Return Policy

If for any reason you are not satisfied with a product you have 7 days from the date of delivery to initiate a return and refund. The product must remain in the state it was received, no changes of any kind. Once the product is received by Aaron Lucas Guitars and the shape of the item is verified to coincide with the problem a refund will be issued.

What is Dark Forest Cypress?

Dark Forest Cypress is sinker Bald Cypress that grew in dense, old growth Cypress forests that have been gone for over 100 years. The term is derived from the light in a dense, old growth forest as well as the darkening that occurs to the material, the longer it is submerged in the murky waters of the Carolinas.

What do the Series names mean?

The Century series are woods that went into the water over a Century ago and may have slept there up to 1000 years.

The Ancient Series are woods that have radio carbon dated to, at least, 1500 years under water. The number identifying each series is the radio carbon dated time of death.

When do tone woods ship?

Due to being a one man operations orders will ship every 2 weeks usually on a Thursday.

How often are Dark Forest sets available?

The Dark Forest Series is composed of materials meeting exacting criteria before beginning to be processed, drastically reducing potential log candidates. That being said, I hope to keep them available as often as possible without compromising the process or quality.

What is Dark Forest Cypress comparable to?

Like all species, it is very log dependent. Some logs have a density similar to Sitka Spruce, whereas much of it leans towards Redwood. Usually the longer the submersion time, the harder the material. It has been said it compares to the cross grain feel found in Engelmann Spruce. The wood seems to have the subtle qualities of Engelmann if worked towards that idea, with the head space and punch of Sitka. A bit higher density results in more potential bass and sustain, but slightly reduces the speed of attack.

What are the Dark Forest grades?

Being predominantly rare, ancient material, the grading is focused on the material instead of the industry, though industry standards are taken into account. Discoloration is a large part of the submersion process so it does not count against it. Standards, such as, on quarter, none to minimal run out and blemishes such as knots help to determine the grade.

***Cracks automatically put sets to Tier 2***

3000 year + Log Grading

Reserve Grade:

Clear grain, pin knot free, jointed seam shows no undulation below sound hole.

Select Grade:

Pin knots allowed outside of template, with room to spare, grain can arch.

Tier 1 Grade:

All grain allowed, pin knots allowed inside template but must be hidden by bridge, rosette, pick guard or finger board.

Tier 2 Grade:

All grain allowed, pin knots visible within template of finished guitar.

REMINDER:
THIS IS A RARE MATERIAL WHICH NEEDS TO BE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT WHEN COMPARING AGAINST TYPICAL SOUNDBOARD SPECIES.