This isn't your usual Dreadnaught guitar - And it's made with 5,000 year old wood!

Join me, Rosie Heydenrych, luthier and founder of Turnstone Guitar Company, as I explore the distinct tonal qualities of a TD model guitar crafted entirely from English-grown woods: English Yew and Fenland Black Oak.
In this video, I'll explain my wood choices and their impact on the guitar's sound. You'll also hear guitarist Stuart Ryan's professional take and demonstration of this unique instrument.
Since 2015, we've been blending traditional and locally sourced woods in our guitars. The E-series features exclusively English timber, and this TD model is our first all-English dreadnought.
Commissioned by a client, this guitar features a 12th fret neck-to-body join, English Yew for a sweet, chime-like soundboard, and 5,000-year-old Bog Oak for rich, earthy back and sides. The neck is made from English Cherry, adding a warm tonal balance.
You'll also see our signature features like the rollover arm bevel, side soundport, and English Tudor Rose inlay.
After Stuart's demo, hear his insights on the guitar's unique qualities, including its 'elastic' note compression and piano-like depth.
Enjoy the sounds and share your thoughts on this instrument! Don't forget to subscribe for more videos from Turnstone Guitar Company :)
Demo track: Stuart Ryan - Dreamrunner (CGDGBD tuning)

[@yunowot]

That work is truly outstanding, aesthetics, tonal variety, clarity, complexity, all exceptional.

[@rogerdsmith]

I think it was Chet Atkins who once said that it takes a guitar 20 years to figure out that it isn’t a tree anymore. This guitar has that figured out already.

[@martymcpeak4748]

Chester Burton was a wise man indeed.. Cheers Sir

[@johnoffutt898]

Wow not only beautiful guitar. The tonal palette is beautifully balanced and the quality of the timbre colours and flavors of each note blends together smoothly and evenly. I have never in my life ever heard a beautifully fun and loving guitar.

[@michaelallen1966]

Wow! Those are tones that I didn't expect to come out of a Dreadnought. Sounds like it will be brilliant for open tunings and Celtic music.

[@TurnstoneGuitars]

@@michaelallen1966 Oh my gosh yes! It really would be! I

[@JoeyColors]

Stunningly beautiful in both appearance and sound.

[@IvayloNikolov]

Rosie ... you continue creating sonic treasures, crafted beautifully with a never-ending desire to improve, which can be noticed by listening to the instruments you made over time. You are one of my favorite luthiers 🙂

[@TurnstoneGuitars]

Ah thank you that is really sweet! I appreciate you taking the time to comment.

[@happyhippy326]

A deep warm bass , beautiful balanced mid range and a top end that has clarity without being sharp or shrill..........this has to be one of your great guitars,and are you are Grand masters of your art .........

[@paulshea7022]

I have built 2 guitars with English ash back & sides and Douglas fir top they both sound good. There lots of alternatives from traditional tone woods . Its nice to see a company experimenting with something different. Very nice sound .

[@TurnstoneGuitars]

@@paulshea7022 Great to hear about your builds. I have used ash on necks quite a bit and always like the results.

[@daryllossing1340]

I'm amazed at the sounds!! WOW

[@Transterra55]

That might just be the most beautiful guitar I have ever heard… Such a heavenly sound.

[@bobadams179]

Very beautiful guitar. Sounds nice too. Sorry I'm not more discriptive. I'm not an expert. I've been playing for over 40 years and am still a novice. You don't have to be an expert to see that this perticular guitar was made with an enormous amount of care and skill. Congratulations on your wonderful accomplishment.

[@TurnstoneGuitars]

Nothing wrong with your description at all! I think it's just right 🥰 Thank you!

[@DamienDalton]

Wow! Completely blown away by that tone. Magnificent especially with that tuning.

