Torrefaction has been around since the days of the Vikings, but is a relatively new development in the guitar world. Thermal modification uses a specialized kiln to apply heat to wood in the absence of oxygen. It’s a sophisticated technology that combines water, pressure and heat to age the wood without overcooking it in the process. The benefits of our thermally modified tops are:

• Soundboards that are more dimensionally stable
• Increased longitudinal and radial stiffness (MOE)
• Decreased density 
• Soundboards that are more uniform in color
• Increased Q (diminished damping)

Soundboards that have been torrefied are modified at a cellular level, making them less hydrophilic and more water repellant. They are less affected by changes in humidity, which leads to less shrinking and swelling.