Official Luthiers Forum!

A discussion here a while back praised Allied's sale for character grade EIR, showing an example set being used in a build. This prompted me to set aside my reservations and place an order. I picked up 10 sets, in order to get to the lowest price ($24/set). Just opened the box, and I'd like to report that I'm pleased.

The sets have quite a bit of color variation - not much here that is really chocolaty. Of the entire pile, I have one side set that has worm holes that will need attention, another side set that has a small pin knot needing attention, and one back set that has a knot that probably can't be avoided. That's it.

Compared to other cheaper sources? Compared to the two sets I've gotten from Grizzly at regular prices (around $45 ?), I'd say that 6 out of 10 of the sets here are better than the best from there, and 8 out of 10 better than the worst. The other place I've gotten some cheaper sets from is the Ebay dealer (chinese name ? - company name Sono Prima) The 4 sets from there, at around $40-$45 a set, have been better than this or the Grizzly sets.

I'm happy with the choice. Thumbs up to our sponsor.

Jim Kirby

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Jim Kirby
kirby@udel.edu

Hi,

Recently I also received just a single set of Allied's "opportunity grade" EIR. What a deal for $30!! Except for fillable wormholes in both side pieces, the wood really looks very nice. I like the lighter colored, stripey appearance. I'd order it again. Nothing fancy but it's well quarter-sawn, solid & looks good.

Skip

I'm very happy with the sets I got. A few mineral streaks which shouldn't be a problem,no worm holes or knots, good color. For the price, very nice sets.

I've always had good experiances with Allied. They're
one of the best for sure!

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Anderson Guitars
Clearwater,Fl. 33755

I was really happy with the sets I received. I got in on the deal the first time they ran the special for $18 each for 10 sets of classical/OM. I think this is a great way for a new builder (like myself) to start off. I have nicer stuff in my wood stash, and I'll be more confident to use it after I use up my "opportunity grade" stock.

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Jonathan Kendall, Siloam Springs AR

I picked up up 5 sets a while back. I tell ya you sure can't beat the price. Most of it will not get used on my commissions, but for experimental stuff it is great!

JoshJosh H38765.8295601852

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Josh House

Canadian Luthier Supply
http://www.canadianluthiersupply.com
https://www.facebook.com/canadianluthiersupply?ref=hl
House Guitars - Custom Built Acoustic Instruments.
http://www.houseguitars.com

For you European folks, just a thought: the Spanish suppliers sell EIR for about the same prices on lower grade stuff. Can't comment on the quality of the 22-24 euro stuff, since I've only gotten the pricier ones, but it's worth a mention for those who don't want to spend a ton on transatlantic shipping.

Thanks Mattia

I am Using one of there First Grade Sets, and it is very Nice.

Incidentially I had a visit from a Guy from Maderas Barber another Spanish Supplier last week, he had a Van load of Wood, and was on a tour of the UK visiting the small builder, the quality was very good.

[QUOTE=RussellR] Thanks Mattia

I am Using one of there First Grade Sets, and it is very Nice.

Incidentially I had a visit from a Guy from Maderas Barber another Spanish Supplier last week, he had a Van load of Wood, and was on a tour of the UK visiting the small builder, the quality was very good.[/QUOTE]

Was that a certain Chris, perchance? I'm corresponding with him about a mahogany order (was considering the Madagascan as well, but the Madinter's offerings were much, much nicer, if a bit pricier, than MB's).

Mattia

It was indeed Chris, very nice guy, You are right on the Madagascan, I didn't think theirs was as nice as Madinters. They had some nice Zebrawood and a very reasonable price, and the Mahogany was a good price and good quality. He had some beautiful Kingwood and Mad Rose Fingerboards.

cool stuff! Allied really does have great products and wonderful service.

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John Mayes
http://www.mayesluthier.com

Todd Taggart at Allied is one of the nicest people I know. He will always go
out of his way to make sure you are satisfied with your order. You cannot go
wrong with his specials!

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Sylvan
http://www.wellsguitars.com