[@jamiemay6065]

That sure is a beautiful guitar. The gentleman plays it well too. 🇨🇦 🍻

[@don911donny9]

Great Rosy that you’re pushing the boundaries revealing new and exciting wood combinations, and all English as well, brilliant. That guitar has striking looks

[@TurnstoneGuitars]

@@don911donny9 Thank you! I do think it is important that the newer generation of guitar makers explore alternative woods. I just love what we have available in the UK when you actually start looking at it.

[@johnosborn1793]

I bought a Martin OM42 in 2006 , and my sales man Told me that if I bought a acoustic piano with the same Tone quality as my Martin I would have to spend 100,000 dollars. And all the years I’ve played it I have Found that to be true and a lot more. Praise the Lord

[@timelwell7002]

Wow! This is perhaps the best acoustic guitar I've ever heard. Bear in mind that I am a piano tuner/technician, who also at one point owned and ran a shop selling boutique hand-made acoustic guitars and baritone acoustics. I've owned and sold Lowdens, an Atkin, Lucas, Lo Prinzi, Arnold, as well as vintage Martins, Guilds, etc.

[@TurnstoneGuitars]

@@timelwell7002 Wow well I will take this as a great compliment indeed! Thank you for taking the time to let me know 😃

[@robertr4193]

Looks magnificent and sounds fantastic.Very warm mellow lows with crisp highs and nice sustain.Very well done.

[@jeffhildreth9244]

Looks fantastic sounds great. Love the oak and 12 frets especially. Surprised by the Yew. . Beautiful guitar in all ways. Yew've done well.

[@TurnstoneGuitars]

@@jeffhildreth9244 thank yew 😍

[@Bixll09]

Beautiful guitar.

[@BenBrossMusic]

I'm very impressed. Rich, deep bass. I would love to hear it played in standard tuning with raw audio.

[@sparrowhawk3894]

Think how you would feel if after five thousand years you've watched the centuries roll and the insanity of storm wind and folly, someone gave you the chance to shine. Wow I love this Guitar.

[@TurnstoneGuitars]

@@sparrowhawk3894 I love this and have never thought about it that way! Thank you for your nice comment!

[@desertfox3860]

Beautiful guitar. Nicely done and thanks for sharing.

[@paulschmolke188]

Amazing range…low to high with great depth and presence.👍🏽

[@TurnstoneGuitars]

Thanks so much :-)

[@davidwrobel8089]

The 12th fret body joint is a wonderful starting point, well done

[@markkoher3468]

Wow,... only one word comes to mind; inspiring!

[@wamgoc]

Fabulous sounds, with a great look too! Striking!!!👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@TurnstoneGuitars]

@@wamgoc Thanks I’m glad you like it!

[@vedicapproach8105]

Holy smokes! Wonderful instrument. Great job!

[@nostromo4269]

Visually and acoustically gorgeous

[@jeffreydonahue8564]

Gorgeous instrument -- visually & sonically! Well done!

[@TurnstoneGuitars]

@@jeffreydonahue8564 Thank you!

[@Roh8n]

That song was gorgeous!! Nice guitar too 👌

[@micksidaway]

Fabulous and fantastic. The great playing helped a little too.👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@TurnstoneGuitars]

@@micksidaway Thank you! Yeah he’s alright isn’t he!?

[@frankcousins6479]

Stunning, Having seen it and heard it live, its such a wonderfully made and sounding instrument. 🙂

[@TurnstoneGuitars]

@@frankcousins6479 Thanks Frank! I’m glad you saw the video!

[@waltertanner7982]

The deep tones are especially impressing me.

[@jez6345789]

You really are hitting the mark wonderful sounding instrument

[@Curitibaas]

Wonderful playing!🤩

[@litemetal]

Nice work 🎉

[@justice1606]

I’ve never heard a guitar like this before. It’s like an entirely different instrument.

[@stevewhiteley9249]

Sounds fantastic and I think, whilst distinctive, aesthetically, it also looks ‘right’ too - not always easy to achieve when you stray from the norm. Inspired work - as always!

