Jack6849 Posted August 29, 2011 Share Posted August 29, 2011 Gibson's description of my recently-purchased "J-45 Custom" indicates that the guitar's sides and back are built from "Pattern-Grade" Rosewood. Anyone seen that terminology used before? What does it mean? I figured it might mean Rosewood selected for an attractive-looking grain pattern... but does the term "Pattern-Grade" have any implications for tone? I don't know that this is a descriptor I've ever seen used with guitars. Maybe it's a recent creation of Gibson's "marketing department". Any answers or ideas would be appreciated. Thank you, Jack6849 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigKahune Posted August 29, 2011 Share Posted August 29, 2011 . I believe a more common term is "clear" - no knots or defects, fairly straight and even grain. Pattern makers would use the wood because it was stable. Tone is another aspect that would be subject to selection by the luthier. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GotTheSilver Posted August 29, 2011 Share Posted August 29, 2011 I have seen the term used by Gibson before. It is not exactly new, but I don't know how long they have been using it. I have no clue what it means, though! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
j45nick Posted August 29, 2011 Share Posted August 29, 2011 Generally, "pattern grade" means free of defects such as knots, checks, sap pockets, cross grain, or anything else that would make for a dimensionally unstable or difficult-to-work piece of wood. With most species it usually means clear, straight-grained wood incorporating the desirable characteristics of that particular wood species. When you use a piece of wood for a pattern or template, you expect it to remain stable over time so that parts generated from it are as dimensionally-similar as possible. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rar Posted August 29, 2011 Share Posted August 29, 2011 ... but does the term "Pattern-Grade" have any implications for tone? ... The answer to this part of your question is: No -- Bob R Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jack6849 Posted August 30, 2011 Author Share Posted August 30, 2011 Thanks for the info. Jack6849 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Danner Posted August 30, 2011 Share Posted August 30, 2011 From my research: "The Pattern Grade stock is selected for a good fine textured straight grain for use in the pattern making industry." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TommyK Posted August 31, 2011 Share Posted August 31, 2011 I think "Pattern grade" as applied to Rosewood is a marketing buzz word. At most it could mean that the grain is very defined between light and dark areas, showcasing the 'ideal' rosewood shading, whatever that is. I have a Yamaha with a Indian rosewood fretboard. The wood's grain is ... eh. not so much. The bridge on my FT145SB is said to be rosewood. The grain is nicely figured, but it's coloration is, ... eh. But, then again neither sold for much more than $200.00 new. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pfox14 Posted August 31, 2011 Share Posted August 31, 2011 "Pattern grade" is a lumber yard term that indicates what previous posts have said - clear straight-grained, but does not necessarily mean 1/4-sawn, which is the ideal for any guitar wood. 1/4-sawn has the most even grain and consistant strength throughout the piece which does mean better "sounding" tone wood. Pattern grade is not really an applicable term when describing tone wood. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.