal preference. Funny in this regard mine changes occasionally -- I was really enamored with the very white/ivory Englemann tops -- now not so much, matter of fact I like the Sitka that has a little of the reddish tint I glad to see they are using wood that looks like wood. I've seen some $10,000 McPherson's where they intentionally have angle grain at the center joint forming a "V" That was unheard of in years past.