Description

Lots of adventurous boutique builders are delving into the world of alternative tonewoods, but Laurie Williams stands out for his focus on New Zealand's indigenous woods. Much of his wood stock even comes with a backstory, as is the case with the "paraoanui sinker" top on this Tui model (click here to read about it!).

What does that mean for the tone, though? If you're a fingerstylist who loves the innovative guitars of Lowden or Kevin Ryan, we think you'll appreciate Laurie's work, too. The low end is rich and resonant, with that high end sparkle that lends itself beautifully to hammer-ons and pull-offs, and the kind of articulation you need for complex arrangements. And as if the wood figuring wasn't enough eye candy, note the delicate paua inlay work, from the rosette right down to the tuner buttons. This guitar comes to us on consignment from a trusted customer and collector, who kept it in pristine condition. Priced with Hoffee case.

Specs

• Paraoanui sinker top
• Brazilian rosewood back & sides
• Salvaged totara neck
• Salvaged river totara binding
• 25.5" scale length
• 15 3/4" at lower bout
• 4 1/2" depth at tailblock
• Floral paua with synthetic opal rosette
• Gotoh tuners with custom buttons
• Camel bone saddle
• Paua/synthetic opal inlay
• Ebony fingerboard & bridge w/ inlay
• Arm and rib bevel
• Hoffee custom case

Video