[@TurnstoneGuitars]

@@stevewhiteley9249 Thanks Steve! Yes it is a job to make sure things stay in keeping with an instrument that is nice to look at too. Using unusual wood can often be enough in itself and I do think you need to pair it with more traditional colours to make it works sometimes.

[@robinvanzelst828]

Great to hear a guitar that has a noticeably different (and very lovely) sound or should I say soundS. From the lowest to highest notes there is to my ear the timbre of dulcimer and harp and yes, at the bottom end piano, all beautifully articulated with a long, rich sustain. A most unusual guitar probably because it is made from unusual woods in combination and with a huge amount of attention to detail. I'll have to start saving my pennies.

[@TurnstoneGuitars]

@@robinvanzelst828 Thanks for your really nice comment!

[@markplautz6842]

Beautiful to look at… Outrageous tones and overtones.. (that’s a good thing!) Perfect for finger style but would also like to hear it strummed. Great work!

[@richardchalker3465]

Lovely instrument, well done!🙏

[@TurnstoneGuitars]

Thank you 😊

[@akfisher7138]

wow. That often elusive chime is in this guitar...great. Not many get there, which in my opinion is the ultimate sound to aim for.

[@mikehoehn1475]

Really nice !!

[@Papayajoseph]

Wonderful song but that guitar is amazing with a mellow and rich sound.

[@timallen6025]

I’m sure a music tech could analyse the sound propagation and resonances of bog oak in some sort of digitised X,Y screen form (!) but hey, in those hands, in creation world he really got it to ring very nicely to my amateur ear.. you are brave and encyclopaediac in reinventing the 12 fret so very very beautifully . Respect👍

[@TurnstoneGuitars]

I'm aiming to do something different, rather than trying to recreate what already exists and has been done well by many others already, so thanks for your lovely comment.

[@theguitarschoolproject3785]

I’m very very proud of you Rosy

[@TurnstoneGuitars]

@@theguitarschoolproject3785 Why thank you! 🙏

[@TbonePlummer]

Wow

[@malmalamie2732]

What an incredible sounding instrument. Really beautiful tone,especially in the high end. It sounds amazing now, I wondering what it will sound like in a few years. It goes to show you don’t have to use traditional tone woods to make instruments.👍🎶

[@Welshblues]

Another great guitar Rosie and Stuart’s playing was very good too. I might need a second Turnstone.

[@TurnstoneGuitars]

@@Welshblues Thanks Russ! When you’re ready, I’m ready 😎

[@terrydavis5915]

Wow. Thanks

[@jackiemiller6060]

Wonderful resonance and tone. Rings like a Steinway Piano!

[@TurnstoneGuitars]

@@jackiemiller6060 I love this

[@stevebarkman2681]

Great stuff. Nothing wrong with non-traditional woods. I've used native New Zealand woods for years, usually recycled. As long as it's cut well, seasoned and stable it'll be fine, then it's up to the luthier to make the best of it. Anything different from the norm is welcome to me.

[@TurnstoneGuitars]

@@stevebarkman2681 Thanks for your comment. Completely agree! 👍

[@davidjohnston710]

Amazing tonality!!! Love the tight lows and the bell-like chime in the upper frequencies. Nice harmonics also! You didn’t mention a price, but I’m guessing at least $5000 USD because of the rarity of the woods used and workmanship, custom inlay on the fretboard and sound hole rosette. Beautiful piece! Don’t let Mike Dawes get his hands on it!

[@TurnstoneGuitars]

@@davidjohnston710 Thank you for your comment and really pleased you like it. Our base price starts at £7000 and our full pricing can be found on our website. I will keep Mike away ;)

[@davidjohnston710]

@@TurnstoneGuitars well, I suppose it would be OK to let him play it as an endorsement! But he’s gonna want to add a “scratch patch”. That would cover that beautiful splay of divergent grain below the neck - just No!Plenty of people would love to put their hands on an instrument that he has had his hands on, I would guess! Does that raise the price? 😂

[@TurnstoneGuitars]

@@davidjohnston710 Oh absolutely - automatically tripled 😂

[@davidjohnston710]

@@TurnstoneGuitars 😂

[@mikegray-ehnert3238]

While I wpuld have like to hear some standard chords played on it as well it has an intri5 tonality and is easy on the ears through good headphones.

