MACASSAR GRADES
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Grade: 5A- 1A
The cants at left are unusually large for Macassar ebony, but even cants this size do not yield generous numbers of quartersawn backs.
The images are thumbnails, click to enlarge if you like. The above sets are in the higher grade categories (4 to 5A). We grade for contrast, figure, quartersawness, and matching of backs to sides. The back sets below, with less contrast and strong patterning, but quartersawn move the sets down a grade. Note that these are examples and may or may not be available to purchase.
The first image below is of low contrast grain or figure with significant flatsawn grain, and is our 1A grade. This a an excellent value at $95/set. Personally I think it would make a beautiful classical guitar, with a more subtle look in the wood. Local luthier and good classical player Jack Bogdonavich has made a few guitars using Macassar and says it has a great sound. That's Jack at our shop in the 2nd photo (also a thumbnail) below at a Northern California Association of Luthiers meeting. I believe he's playing a Greg Byers guitar, who was also at the meeting. The other two examples to the right of Jack are of unusually figured Macassar and is in our highest grade category.
The images below are of atypical back sets and range in grade depending on such things are quarter, knots, figure or lack thereof, etc. You'll note a range of looks from ink blot (or bovine) to a fine lined marbling.
PART No. MACASSAR EBONY Price
Discounts
Each
6 - 12
Back, classic/steel str., highest figure $237.50
Sides, classic/steel str., highest figure $237.50
Back, classic/steel str., light background $187.50
$168.75
Sides, classic/steel str., light background $187.50
$168.75
Back, classic/steel str., unusual/inkblot $127.50
$114.75
Sides, classic/steel str., unusual/inkblot $127.50
$114.75
Back, classic/steel str., dark background $127.50
$114.75
Sides, classic/steel str., dark background $127.50
$114.75
Back, classic/steel str., flatsawn $97.50
Sides, classic/steel str., flatsawn $97.50
Back, classic/steel str., low contrast $47.50
Sides, classic/steel str., low contrast $47.50
for All Macassar Ebony
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