Hawaiian Koa Back & Sides Set #11 - 3-Piece Back - 1st Grade

Quality - Figured Koa is very rare and only represents a small percentage of the yield from a tree. Furthermore the timber used in stringed instruments must be quartersawn and free from knots or other blemishes, reducing the amount of instrument grade Koa yielded even further.

Despite this rarity we have a range of beautiful Figured Koa sets in stock.

Look - Koa is an incredibly beautiful timber which produces a deep lustre. It varies in colour from dark brown to red to honey blond, sometimes all on the same board.

The most striking Koa features a figure, caused by stresses the tree experiences when growing. This figuring is only present in a small percentage of the timber harvested and is in most cases found only in the lower part of the tree where stresses have had an effect. The figure occurs in various forms described as curl, fiddle-back, tiger-stripe, quilt, blistering and ribbon. Several types of figure can occur on one board resulting in an exceptionally striking look.

Sound - Traditionally Koa has been used for the entire body including the top resulting in a very bright sound. Recently luthiers have been using Koa for the back and side timber combined with a top made of Spruce or Cedar.

A guitar with Koa back and sides will have a bright, clear sound much like a Mahogany with pleasing sparkly overtones. Using a European Spruce soundboard will result in a warmer tone while a Sitka top will enhance this brightness.

Price - Koa is considered a premium tonewood and the price reflects this. Grading is mainly based on the amount of figure and colour in a set.

Availability/Renewability - Fortunately the magnificent Koa trees on the Hawaiian Islands are now under protection. Only wind fallen trees are allowed to be used for milling today, making the timber is environmentally sound. These restrictions also mean that supplies are very limited and sporadic.