[@TurnstoneGuitars]

Thanks :-) Here's a flat picking demo in standard tuning by guitarist Michael Watts on the same model size, but with different woods: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eHq1ZGh3d62VatEsi=kHymGv8rpS7q6cda&t=1239

[@everestwitman]

Very cool! I would love to hear more Yew soundboards

[@TurnstoneGuitars]

@@everestwitman Thanks! We have a video coming up where I compare a traditional (Indian/Spruce) TM model versus a Yew/Cherry TM model. Subscribe if you haven’t already so you’ll be notified when that comes out 😃

[@Ziraffe2]

All in all very great - would have liked to hear about the bracing, , , and how the dread sounds with not so fresh strings. Keep the good spirits airborne ~ Hi from Copenhagen

[@TurnstoneGuitars]

Thanks! You should keep your strings fresh though ;-) We'll do a video about our bracing someday soon hopefully so keep an eye out.

[@Ziraffe2]

Well, , , a good guitar often sounds splendid with faded stings. My Gibbies & Marts certainly do. But your point is taken - do you take mine ? , , , that we need to hear the soul of the woods'n'construction, not the steel. In a test something in betwen is ideal. Look forward to hear about the bracing.

[@philchristensen2787]

Beautiful! I'd love to have heard it in standard tuning, though...

[@TurnstoneGuitars]

Here's a flat picking demo in standard tuning by guitarist Michael Watts on the same model size, but with different woods: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eHq1ZGh3d62VatEsi=kHymGv8rpS7q6cda&t=1239

[@robertnewell5057]

Quite superb, both as an instrument and a presentation! Thank you once again for the help you gave me when I was starting with English woods. I do prefer the expression 'bog oak' as there are people out there selling a 'black oak' which is not bog oak - it's just been preserved or smoked in some way. Probably a nice wood, but it ain't 5K years old. I've made 2 out of bog oak and the sound is unlike any other. I paired with sitka and t works well, but the yew looks spectacular. The nearest sound comparison I can think of is cocbolo because of the snappy attack and long delay. Again with our help I did an all English London plane and larch with sycamore neci and bog oak FB, and that his a more mellow tone, but still not really like the traditional US type timber pairings. Your dread looks like a slope shoulder, which people say also adds sweetness. Certainly, my Collings CJ slope is a great fingerpicker, by no means confined to flatpicking. Thanks for the presentation and to Stuart for the playing - he's a Collings player also, I seem to recall.

[@TurnstoneGuitars]

@@robertnewell5057 Thanks for your thoughts Robert and you’re always welcome as far as advice is concerned. I’ve used Bog Oak with Sitka as well and the owner still tells me many years down the line how much he loves his instrument. He was more of a flat picker style so i thought the Sitka would suit him well. Cocobolo does have some more overtones than Bog Oak I find and Coco is surprisingly a bit heavier! The shape is a bit more rounded as you noticed, it’s more in keeping with our other models that are a bit more rounded. Stuart is certainly in with a fair few brands I think!

[@russellharris5072]

Great sound,I've never had anything but traditional woods,but have often wondered to the extent that I've researched them on google just out of curiosity.......................

[@tobypark4450]

Sounds remarkable. That first TD is still unsurpassed among guitars ive played in the low end, and this sounds just as enveloping but maybe also with more mids / thicker trebbles... (The bog oak vs. blackwood?) So even more well balanced. And i love that it doesnt sound too dry, lots of sustain and movement in the decay. Sure has more going on than a J45!

[@TurnstoneGuitars]

@@tobypark4450 Thanks Toby!

[@DustyNonya]

This is neat. It does have that dense sound of a heavier dalbergia or popular ironwoods in general but its got the fundamental shimmer of a Mahogany on Mahogany without the head cold airiness. Bass seems a hair subdued for a bigger guitar but I'm often partial to that kinda scoop. Another win for the Bog Oak.

