Wood is becoming scarce, especially some of the hardwood varieties, and guitar makers everywhere are seeking new materials to replace those in short supply. Millions of guitars are sold every year in America alone, another few million in Europe, and a whole lot in Asia too. With such demand for quality timber, forests are hard pressed to keep up. Some luthiers have found similar timbers elsewhere such as Paulownia to replace mahogony, which is in particular danger of extinction. Paulownia is native tree of China, which grows considerably faster than mahogony. Rosewood is another timber in danger, so instrument makers are experimenting with all kinds of other timbers from around the world for their backs and sides. Companies like ‘RainSong’ have done away with timber altogether and build fine guitars entirely of graphite! The prize for ingenuity must go to Roger Bucknall though, a luthier based in Cumbria in the North West of England who builds ‘Fylde’ guitars. His company has recently built a limited edition of guitars, from the wood of old whiskey barrels. I like the sound of that. Using reclaimed wood is about as friendly to the environment as you can get, and it can also lead to some intriguing, unique instruments. In the case of the Fylde Single Malt range, there has been alcohol in them for more than a decade, which I am told you can still smell subtly if you stick your nose in the soundhole. And rumour has it that the great violin maker Stradivarius cured his timber like this too.
Now, let’s move from whiskey-soaked guitars to tea-driven traditional music. The Booley House is back in Ballyduff Upper from this week. It’s a great show full of music, dance, stories, tea, sandwiches and tart (well, the last three are there beforehand to get you settled in)… Once the show starts, the music is driving and engaging with Liam Flanagan, Tony Dunne, JJ Cooley, Áine Fitzpatrick, Gerry McKee, David Hyland and more. There is some energetic set dancing led by Tom Hyland and Ciara Dunne, including some very talented children with very fast feet! There’s also step dancing from the Michael Ryan School of Irish Dance and brush dancing, all fantastic and fabulous. Many of the dancers who started at the Booley house have gone on to perform in the likes of Riverdance and Lord of the Dance. Between the dances, there are some fine songs from Frances Foley, John Joseph O’Donovan, Sarah O’Mahoney and Ber Browne; and for those who enjoy a good laugh, the resident seanachaí James Lenane will have you in stitches. The show starts at 8.15pm on Wednesday nights, arrive early for the tea and cakes. Adults €15, under 16s €10, Students and senior citizens €12. Phone 058 60456 for tickets (1st July – 31st August only, 2pm-8pm) or Lismore Heritage Centre +353 58 54975 (all year, 9am-6pm).
(Dungarvan Observer Article 21-7-10)
