“The Tree” Quilted Mahogany Stickley blanket chest
Back in 1985 Fine Woodworking published an article about a tremendous mahogany tree that came out of Belize. When sawn, it produced the most spectacular grain patterns. At the time I purchased one board from the lumber company in California. They cut it into 3 pieces, wrapped it in cardboard and sent it to me UPS. I used one of the pieces for a grandfather clock and the other 2 pieces sat in my garage until last year when I decided I should make use of it. I built a Stickley blanket chest as a gift for a friend in Norway. This mahogany shows a 3D hill and valley effect. The result is shown in the attached photos.
During construction I did a google search on this wood and was astounded to see how valuable it had become, especially for the guitar builders.
I have one piece left measuring 1-5/8″ thick X 9-3/4″ wide and 40-3/4″ long that I would like to sell.
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Thanks
Replies
First off ... how much?
I am familiar with "the tree". I produced some panels that ended up at Skywalker Ranch. The lumber and specifications were brought to me. Might have been for an elevator -believe it or not, I'm not sure, but thats what I heard! Never have been there. Thats ,what ? 40 years ago? It wasn't legendary as it is today,but it was recognized then as some beautiful available wood. I frequented Handloggers ( they mysteriously disappeared) and there was quite a lot available but at hefty prices for the time. I think that log launched the company. I remember drooling over a board that was not quite as wide as my out stretched arms,maybe 16' long x 4" + thick. It was $25k and I thought that that was very,very expensive. Considering that there were possibly 100s of $25,000 guitars in there it seems like kind of a bargain now! Astonishing beautiful wood. If I had some today I would make something for myself just to have it. I do hear about pieces of it still kicking around from time to time. You have one!
I remember reading about the elevator at George Lucas' Skywalker Ranch.
Considering what guitar sets are going for these days, (some are going for upwards of $ 8,000.00 or more) I'd like to get at least $5,000.00 for my piece of "The Tree". Depending on how it is sawn, it may be able to provide 2 sets, adjusting for the size of the instruments being made. So, I am open to offers.
https://www.stewmac.com/tonewoods/woodstax---shop-tonewood-by-the-piece/acoustic-back-and-sides/the-tree-quilted-honduran-mahogany-back--side-set-exhibition-grade---002/
https://reverb.com/item/46105105-the-tree-quilted-mahogany-guitar-set-21
http://www.harveyleachinlays.com/the-tree-quilted-mahogany-for-sale.html
I would prefer any prospective purchaser visit in person so they can see directly what they are getting and that they are fully satisfied. I'm near Chicago.
I'd go on the Acoustic Guitar Forum, or the Musical Instrument Makers Forum and look for a buyer there. Or find a luthier near where you live and show it to them.
For those not familiar with the story:
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/arts-culture/the-legend-of-the-music-tree-180979792/