[@TurnstoneGuitars]

@@DustyNonya Thanks for your comment!

[@barabarahito]

In some ways the tone is really tight, almost tinny, but then it has these really scintillating ovetonesthat really give it life and, not warmth exactly, but a lightness that is really nice. It sounds like the sound practically bounces out of the instrument.

[@TurnstoneGuitars]

@@barabarahito I totally get what you mean. The instrument is also very new so it will develop but yes I get that ‘tighter’ feeling too.

[@f56yn25]

I am afraid my level of guitar playing could never do a fine instrument like this justice

[@TurnstoneGuitars]

@@f56yn25 it’s more how a guitar makes you feel - if it makes you want to play more - that is a good thing! ☺️

[@f56yn25]

@TurnstoneGuitars Thank you. This is true, top-quality instruments that you produce would certainly be an incentive to practice more..

[@jonryanmcgregor8877]

What song was that Stuart played? Also if commissioned to would you build a left handed guitar? *crosses fingers* Absolutely love your work - exceptional sound and amazing beauty in your craft. You are very very talented! Loved your interview with Mr. Watts!

[@TurnstoneGuitars]

@@jonryanmcgregor8877 Hi there, the song is called Dreamrunner. Yes we absolutely do left handed guitars and at no extra charge :) Hopefully look forward to chatting to you more about that when you’re ready! Glad you’ve checked out the content with Michael too.

[@ratwynd]

The only 2 unusual tonewood guitars I have owned are a dreadnaught MIJ 80's Vantage 12 string with an ash body/spruce top and my current Martin OMC16e in all Ovangkol. Many larger body Martins have a somewhat scooped midrange, but that Ovangkol tone is more balanced and even than spruce/rosewood. People describe it as similar to Koa in tonal qualities. Rare brown sunburst on a Martin, looked lovely so I tried it. I was blown away and fell in love with it as soon as I played it for a few minutes. I have owned 5 Martins and currently own a D35 and D12-28 as well. I would sell all the others before the Ovangkol OMC and I consider her my lifetime keeper 6 string. She is named Brown Dog in honor of my girl Lexi, a brindle Treeing Tennessee hound. (who doesn't love a Brown Dog???) Your yew and bog ash guitar is amazing in beauty and tone. Bespoke instruments are above my pay grade however, and likely above my skill grade too. But I do love to see and appreciate fine luthier creations like this one. Awesome work.

[@TurnstoneGuitars]

@@ratwynd thanks for sharing your thoughts! I have used Ovangkol for bracing and was impressed by its feel so it doesn’t surprise me it makes a beautiful instrument tonally. This has reminded me to look into it more! I’m pleased you found the video interesting. Thanks again!

[@ericgendell8874]

Stunningly beautiful guitar, magnificent tone superbly balanced between bass and treble. The wood grain is matched perfectly, so aesthetically pleasing. Lovely playing.

[@TurnstoneGuitars]

Very kind words indeed, thank you!

[@ericgendell8874]

@@TurnstoneGuitars I am not by nature, kind, I am honest.

[@Earthstein]

Nine foot+ great grand piano ping in the lowest registers on top of the fundamental. I find that inspiring and beautiful. I found no mention what the scale length is; nor what gauge and composition the strings are. It would have helped, as well, to know if the artist was using synthetic nails or natural, and the finish on the playing edge of the nails. Thank you.

[@TurnstoneGuitars]

@@Earthstein Thank you so much for your comment. Sorry we did miss that off in the details. It is a 650mm scale and the strings are Elixir phosphor bronze light gauge. I don’t believe that Stuart uses synthetic nails but I can check. Thanks for the feedback - we will try to include this type of information on further videos similar to this!

[@Earthstein]

@@TurnstoneGuitars You are like your guitars; amazing! Please keep building and selling. My daughters are proud of you.

