Laurie Williams Signature Tui Ancient Kauri 2012

Laurie Williams is one of New Zealand's most respected luthiers, known for building exquisite instruments from the country's rare native tonewoods. This Signature Tui from 2012 is a wonderful example of his work, and a genuinely special guitar in every sense.

What makes it so unique is the wood. The soundboard is Waingarara kauri, sustainably harvested in the Far North specifically for Williams' instruments and the subject of the documentary 'Song of the Kauri'. The back and sides are Williams Signature Whitebait ancient kauri, recovered from peat swamps where it lay perfectly preserved for thousands of years before being dug out, chosen for its exceptional figure and grain. The neck is totara, salvaged from burnt logs in the Porirua Forest and finally put to worthwhile use. These are some of the rarest and most unique tonewoods in the world.

The craftsmanship runs right through the instrument. The ebony fingerboard is paired with a bridge made from a particularly fine piece of ebony, and every detail, from the bridge pins to the strap pins, is made from special woods. A custom rosette, binding, purfling and inlays, together with a comfortable armrest bevel and Gotoh 510 tuners, complete a Grand Auditorium that is as beautiful to look at as it is to hold.

This 2012 Laurie Williams has picked up some scratches here and there over the years, mainly on the top, but still looks very clean. At some point it took a knock to the neck that caused damage to the headstock and heel. A completely new headstock overlay was ordered from Laurie Williams himself, and the repair was carried out carefully in our own workshop, so the guitar is once again in stable and beautiful condition. It comes with its certificate of authenticity and a TFOA Passport, and is supplied in a hardshell case.

This guitar has been carefully inspected for condition and playability, then set up to our Gold Standard by a luthier. We make sure it arrives in your hands exactly as it should: sounding its best, playing effortlessly and ready to be enjoyed from the very first note.