Book-matched tops are basically exotic forms of tonewoods that have a peculiar grain pattern in the wood. This pattern is accentuated by the guitar builder during the finishing and also in the process of book-matching. The process is directly translated from the violin builders of the 1700s. First a fillet of wood is selected for its pattern and stability, usually maple. The fillet is then sliced longitudinally and onse side is laid left of the cut line one one side right, like opening a book. This is called a book-matched top. The top usually is relatively thin, usually 1/4 of an inch or less and it is glued onto a prepped tonewood body so that the centre line of the book-matched wood lies centre to the body. Using stains and a variety of finishing tecniques, book-matched tops are a defining visual element in the completion of a guitar build.

At Bare Bonz Custom Shop Guitars we assemble Fire Series Guitars with custom book-matched tops.

Bookmatching

Examples