[@MuseumsBloke]

Holy cr@p, what a gorgeous sounding and looking instrument! Would love to hear how it matures…

[@seayak]

Sounds like the legendary bells of St. Clemens.

[@TurnstoneGuitars]

Wow! Thanks :-)

[@radioking]

Currently making a yew B&S, Port Orford cedar SB, walnut neck and bog oak fingerboard / bridge parlour guitar. TBH I've no real idea what to expect tonally. If it sounds half as good as this guitar I'll be happy

[@TurnstoneGuitars]

@@radioking One of my very early mid sized E-Series (English wood) models had Yew B&S, Western Red Cedar soundboard, Bog Oak fingerboard etc and walnut neck - so very similar to your spec - turned out fantastic. I’m pretty sure you’ll be on to a winner!

[@garywhitt98]

All wood guitars warp over time in dynamic response to environmental factors. Might I suggest Emerald carbon fiber guitars from Donegal?

[@TurnstoneGuitars]

You may not ;-)

[@robertforbes6502]

Very cool music❤ are you using reverb?

[@jeff0469]

Should it be possible to know the full price of this guitar in €€ ? I’m speechless it’s a magical guitar. From an amateur french guitar player.

[@TurnstoneGuitars]

@@jeff0469 This is a custom built guitar with a number of individual features. We build to order so it may be better to check out our website pricing page which lists what everything costs. The base price for any model is £7,000. I hope that helps! Www.turnstoneguitar.co.uk/pricing-options

[@CAPTSPAULDING-se3fw]

Oh my God!

[@brentgilbert4208]

I’m curious about what tuning he was using. Thanks!

[@TurnstoneGuitars]

Yes sure! CGDGBD

[@marianolanzillotta3913]

Good sound!It's s possibile ti buy in Italy?

[@TurnstoneGuitars]

Yes sure, we ship worldwide if you want to buy directly from us. Otherwise you can contact The Fellowship of Acoustics is the Netherlands who also stock our guitars in Europe and ship globally too.

[@martymcpeak4748]

it sounds beautiful for sure, but the piano like quality of the sound is largely down (in my opinion) to the tuning of the instrument and the soundboard being made from yew which from what I gather lightweight akin to a wood like spruce with a nice tight grain structure. but what had my attention was those bog oak back and sides. it had a beauty that I think is almost as pretty as Brazilian Rosewood but even better because the guitar won't get siezed at customs...you have made a gorgeous instrument. Cheers

[@TurnstoneGuitars]

Thanks very much :-) Here's a video explaining our approach the the Dreadnought if you're interested: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eHq1ZGh3d62VatEsi=B7efmXrF6oYYQYSp

[@davidwrobel8089]

From the Land before King James, wonderful sound that inspires tales from millennial dreams

[@kentjax3622]

Not the intonation I personally prefer, but it is a nice guitar with a slight earthy, but punchy sound.

[@TurnstoneGuitars]

@@kentjax3622 That’s absolutely fine! Sound is so subjective in the end - you have to find something that speaks to you.

[@jwoodman]

Fine instrument. Totally persuaded by the treble and mid-range, the bass not so much.

[@TurnstoneGuitars]

@@jwoodman Fair play. I think the bass stood out to Stuart the most, so perhaps the recording doesn’t do it justice to your ears.

[@ron.v]

WHAT??? If that was genuine, unaltered tone, I've never heard a tone like that from a guitar! It sounds more like a fine piano. Since there's a Vox amp in the video, I fear the guitar is amplified. What does it sound like without amplification or reverb? This tone (if unamplified and unaltered) would sound great from a 12-string.

[@TurnstoneGuitars]

This is completely without amplification! Stuart will comment when he gets a chance to let you know all the recording hardware that he has used to record the guitar on.

[@StuartRyanMusic]

@@TurnstoneGuitars Hi Ron, no amp here, just a good mic and preamp - it's a Soyuz 017 mic into a Chandler TG500 mic preamp. There is only a touch of a wooden room reverb on here to add some depth that my own room can't provide

[@richardchalker3465]

Are you taking custom orders still?

