OUR VISION
Whippet Handcrafted are committed to sustainability, durability and playability.
Timbers – all of our timbers are Queensland native species which have been proven over time to make excellent instruments. Major manufacturers (Cole Clark, Pratley, Maton, Gilet, Hannam and many others) have used these timbers for decades, and they are comparable or superior in tone, playability, appearance and durability to traditional timbers from overseas. We source reclaimed timbers from historic buildings, FSC-approved plantations, and salvaged timbers from local councils (eg trees fallen in storms or removed for safety reasons). None of our timbers are sourced from old-growth forests or from otherwise unknown sources.
Finishes – we use hand-applied clear and transparent finishes to accentuate the beauty of our native timbers. Our bodies are finished with hand-applied stains and hard wax oil for a durable, transparent matte finish. Over time this will naturally age in a manner similar to traditional nitrocellulose finishes which are highly prized by vintage instrument collectors. The owner can make the choice to renew the oil finish periodically to slow this process, or to allow nature and a lifetime of playing to organically give a “roadworn” appearance. Such a finish is also easy to repair; Whippet Handcrafted will be happy to apply touch-ups if required. We use linseed oil for our necks for the smoothest and most natural finish possible. This finish wears with play and is very easy to reapply periodically by owners; instructions for this will come with the instrument.
Though we won’t get into the debate of whether the finish affects the tone of a solid electric instrument, we also choose not to use the heavy polyurethane finish applied to most production guitars. Our belief is that this finish, while extremely durable, detracts from the appearance of the natural timber, and is more difficult to repair.
Both nitrocellulose and polyurethane finishes carry known health risks to builders and to owners, and we do not use them.
Durability - our stated aim at Whippet Handcrafted is to make “tour grade” instruments for working musicians. We keep our designs simple, giving the wood the chance to speak to its natural beauty. Controls are simplified for easy use onstage. Carbon-fibre reinforcement rods are standard in all our instruments, as are five/six-hole neck joints, top-quality hardware and proven electronics. We would love to see our instruments in a few years’ time covered in dings, scratches and smelling of beer and tour busses; it tells the story of a life on stage, bringing joy to players and punters. We work with clients to achieve a comfortable instrument weight and body shape to suit their style. No wall-dwelling coffee-tables from our workshop!
We work closely with our clients at every stage of the design and build process to create an instrument to their ideal specifications to enjoy the instrument for a lifetime.
Cheers
Mark Sandford
Whippet Handcrafted, Samford Valley, Australia.People