I found a sample of very exotic swamp ash used in a guitar.
The builder is Ron Thorn Custom Guitars in Glendale, California.
Here are some examples of his work:

So the thread would load faster CLICK on thumbnails for enlarged images












It does look pretty. The problem with Quilt or Flame maple top is, you have to see it before you buy.louis cyfer wrote:my favorite so far
Well, you know, being a nice guy and all...CGT wrote:Like Ivo, I prefer simplicity in the design of my instruments. But unlike Ivo, I truly find these guitars to be hideous.
actually he made a few improvements. the neck joint is a dovetail joint, also the contoured heel, the reversed control plate and the frets.Ivo wrote:Well, you know, being a nice guy and all...CGT wrote:Like Ivo, I prefer simplicity in the design of my instruments. But unlike Ivo, I truly find these guitars to be hideous.![]()
But Leo's designs are so strong, that they don't need this. The above features only makes is weaker. And it sure doesn't improve tone, play better, or give them more value. It's kitsch.
darwinohm wrote:wrote:"G&L also leaves functionality far behind and often shoots for purely cosmetic goals.
Many of these Thorn guitars are not that different than some G&Ls including Ivo's Bluesboy.
The level of exotic detail should not automatically reflect upon the build quality or functional qualities of a guitar, positively or negatively."congratulations. i think he means that nice wood selection, premium finishes and such are purely cosmetic, leaving functionality behinddarwinohm wrote:I have been following this post and I think I am lost in the shuffle. Even after a couple of cold ones. What I am seeing here is some fine Ron Thorn instruments with exotic beautiful woods. I also like the neck joint and would be surprised if the fretwork were subpar. My Suhr is not that different from a Fender or a G&L but that does not make it bad and there are some positive improvements in the design. I fail to understand were G&L has left functionality out for looks in fact leaving a pickguard off a transparent Bluesboy in my opinion would reduce the cost of parts and in no way reduce functionality and add to the looks, at least for me. I would love to own one of those Thorn guitars shown and I know that it would not affect my playing one way or the other a great deal. The bottom line is that I can increase my playing ability for very little money. Most musicians believe that they are better after they have had a few cold ones. Reality then returns the next day! It works for an evening. Have a great Saturday evening! I am, I became a new Grandpa with a new granddaughter this afternoon.-- Darwin
This means G&L also pursues visual goals that have no bearing on functionality. This does not suggest G&L abandons functionality in doing so. It means that certain visual features that have been produced by G&L are also well beyond practical or conservative or basic. For instance red sparkle flake has nothing to do with functionality, playability, tone or electronics. It is purely cosmetic. Some might consider flake finishes to be extreme and even exotic. This is not slamming G&L if that is how you perceived it.Michael-GnL-Michael wrote:G&L also leaves functionality far behind and often shoots for purely cosmetic goals.
I do not see that there is a significant difference between Ivo's Bluesboy and the above example of the Thorn guitar that I posted as the closest here. Both are beautiful. Both may play and sound great, or maybe not but I did not suggest either. I have not experienced the two guitars in such a way to know myself. The Thorn guitar is one of the less exotic Thorns while Ivo's is one of the more exotic pieces of ash I have ever seen in a G&L. There is no denying that they are similar woods.Michael-GnL-Michael wrote:Many of these Thorn guitars are not that different than some G&Ls including Ivo's Bluesboy.
Michael-GnL-Michael wrote:The level of exotic detail should not automatically reflect upon the build quality or functional qualities of a guitar, positively or negatively.
sorry if i wasn't clear. i was basically trying to say what you said here, trying to clarify what you said to darwin. i am glad i had it right, even if i was clear enough. to me what you said was clear.Michael-GnL-Michael wrote:Okay I am not clear whether Louis is echoing Darwin or merely attempting to clean up his posts. Before anyone gets carried away with what they think my post meant allow me to clarify what I meant. First, you should look to the whole post and not isolate one sentence. If there is any doubt usually the adjoining sentences add clarity to the meaning. That is how paragraphs are constructed and though this is three sentences touching on separate posts by different members the idea is singular. Looking at it any other way would produce contradictions.
This means G&L also pursues visual goals that have no bearing on functionality. This does not suggest G&L abandons functionality in doing so. It means that certain visual features that have been produced by G&L are also well beyond practical or conservative or basic. For instance red sparkle flake has nothing to do with functionality, playability, tone or electronics. It is purely cosmetic. Some might consider flake finishes to be extreme and even exotic. This is not slamming G&L if that is how you perceived it.Michael-GnL-Michael wrote:G&L also leaves functionality far behind and often shoots for purely cosmetic goals.
i fixed it. it is really strange, when just quoting the post, it shows up really weird. i had to try it several ways, in the end had to put in a duplicate of the first quote code later on again to make it work. strange indeed.Michael-GnL-Michael wrote:Louis,
Because of the way the code did not properly enclose the quoted text I did not see the last line you had added. I would have been certain that you were offering clarification.
Thanks
I have to clarify. Of course I like nice finishes, pretty woodgrain etc. But I like it subtle and tasteful.Michael-GnL-Michael wrote:G&L also leaves functionality far behind and often shoots for purely cosmetic goals.
Many of these Thorn guitars are not that different than some G&Ls including Ivo's Bluesboy.
The level of exotic detail should not automatically reflect upon the build quality or functional qualities of a guitar, positively or negatively.