[@TurnstoneGuitars]

We are indeed. You can find all our contact info and details on our website at www.turnstoneguitar.co.uk

[@higheriam]

Yummy... 😊

[@t3br00k35]

Can you use Bog Oak?

[@TurnstoneGuitars]

You sure can. Lots of guitar makers have used it in both electric and acoustic guitars. Lowden also use it quite a lot too.

[@t3br00k35]

@@TurnstoneGuitars thanks!

[@aaronpatton6674]

Is there reverb on that mix?

[@TurnstoneGuitars]

Stuart used a Soyuz 017 mic into a Chandler TG500 mic preamp, with a touch of a wooden room reverb to add some depth that his own room couldn't provide. The tuning was CGDGBD.

[@aaronpatton6674]

Thank you

[@steby123]

Much like a small body guitar that went to the gym , wonderful bass that does not overpower the sound .

[@alansommer]

How much?

[@TurnstoneGuitars]

This was a custom build but a similar one without the inlays would be around £8,500 + taxes.

[@cugir321]

Wow I like that....bassy but not as deep as most prevelant bottom end guitars. The bottom end has a trebly feel to it. Articulate

[@TurnstoneGuitars]

@@cugir321 Yes I get what you mean. It feel like it has some ‘hold’ to it. May be the harder topwood’s ability to not lose focus (but perhaps at the expense of volume/power) in those frequencies.

[@cugir321]

@@TurnstoneGuitars It makes sense. I have a walnut back and sides/ sitka top guitar that has bit of that feel to it....not as wonderful as yours but the foundation of it sound's a bit similiar. Clear and articulate bottom end. I got a nice amount of volume with it by increasing the string height to 2.5mm at the 12th fret...it's my highest action guitar but I feel it needs it. The string break over the saddle is pretty sharp downward giving it more tension. I've noticed over the years the best sounding guitars usually have a bit more string tension to drive the top. The long scale dreadnaught type thing. I also think it's the way the luthier place the neck angle. My best sounding guitars have the neck angle sitting a bit over the bridge... I believe this increases string tension and tone.

[@TurnstoneGuitars]

@@cugir321 Yes for sure - neck angle geometry plays a huge part in both playability but also string height at the bridge and feel of the strings. Top radiuses also play their part in deciding where the bridge will actually sit in relation to the neck angle, so there is lots of complication to it (I've spent many an hour scratching my head!). Break angles over saddles can be altered by bridge height and pin spacing and also have an impact too. 12 fret versus 14 frets are also markedly different in angle to the body because the bridge sits that much further back on a 12 fret instrument. Probably a good topic for a video haha!

[@cugir321]

@@TurnstoneGuitars Actually a video on what makes a sweet sounding, loud, easy or harder playing guitar would be very interesting. Examples of neck angle and string tension would be marvelous. I'm not an expert but I've noticed a straight edge on the frets to the bridge seems to be above the top of the bridge to create more top drive. It doesn't take much height to make a huge difference. I guess that's just one of multiple things. The best sounding guitars I've seen usually play a little harder. There's some great sounding guitars that are easier to play but they don't seem to have the full package.....amazing tone, amazing volume. My friend has a modern D-45 that is sweet but doesn't have the monster volume. It's easier to play then some. The neck angle thing seems to be a hidden secret many luthiers don't talk about. I've heard Taylor talk about it but never in detail. They were talking about neck angle in conjuction with shimming the necks. Putting together all the parts to the puzzle are such an art! I'm waiting to see what AI processing is going to do to guitars in the near future. It will never solve the pure acoustic sound other then maybe how to shape the top but plugged in???? IR's are not quite there but getting there! If Ir's ever get that bottom end thing it will be amazing. That seems to be the thing that's always missing between a cheap sound and an expensive sound. It doesn't have to be huge but it seems to round out and enrich all the string sounds. Volume seems to be part of it also. Volume of all those overtones. Could AI/IR's create overtones?

