Let the fun begin. This is where you’ll find the stock I currently have available for tonewoods and decorative trim. I’m talking about the woods we use for the soundboard, back & sides of your custom guitar, as well as the woods I have for headstock veneer overlays and rosettes. We want to find the perfect match for you. If you don’t see anything that strikes your fancy, let’s talk and figure it out; other options are plentiful.
The page is organized by Premium sets available for all Raven Guitars, and Master Grade sets which will add to the cost of your guitar. Each set has the wood type and a number for easy identification.
Enjoy looking through all the beautiful wood, and remember, with a finish applied, these woods usually become darker and richer in color than in their raw state.
Click photo for gallery
PREMIUM BACK & SIDE TONEWOOD
Putting the sound of a guitar into words is tricky. There are many terms used, but it’s not a universal language, and prone to biased subjectivity. Trying to attach a sound characteristic to a particular species of wood is an exercise in chasing your tail. Of more importance are the considerable number of variables that go into a well constructed guitar. They directly influence, and have a much more profound effect on the sound it makes. Rest assured, whatever wood you select, I will turn it into a beautiful-sounding instrument.
Click photo for gallery
PREMIUM SOUNDBOARD TONEWOOD
I primarily use Sitka spruce for my soundboards, as it consistently provides excellent tone. I’ve also developed a relationship with its unique properties which allows me to bring out its full potential. If you prefer to go in another direction, other species of spruce, as well as cedar and redwood are available.
Click photo for gallery
MASTER GRADE BACK & SIDE TONEWOOD
These sets offer exceptional beauty, and are examples of the most sought after tonewood. Like all my wood, they will lead to wonderful sounding guitars, and some are of such rare quality they will make a guitar for the ages. The added cost is indicated for each set. For those interested in “The Tree” Honduras Mahogany sets, see this VIDEO.
Click photo for gallery
MASTER GRADE SOUNDBOARD TONEWOOD
Tonally, these sets are on par with my Premium soundboards, but they have exceptional grain patterns that set them apart, making them Master Grade. Most of this is bear claw figure, which is named because someone once envisioned a bear out in the forest scratching at the tree and leaving claw marks. This figure, of course, is a completely natural phenomenon, but it’s fun to think of a bear wandering around the woods, eyeing a trunk to scratch on. It reminds us that the woods we use to make guitars were once alive and breathing. Quilted figure in spruce is much more subtle. It will have a waviness and depth to the sheen.
Click photo for gallery
ROSETTE & HEADSTOCK TRIM WOODS
The front and back of Raven Guitar headstocks have veneer overlays to add strength and beauty. I have a fondness for tying the rosette and headstock veneer together visually by using the same type of material. Other options are to match the same material that was used for the back and sides of the body. Another option which looks great is the classic black of an ebony veneer. For the back of the headstock, using a continuation of the mahogany neck is sleek, and having pin stripe purfling to accent the carved volute is a wonderful look.
