Woods & Construction

Since I founded AC Guitars, I’ve been consumed by the search for beautiful woods – both domestic and exotic – to the point that it might be considered an obsession. The spirit of my obsession continues with Reiver Guitars. Like most builders I am simply looking for the board that is the best. This, I know, is an endless quest, since Nature is always capable of upping the ante, but still, we all look.

All my woods are stored in a climate-controlled environment and are thoroughly dry before use. I like to keep wood as long as possible before it’s used, especially the neck woods.

Construction

Neck

  • Bolt on neck
  • 24 fret
  • 25.5” scale
  • 16” radius on 6 string models
  • 20” radius on 7 string models 
  • Dual action trussed with spoke wheel adjustment at heel
  • Dual carbon rods
  • Jescar Fret Wire (2 fretwire options avilable 0.095 x 0.047 and 0.110 x 0.057)
  • 3/5 piece laminated neck 

Body

  • 2 or 3 piece body core from extensive selection of woods

  • Top with contrast veneer from extensive selection of woods.

Woods

Top woods

Large selection of top woods are available as standard with a further selection available as a cost option. 

Domestic only is due the wood being under CITES restrictions and while it is still possible to export/import these woods it is something we would need to discuss before the build gets under way. There are no issues within the UK/EU market.

 

  • Amboyna Burl*

  • ART (Acrylic Resin Treated)*

  • Black Heart Sassafras

  • Claro Walnut

  • Figured Maples (Flame, Quilt, Birdseye)

  • Redwood (Flame and Burl)

  • Tasmanian Blackwood
  • Wenge
  • Other woods are available on request.

Main core

A selection of woods is available for the main core of each instrument, which usually consists of a two-piece construction. The main woods I carry in stock are as follows:

  • Alder
  • Black Limba
  • Swamp Ash
  • White Limba

While any of these woods would make an excellent guitar, a top is usually added to the body core. I also add a contrast veneer accent – between 0.6/1mm between the top and body.

Neck woods

Options include:

  • Maple

  • Padauk

  • Wenge

  • Mahogany
  • Eucalyptus

Fingerboards

I have a good selection of traditional, and not-so-traditional fingerboard woods:

  • Ebony

  • Rocklite ( Ebony substitute)

  • Pau Ferra

  • Acrylic Impregnated Maple

Side dots

Options for side dots include the following:

  • Alloy

  • Black Plastic

  • Luminlay

  • White Plastic