[@jameslawrencewirth]

Tell us what is the tuning?

[@TurnstoneGuitars]

@@jameslawrencewirth I’ll check in with Stuart about that!

[@StuartRyanMusic]

@@TurnstoneGuitars Hi James, this is piece of mine called 'Dreamrunner' in CGDGBD tuning. All the best, Stuart

[@jeffthevideoguy23]

Is it just me or does this guitar have no bottom end?

[@edjohnson2828]

While the guitar is beautiful and the piece played made the guitar sound amazing, I don’t feel I got a true sound of the guitar in that the player was not playing in standard E tuning and seemed to be using effects like chorus and reverb or delay. If he was playing it dry through a mic then that is an exquisite guitar. I love the concept of using alternative woods so please keep pushing the envelope.

[@josephbeyer4579]

Agree, it’s beautiful. It’s really difficult to tell how much dynamic range and headroom the guitar has playing a dreadnought finger style. I play my Martin D-18 with a very stiff pick and try as I might have really never over driven the top flatpicking. I couldn’t even get close to that playing that hard finger style although it sounds wonderful. Would love to hear a Celtic or Irish piece played in standard EADGBE tuning for comparison.

[@TurnstoneGuitars]

Hi @edjohnson, glad you like the guitar :-) Stuart used a Soyuz 017 mic into a Chandler TG500 mic preamp, with a touch of a wooden room reverb to add some depth that his own room couldn't provide. The tuning was CGDGBD. We developed this Dread to be something different, we aren't aiming to replicate what's already been done very well by others before us. Obviously I might be biased but, I can vouch for the fact that it's got tons of headroom and handles flat picking with ease, at least as well as this nuanced finger style.

[@TurnstoneGuitars]

Hi @josephbeyer4579, here's a video demo by guitarist Michael Watts which has some strumming elements to it. This is is the same model but with different woods: kzbin.info/www/bejne/f4iTg3d_hdipitk

[@TurnstoneGuitars]

And I forgot that he actually did a "proper" flat picking demo which you can see here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eHq1ZGh3d62VatEsi=kHymGv8rpS7q6cda&t=1239

[@josephbeyer4579]

@@TurnstoneGuitars Thank you for providing the link! What a beautiful sounding instrument. Your description was absolutely correct. The bass is so clear and deep and all the frequencies from top to bottom are very well balanced. It would be an amazing addition to anyone’s musical collection. In addition I really like the subtle rolled top edge of the lower bout. Smaller players as myself know that particular edge can be a bit of a pain (pun intended of course). Thank you for creating such a beautiful instrument.

[@jimmy_iKoN]

I can make that sound like a $20 guitar 😂

[@TurnstoneGuitars]

@@jimmy_iKoN Don’t be too hard on yourself, I’m sure you’d push it up to $50 🤣

[@jimmy_iKoN]

@@TurnstoneGuitars lol

[@cin74au]

Honestly, you're just showing off now. 😂

[@TurnstoneGuitars]

😂 soz, not soz 😂

[@rikaap866]

why the ugly fretboard-inlay on such a beautiful guitar ... 🤔

[@TurnstoneGuitars]

Take it up with the Tudor's 😉

[@Casey-k4y]

I don't believe a word your saying...you should be selling fruit at a fruit market.,

[@yunowot]

If you had expressed that differently then you could have more effectively concealed your bitter jealousy of her obvious amazing skills and the supreme quality of this build.

[@randallhaney7909]

NOPE ! ! !

[@brianpotts5358]

I would like to hear it played with a pick instead of finger picking also.

[@hrxy1]

you've missed the point of dreadnought so dummy. it's strumming in the cs&n style that counts and that's what you have missed

[@TurnstoneGuitars]

Damn, no holds barred! Here's a flat picking demo in standard tuning by guitarist Michael Watts on the same model size, but with different woods: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eHq1ZGh3d62VatEsi=kHymGv8rpS7q6cda&t=1239