Ziricote?

[dougboy1970]

There's a Zirocote Taylor Grand Symphony BTO at a music store I frequent that sounds unbelievable...almost like a 12 string though it's only six...I've never played one until now...anyone own or have experience with one?  What's the general take on this wood?

[cigarfan]

I have been searching for the right guitar in this tonewood. As I have heard it described, sounds like just what I have been looking for.

http://home.comcast.net/~dglair/pwpimages/ZIR_MPP.jpg
http://home.comcast.net/~dglair/pwpimages/ZIR_TH1.jpg
http://home.comcast.net/~dglair/pwpimages/ZIR_TH2.jpg
http://home.comcast.net/~dglair/pwpimages/ZIR_TH3.jpg
http://home.comcast.net/~dglair/pwpimages/ZIR_TH4.jpg

Ziricote (Cordia dodecandra)   
Also known as: Siricote, Ciricote, Zircote, Ziracote
Status: VERY RARE
Origin: Very limited growing region within Southern Mexico, Guatemala and Belize
       
Ziricote is the most dramatic member of the Cordia genus and stands apart from other exotic woods due to it’s unique grain lines that frequently depict spider webbing, marbled swirls, cloud bursts, mountains, valleys and other captivating patterns. The heartwood is reddish brown with irregular chocolate or black streaks that tend to form abstract art within itself. These color tones contrast nicely with the sapwood which ranges from creamy vanilla to golden tan. Artisan craftsmen are fond of incorporating this sapwood into their projects to maximize the final visual impact. It is a stunning combination indeed!

With a density higher than rosewood, Ziricote turns very well. It is able to take a very smooth finish and a high polish. Ziricote is slightly brittle but also known as a good steam bending candidate and is proven to hold nails and screws well. This exotic hardwood is easy to work by hand or machine and is stable in use. Ziricote wood has a medium to fine texture and a straight to slightly interlocking grain. It has a tendency to develop end and surface checks during drying, but is stable afterwards. Quartersawn surfaces will sometimes display ray or flake patterns similar to Hard Maple. The highly figured spider web grain is similar to what can be found in Brazilian Rosewood only more complex. Surface has a natural waxy appearance and takes on a satin finish with simple sanding.

Specific Gravity: 0.85 to .97
Hardness: 2200 Janka
Density: 56 pcf
Tangential Movement: 7.40%
Radial Movement: 4.00%
Volumetric Shrinkage: 11.60%
Durability: Very Good
 
Tone Qualities:
Well known as a tonewood, Ziricote is highly esteemed for instrument making. Many Luthiers repeatedly comment that Ziricote provides and experience identical to the finest rosewood. Others take note of its Ebony-like crispness. One guitarist described his experience as “not quite as deep as EIR, but with a sharper attack and a bit more note separation”.

[Steve]

I can't speak to the tone but, visually, it's can be some of the most striking wood you've ever seen...

[michaelw]

I have been searching for the right guitar in this tonewood. As I have heard it described, sounds like just what I have been looking for.... Ziricote is slightly brittle but also known as a good steam bending candidate and is proven to hold nails and screws well...

hmm

if i'd known that earlier, i might have gone with slightly different specs

perhaps a bit 'palletized'
http://taylorguitars.us/Guitars/Archive/Older/archive/pallet.html

[dougboy1970]

The tone in the GS I played and heard at my local store definitely meets the standards established above...it had a boldness and clarity that made it ring like a bell...the store owner actually picked out the wood at Taylor with Bob Taylor himself and is very proud of it...called it "his baby" even though one day soon I bet his store parts with it. 

[cigarfan]

The tone in the GS I played and heard at my local store definitely meets the standards established above...it had a boldness and clarity that made it ring like a bell...the store owner actually picked out the wood at Taylor with Bob Taylor himself and is very proud of it...called it "his baby" even though one day soon I bet his store parts with it. 

Are you thinking of this guitar for yourself? If not, where is this store located? I may want to try it out. As I mentioned before, I have been on the hunt for some nice Ziricote on a guitar that fits me.

[dougboy1970]

Hey cigarfan, the store is in Rock Hill, SC and is called Woody's Music...

[cigarfan]

Hey cigarfan, the store is in Rock Hill, SC and is called Woody's Music...

Thanks dougboy1970! May give him a call.

[gdeleo]

Dennis,  I can see the GAS in your post!

[dougboy1970]

Awesome, Dennis!  I'm sure whoever gets her is going to be VERY VERY VERY HAPPY...and we'll be ensured of at least 4-6 months of GAS free living...

[cigarfan]

@ dougboy1970

I heard from Ed today. He took some pictures and sent them along. You are right about "his baby". He is a proud pappy!

I guess someone on the west coast read your post and got real excited cause by the time Ed sent me the pictures he said someone in CA had already bought it!

First photo is he and Bob Taylor at wood selection.
http://home.comcast.net/~dglair/pwpimages/ed&bob1.JPG
http://home.comcast.net/~dglair/pwpimages/Ziricote001.jpg
http://home.comcast.net/~dglair/pwpimages/Ziricote002.jpg
http://home.comcast.net/~dglair/pwpimages/Ziricote005.jpg
http://home.comcast.net/~dglair/pwpimages/Ziricote004.jpg

[davwir]

Hmm.. someone in CA.. lol..
That was me, my friend...

thanks for the info yesterday, doughboy!

[cigarfan]

Hmm.. someone in CA.. lol..
That was me, my friend...

thanks for the info yesterday, doughboy!

Wow Dave. Snatch and grab!

Congrats on what promises to be a special guitar!

Did Ed send these pics to you as well? I have the original hi-res if you want em'. Just let me know.

[dougboy1970]

Way to go Dave and sorry Dennis!  I'm so happy that she found a new home with Dave and know you're going to be so pleased with her.  I'll post again if I come across something interesting in my neck of the woods.  Dennis, you'll have to visit Dave one day and try her out!    PS, when I played her I didn't really look at the back and sides, wow!  She's a beaut!

[davwir]

Hmm.. someone in CA.. lol..
That was me, my friend...

thanks for the info yesterday, doughboy!

Wow Dave. Snatch and grab!

Congrats on what promises to be a special guitar!

Did Ed send these pics to you as well? I have the original hi-res if you want em'. Just let me know.

Yeah, he sent me the same pix.. I was trying to call them yesterday later in the day (I did make sure doughboy didn't want to buy it first, before asking him for info!), and left an email expressing interest.
Ziricote is a rarity for sure with them, I have been trying to get Taylor to build me a Ziricote BTO for the last year and a half, and they simply have had none available..
When a nice one popped up, I basically did grab it as soon as I could, who knows when another will be available, and at what cost..
All description of its tone have been off the charts positive, so pretty excited to give it a new home in sunny so-cal!