** All of the wood used in the guitar top making process,
comes from trees already taken down either by forest companies,
or naturally by wind.
As a value added business,
I do not harvest standing trees**
**I am able to offer grading on 2 different levels;
hands on experience and expertise,
and the scientific method using the modulus of elasticity.
(Strength to weight ratio)**
All of my tops are graded to exacting standards.
While many companies offer up to 5 grades in spruce, (from 1A-5A) I offer 10.
This allows me to be much more specific within a grade,
and assures my customers that they are in control of the quality that they will receive.
Master Grade:
Touted as the "Holy Grail" of Grades, this is the best of the best.
Every criteria used to grade a soundboard will score in the highest range.
The board is exceptionally well quartered and stiff, with no apparent run-out.
The color is uniform across the board, and the Silking is Exceptional by any standard.
The grain spacing will be very tight in the center, and will widen gently and gradually toward the outside of the board.
The grain in this grade is always straight and pleasing, and no visible hard growth is permitted.
**currently unavailable**
Near Master:
Very similar in most aspects to the Master Grade.
There will be some small characteristic that separates the Near Master from the Master.
The boards will be stiff and very well quartered, with the same outstanding color and grain uniformity that is present in the master grade.
There may be one symmetrical winter growth line per side, or one visual anomaly that takes this board from the 'visually perfect', to the slightly 'less perfect'.
**currently unavailable**
AAA:
This grade, like the grades above it, is very specific.
It may be slightly less tight in grain spacing, and may have 1 or 2 visible winter growth lines.
The color will be uniform to the species,
and will be stiff showing an abundant array of Medullary rays. (SILK)
**Limited availability**
HAA:
Or High AA, will be stiff and well quartered.
It will have very little if any apparent run-out,
and will show many of the characteristics of the higher grades.
The grain spacing may be a little less even than the AAA, and may vary slightly across the board.
Some very minor winter growth lines are permitted in this grade.
AA:
The AA is the grade most commonly purchased by the larger guitar manufacturers.
By every standard, these tops are lovely. They may include characteristics of the above grades, and may also include tops that are slightly less stiff than the High AA.
Generally, they are well quartered within 3-5 degrees, and show silk right across the board. Slight deviation in the grain is allowed here, and the grain spacing may be slightly more open than that of the higher grades.
Minimal run-out is permitted, but not always included.
LAA:
Low AA grade is to AA grade, as AAA grade is to Master.
It retains many of the pleasing features of the AA.
This grade may include:
~Faint color
~Slightly asymmetric winter lines in the outside of the lower bout.
~Mild run-out
~Localized grain deviation
~Slight curvature to the overall grain
~Grain progression to 10 GPI at the outside of the lower bout
SA:
Select A is the grade most in demand. It carries many of the pleasing features of the higher grade, and may include light winter growth in the lower bout.
Other visual differences may be 'light knot shadow', or mild run out. For the more frugal customer, this is an excellent choice for guitar tops.
A:
This grade may include features such as winter growth, and lightly irregular grain spacing.
This top would be used where pricing is a deciding factor.
Still, it is relatively stiff unless otherwise specified.
LA
The Low A grade is where "interesting," and "quality," come together.
These tops may have a small visual defect on the face side. It may contain knot shadow, or mild to moderate run out. I usually include some of the "more interesting" features in this grade. There may be color, grain irregularities, and wider grain. A little Hard growth is a common feature in this grade, although many of the Low A's are just AA's,...with an issue.
For the beginner, this is an excellent place to start.
B:
B grade tops are often called Paint grade.
They may include features such as:
~Running pin knots
~Small pitch pockets
~Strong non-uniform color
~Curved or wavy grain
~Hard growth or compression wood
~Moderate to severe run-out
~Other visual defects
These tops are structurally sound and will offer the student, or the craftsman a great place to practice.
Thank you for taking the time to familiarize yourself with my grading system.
This was written with you in mind, as a learning tool,
and,
to help with the selection process when making your purchase
from Blue Silk Tonewood.