As well as the Douglas Fir/Brazilian rosewood guitar below, I am also selling a development New World guitar.
It has back and sides of Katalox, also known as Mexican Ebony. I came across it when visiting Keystone Guitar Tonewoods in Essex a dozen or so years ago. I was intrigued by its ringing tap tone and close grained dark appearance, so bought a couple of sets. They sat on a shelf in my warm shop, air-drying and half forgotten for over a decade, until last year when I took them down, tapped them again, and couldn’t resist building one into a guitar.
The soundboard is close grained German spruce, with my inlaid ebony logo on the shoulder.
It has my preferred Highlander pickup fitted.
I strung the New World guitar in November 2023 and was captivated by the rich, smooth and even sound. The bass is strong and smooth, the treble strong and clear without a hint of edginess. I love it; this is a guitar for life.
I shall build more Katalox guitars, though it can be hard to find. I found only two sets on offer in Europe and bought them both. So I now have another three sets.
Katalox has another advantage: it isn’t listed on any CITES appendix so exporting is easier.