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I hope this subject isn't a dead horse.
I completed one build using a torrefied top from Stew Mac. I'm new to this forum (any forum for that matter) and a fledgling builder (I've completed 9 build)s. I have been very humbled, after having read through a fair amount of the posts on different subjects regarding guitar building at OLF. (Just when I thought I knew a lot about Lutherie) The torrefied build I completed was an SJ, the plans originated from the OLF, purchased If memory serves, from Stew Mac.
I cannot judge the results of the top's tone in relation to my other builds objectively, or scientifically for several different reasons.
One reason being that I am a still learning as a builder, and am still tweaking the bracing, bridge plate size, material, etc, etc. Second reason is that if I really wanted to judge these thermally treated tops objectively I would go about this building two as identically as possible to get the most accurate results. I can only say that this guitar definitely was real close to what I've been striving to achieve in a guitar for sound and response, closer than my other builds. But again, I will not say that it is only due to the torrefied top (and bracing).
But I think that there are some other reasons in play regarding these tops that affect the acceptance of builders, and no doubt, players alike. The material is advertised as being the same as a vintage sound, or a top that through age and use has "opened up". How can that be proven? Also, it is not a traditional material, aren't there plenty of builders and players out there who may not accept it based on that alone? Not to mention the appearance, or color of the tops. How do you all feel about these, and how many of you have experience with them?
I hope I'm not being to windy here, but felt that with the depth of knowledge and experience that this forum taps into, I could get a better handle on this subject.
Dave R.

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"It is easier to fool a man, than it is to convince him that he has been fooled"
Mark Twain

I think there's lots of life left in that horse, Dave! The surface is just being scratched, regarding torrefied wood, and there is sure to be many years of discussion to be had.
How about some pictures of your guitars, and your ideas and building techniques would be greatly appreciated, as well!

Alex

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"Indecision is the key to flexibility" .... Bumper sticker

I like what it does to the look of the wood. It does increase the tap tone of the wood. I like the idea of it helping out with respect to humidity, probably my main interest. I can see building with and without it in about equal amounts in the foreseeable future.

I like the look. Torrified Sitka? Nice finish! Tell us more about the guitar... Back and sides? Is the bridge macassar? I picked up two torrified Sitka tops, one has amazing looking bearclaw. I've been wondering what I should pair them with.

I know a performer/musician who recently bought a rain song guitar (carbon fiber) simply because she didn't want to deal with her previous guitars problems with seasonal wood movement. A torrefied guitar build would appeal to a potential buyer of that sort. There is a very highly regarded builder in Maine? I think is where he is located, who builds torrefied tops and braces only, or fully torrefied, neck and all. If memory serves, he processes his materials himself. His guitars are sought after, and highly regarded. I would like to get one in to my hands one day, to see for myself.
There has been some discussion on glue adhesion problems- I use hhg, with a go bar deck. I have not seen any sign of adhesion problems. But this build has been strung up for only 6 months. EIR back and sides. Honduran Mahogany neck, ebony FB. Lacquer finish. I used Wenge for the back braces, and down sized them in width, 1/4" wide. (Sorry about the bad photo).
Another reason I can't judge these soundboards from experience (not that I have a whole lot of that under my belt) is that I have finally gotten enough confidence to invest more dollars into higher quality tops. I just purchased some carpathian, and adirondack tops which to my inexperienced eye and hand seem promising. After building with these, I can compare.
One other thought, I don't think the thermal process will make an average top into a great top, but I do think that it will improve it, and its stability in varying humidity situations.
The process does make the spruce more glass like, vitreous, if you will. Very prone to split, easy to repair-Ha. If you watched Robbie O'Brien's video of thicknessing tops, holding them by the edges, and flapping them up and down to feel the flexibility while passing them through his drum sander, don't do that with a torrefied top. It will crack. (personal experience).

_________________
"It is easier to fool a man, than it is to convince him that he has been fooled"
Mark Twain

The bridge is Honduran rosewood.

_________________
"It is easier to fool a man, than it is to convince him that he has been fooled"
Mark Twain

That's a very nice looking guitar. I like the color of the top. Is that due entirely to the torrefaction?

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Once in a while you get shown the light in the strangest of places if you look at it right - Robert Hunter

Yes the color is due only to the thermal process, and I use de waxed shellac as a sealer.

_________________
"It is easier to fool a man, than it is to convince him that he has been fooled"
Mark Twain

Thanks for the compliments
Dave R


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_________________
"It is easier to fool a man, than it is to convince him that he has been fooled"
Mark Twain

These tops end up about as prone to split as cedar or redwood. Treat them accordingly and all will be fine.

Grant

I have no experience with them but that is a beautiful looking top and the whole package. Your finishing chops look extraordinary.

I would have thought that any form of cooking would add some stability and hopefully make a top less crack prone in humidity fluctuations/low humidity. Maybe that's just wishful.

Welcome to the OLF Dave!!

Thanks Danny, and all, for the encouragement and compliments.
I have two more of these tops from Stew Mac. Maybe one will end up on a nice quilted maple set!


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_________________
"It is easier to fool a man, than it is to convince him that he has been fooled"
Mark Twain

Nitro laquer. This process has been the hardest part to learn. Still learning. Been tempted off and on to try water based, but I hear the results aren't as good.


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_________________
"It is easier to fool a man, than it is to convince him that he has been fooled"
Mark Twain

Another thought about torrefied woods. I had read that the process has been around a long time. It has been used in ship building for structural elements.
I also read that it is used for exterior trim on buildings in Europe.


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_________________
"It is easier to fool a man, than it is to convince him that he has been fooled"
Mark Twain