TEST: Flaxwood Hybrid

OK, I admit it, also in me beats deep inside a heart, which separates itself only very unwillingly from dear-become rituals or conditions. Isn't it immensely relaxing when you only have to make the first step and the rest runs a more or less predetermined path, always discreetly aligned with your personal preferences? One of these beliefs is the fact that a guitar must be made of wood! If possible from well-known woods such as ash, alder, mahogany, maple, etc.. Must? Why actually? If one asks once carelessly into the round, enters beside a surprisingly high portion of shoulder shrugging all times the argument "vibration behavior" the area.

Well, this is indeed THE argument par excellence for the sound of an instrument, but why the above-mentioned tone woods? Experts know that I am now on very thin ice, but you can easily start a discussion off the cuff, which is in the two-digit hour range again. However, it is undisputed that naturally grown wood has two decisive disadvantages. On the one hand, the same wood is always somewhat uneven in structure due to the growth and thus also the danger of deadnotes or resonance holes. Secondly, a tree always has to be felled and, in the best case, replanted within a sustainability program. That here even in the highest regions of the guitar manufacturers sometimes real abuse is practiced, had to experience recently one of the "Big 2" of the American guitar builders.

Aware of these circumstances, smaller manufacturers are constantly trying to create an alternative to the classic tonewoods. One of these innovators is the company Flaxwood from Heinävaara, Finland, which recently caused a big aha effect within the scene with holistic solutions such as the Voima model. But since guitarists are as offensive about new construction materials as an anxious dog is about New Year's Eve firecrackers, Flaxwood also offers a model for the "moderate mental transition", the Hybrid model.


Construction

The big hook of the instrument is the new material "Flaxwood", which presents itself as a patented mix of wood fibers and binding material. Under high pressure, the same material is injected into appropriate molds, allowing it to be pressed into all imaginable shapes. The material is completely recyclable and must undoubtedly be described as a "green" starting material.

In addition, the aforementioned vagaries of wood resonances are eliminated and each instrument actually sounds identical, at least in the models made entirely of Flaxwood material. At this point at the latest, the vintage fan gets the sheer horror, but vast numbers of online exchanges with their sometimes more than ridiculous price excesses would forfeit their raison d'être within seconds (recently, only the pickguard of a 52' Tele was offered for 3000, - € !!!)...

In the case of the Hybrid, the mix of classic and modern components is very moderate. The body of the instrument is made of European alder, while the bolt-on neck is made of the same flaxwood. Color-wise, the instrument can be purchased in black, white or tabacco sunburst. Already at first glance you can see the target audience of the instrument, but the slightly modified Stratocaster shape along with 3 Seymour Duncan SSL-2 pickups speak volumes. In the control area we find a master volume and 2 tone controls.

In terms of hardware, the test instrument features a surface-mounted vibrato system that works on the knife-edge principle, while a 3:3 combination of unspecified tuners do an impeccable job. However, the instrument is also available with a hardtail solution. The dimensions of the instrument are familiar, as there are 22 medium jumbo frets, a 12" fingerboard radius and a 25.5" scale. The instrument is shipped and set up on a 0.10 - 0.46 Elixier Nanoweb string set.

What is extremely eye-catching is the incredibly affordable price for an instrument of this quality. For just under 900, - € you get an instrument from European manufacturing with high-quality equipment and innovative detail solutions, which in view of the local wage and social security contributions must be called a real price breaker.


Practice:

What a sustain! No matter what you as a user may put your personal focus on, the ellong vibration behavior, which the Hybrid displays, is exorbitant! Whether singlenotes or chord playing, the "longevity" of the struck notes is far above the average of a classic solid wood guitar. At the same time, the instrument displays a tremendous liveliness due to the materials used in its construction. The instrument virtually "sticks" to the musician's hands and has an extremely fast tone response.

Speaking of sticking, the neck has a very pleasant feeling of "stickiness" with sweaty hands. In contrast to fully lacquered necks, which tend to increase friction when hands are played in, the Finnish solution tends to feel more like an open-pored solution, without sharing its problems such as contamination by sweat and skin residues.

In general, the whole instrument feels very good. Those who feel at home in the Stratocaster camp will quickly warm up to the instrument, but not without noticing its independence. The Flaxwood has an extra point more "click" in the tone approach, meaning the treble range of the instrument is a tick'n more pronounced than the Godfather from the USA. The guitar sounds a bit more modern with an absolutely balanced frequency spectrum and a high assertiveness in the band context.

The playability is also excellent up to the highest registers, no edges, no corners or other micro-resistances that could reduce the joy of playing. The vibrato system fulfills its purpose and proves to be absolutely tuning stable in regular use. Due to the fact that the system was not designed in free-floating, nothing stands in the way of an orderly damping technique by placing the handball on top.


Conclusion:

The Flaxwood Hybrid features a truly successful fusion between tradition and modernity. By combining a new, extremely promising material with a classic tonewood, the Hybrid manages to create an independent solution in the intersection of both concepts.

The instrument sounds very good, has excellent playability, possesses character, independence and the special esprit of the new. The vibration behavior of the instrument is outstanding, the sustain above average. If you now also consider the environmental protection factor due to the new material and the comparatively low selling price, you have to give the instrument a very good rating.


