I am not the first to experiment with the native timbers of New Zealand for building instruments. James Williamson built instruments in his retirement around the 1920-1940's and the Te Papa museum has one of his violins that uses kauri for the soundboard and totara for the back, neck and ribs. But by-and-large, it is an area few have embraced with any real committment or enthusiasm, which is a great pity for we have some of the most beautiful timbers in appearance as well as tone, and much to offer the world of music.

My own experimenting with native timbers goes right back to some of the very first instruments I built, and after nearly 18 years as a professional luthier I have gained a considerable knowledge of building with a wide variety of NZ woods. I have learnt (often the hard way) what works and what doesn't ,and I have, along the way, developed a good understanding of how to build with different timbers and what is required to bring out the best tonally in any particular instrument.

The timbers you will see here are some of my favourites, they are by no means a complete list.