Welcome to
Simon Pritchard Guitars
If you are looking for fine hand crafted stringed instruments, specialty or exotic timber for a particular project (not just instruments), you have come to the right place.
With over 30 years experience, Simon Pritchard Guitars can provide or source what you need, whether that is the finest hand crafted custom acoustic or electric guitar, custom hand wound guitar pickups and hardware, or the most figured timber for your upcoming instrument build.
Featured Products
Exquisite Tiger Myrtle dreadnaught back and sides set. This is as good as it gets!
Sanded both sides.
Back: 2 pieces - 525mm x 213mm x 3.3mm each piece
Sides: 2 pieces - 840mm x 127mm x 2.9mm each piece
Lovely Bunya Pine soundboard
Perfectly quarter sawn
2 pieces - 508mm x 210mm x 3.7mm each piece
Stunning TIger Myrtle soprano ukulele fretboard blank - unslotted.
Size: 351mm x 61mm x 5.7mm
Tiger myrtle (Backhousia myrtifolia) is a visually striking Australian hardwood prized for its dramatic figured grain and warm, honey-to- pink -reddish-brown tones. It is moderately dense and stable, with a fine to medium texture and a natural luster that responds beautifully to oil and clear finishes. The timber frequently displays bold tiger-like striping, ribboning, or flame figuring that makes each piece unique — ideal for visible, high-impact applications.
Key qualities
Appearance: Distinctive, highly figured patterns (tiger stripe, ribbon figure, flame) with rich golden to reddish-brown colors and a natural sheen.
Stability: Good dimensional stability when properly dried; reasonably resistant to warping and movement in instrument contexts.
Workability: Turns, planes, and sands well; responds positively to hand and machine tooling. It takes finishes and polishes exceptionally, bringing out the figure.
Acoustic properties: Offers balanced tonal characteristics — clear trebles with warm midrange presence — making it suitable for both solid-body and acoustic instrument components.
Durability: Moderately durable; suitable for indoor use and instrument construction when sealed and finished. Not recommended for prolonged exterior exposure without maintenance.
Common uses
Guitar backs, sides, and veneers: prized for aesthetic appeal and contributing to a distinctive look and tonal character.
Fingerboards, headplates, and small appointments: where figured appearance is desired
Instrument tops and inlays: for visually prominent elements and custom work.
High-end furniture, cabinetry, and decorative veneers: where figure and finishability are important.
Turned objects and boutique woodworking projects: bowls, pens, and other handmade items.
Tiger myrtle is a superb choice for luthiers and fine woodworkers seeking a combination of striking visual character, reliable workability, and pleasing tonal contribution — particularly when Australian-sourced, sustainably managed timber is a priority.
Exquisite services
Need veneers cut on the bandsaw, or timber resawn? I can accommodate lengths up to 2.4m, 330mm high and 470mm wide. Please use the contact form or email simonpritchardguitars@gmail.com for an estimate on on time required for your project.
Need timber reduced in thickness or planed smooth. I can accommodate up to 380mm wide x 150mm thick. Please use the contact form or email simonpritchardguitars@gmail.com for an estimate of time for your project
Drum sanding service available. Need boards or slabs sanded (already leveled) or guitar back and sides? I can accommodate up to 630mm wide and 127mm thick. Please use the contact form or email simonpritchardguitars@gmail.com for an estimate on time required for your project.
Contact Us