Additional Informations:

- Flaxwood Guitars is a Finnish company that specializes in the production of high-quality guitars using sustainable materials and innovative manufacturing techniques. Founded in 2008 by luthier Pekka Tuomi, Flaxwood has quickly gained a reputation for producing instruments that combine traditional craftsmanship with modern technology.

Sustainable Materials

One of the unique features of Flaxwood guitars is their use of sustainable materials. The company uses a patented technology called Trillium, which combines flax fibers with resin to create a composite material that is both lightweight and durable. This material is used to create the body of the guitar, resulting in an instrument that is more environmentally friendly than traditional wood guitars.

In addition to the Trillium composite material, Flaxwood also uses other sustainable materials in their guitars, such as recycled aluminum and locally-sourced Finnish woods. By using these materials, Flaxwood is able to create instruments that are not only high-quality but also socially and environmentally responsible.

Innovative Manufacturing Techniques

Flaxwood guitars are also notable for their innovative manufacturing techniques. The company uses a combination of CNC machining and hand-craftsmanship to create instruments that are precise and consistent, yet also unique and individual. Each guitar is carefully crafted to ensure that it meets the highest standards of quality and playability.
One of the key benefits of Flaxwood's manufacturing techniques is the ability to create guitars that are highly customizable. Customers can choose from a range of options, such as body shape, pickups, and finishes, to create an instrument that meets their individual needs and preferences. This level of customization is not typically available with mass-produced guitars, making Flaxwood guitars a popular choice among musicians who are looking for a more personalized instrument.

Product Line

Flaxwood offers a range of guitars to suit different playing styles and preferences. The company's flagship model is the Liekki, a single-cutaway guitar with a carved top and a set neck. The Liekki is available in several different configurations, including solid and semi-hollow body options, and a variety of pickup configurations.

Another popular model is the Rautia, a double-cutaway guitar with a bolt-on neck. The Rautia is designed for players who prefer a more modern playing experience, with a slim neck profile and a fast-playing fingerboard. Like the Liekki, the Rautia is available in a variety of configurations, allowing players to customize their instrument to suit their needs.
In addition to their standard models, Flaxwood also offers custom options for customers who are looking for a truly unique instrument. The company's team of skilled luthiers can work with customers to create a guitar that is tailored to their specific preferences, from the shape and finish of the body to the type of pickups and hardware used.

Conclusion

Flaxwood Guitars is a company that is dedicated to innovation, sustainability, and craftsmanship. By using sustainable materials and innovative manufacturing techniques, Flaxwood is able to create guitars that are both environmentally responsible and high-quality. With a range of models and customizable options, Flaxwood guitars are a popular choice among musicians who are looking for a personalized instrument that meets their individual needs and preferences. Whether you are a professional musician or an amateur player, a Flaxwood guitar is an instrument that is sure to impress.

- Finnish guitar builders have gained a reputation for producing some of the most innovative and unique guitars in the world. These luthiers are known for their attention to detail, high-quality craftsmanship, and use of sustainable materials. In this article, we will explore the history and culture of Finnish guitar building, and profile some of the country's most notable builders.

History and Culture

Finland has a long history of guitar making, dating back to the early 20th century. However, it was not until the 1980s that Finnish guitar building really began to take off. During this time, a group of luthiers began experimenting with new materials and techniques, such as carbon fiber and CNC machining. These innovations helped to distinguish Finnish guitars from traditional instruments, and paved the way for new designs and sounds.

Today, Finnish guitar builders continue to push the boundaries of guitar design and construction. Many of these builders have a strong commitment to sustainability, using locally-sourced woods and other eco-friendly materials in their instruments. They also place a strong emphasis on craftsmanship and attention to detail, ensuring that each instrument is of the highest quality.

Notable Builders

Here are just a few examples of notable Finnish guitar builders:

Juha Ruokangas - Ruokangas Guitars
Juha Ruokangas is one of Finland's most well-known guitar builders. He has been building guitars since the 1990s, and is known for his meticulous attention to detail and use of sustainable materials. Ruokangas guitars are highly sought after by players around the world, and are known for their unique designs and exceptional sound.

Pekka Tuomi - Flaxwood Guitars
Pekka Tuomi is the founder of Flaxwood Guitars, a company that specializes in guitars made from sustainable materials. Flaxwood guitars are known for their innovative designs and high-quality craftsmanship, and have been used by musicians in a wide range of genres.

Juha Salmi - Salmi Guitars
Juha Salmi has been building guitars since the 1990s, and is known for his use of unconventional materials such as stone and glass. Salmi guitars are highly regarded for their exceptional sound and unique designs, and have been used by musicians in genres ranging from jazz to metal.

Kari Nieminen - NoNi Guitars
Kari Nieminen is the founder of NoNi Guitars, a company that specializes in custom-built guitars. Nieminen has been building guitars since the 1990s, and is known for his attention to detail and use of high-quality materials. NoNi guitars are highly customizable, allowing players to create an instrument that is tailored to their individual needs and preferences.

Conclusion

Finnish guitar builders have a long history of innovation and sustainability, and are known for their exceptional craftsmanship and attention to detail. These luthiers have helped to push the boundaries of guitar design and construction, and have created some of the most unique and sought-after instruments in the world. Whether you are a professional musician or an amateur player, a Finnish-built guitar is an instrument that is sure to impress.