On drums...

Why do you think so? Grain structure not following the figure?

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Gregory

No, not at all. The grain structure definitely follows the figure, as each different basic shade, is a different piece of timber, therefore the veining is different on each piece/color/shade. If you peruse the Alpi site, you will find Stratawood and Tigerwood, an exact match to the finishes used by Sonor.
There are details on the Alpi site, as to how each different colored shade, is a different piece of timber dyed and laminated together .
The main reason why I'm convinced , is how perfect the different shades are, my snare (which is manufactured 2yrs prior to the kit) is a perfect match, absolutely perfect. The colors are so consistent, With my woodworking experience, this would be extremely difficult to match figure/pattern and color (color/shade is exact) of two seperate pieces manufactured 2yrs apart, without the opportunity to match them at all, its like heres your November 09 drum, and heres your August 07 drum, = perfect match , no sorting, no opportunity to choose A/B finishes, and the llast Ebony kit I sold was a perfect match, and the snare we still have in stock is a perfect match, while no figure from drum to drum appears to be from the same flitch, (other than one section on my F/Tom is book matched) the color is perfect, too perfect.
I wish it was that easy to color match when I used to make Timber panels for High Quality solid Timber entry doors.

No Doubt in my mind, but its stunning nevertheless.

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Jeff
Gots ta luv da Beech
Australia

Hard to tell the difference, check this
http://www.alpi.it/uk/Prodotto.asp?IDPROD=648

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Jeff
Gots ta luv da Beech
Australia

Jeff, I believe you're talking to the guy who first researched and then hypothesized ALPI as the source of Sonor's engineered veneers, the so-called "Stains."

If SONOR is using engineered veneers on the non-stain finishes, then it is beyond frustrating, since everything coming from the factory has been stating that they are genuine veneers.

I'm quite familiar by now with the processes used by ALPI; nonetheless, I can't imagine any way that the grain of poplar, no matter what direction various sheets are laid on, is going to resemble the inconsistent grain of ebony.

I agree that the homogeneity causes question, but it would be more troubling would be to discover that Sonor is no longer using the genuine article, when all indicators (including its various paid and unpaid spokesmen) suggest the are.

Frustratin', I say.

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Gregory

They are 'Real Wood' veneers. That they are, each piece of 'real wood' (Poplar/Basswood) is dyed a different color, then laminated, then veneered in a way that the different pieces create the striping pattern.
You know it, I know it, its all there. Maybe the Bubinga,Skandi and Rosewood are real, they cost more on the configurator, why is that?
I thought Makassar Ebony was the most expensive of these timbers per cube, but they don't call it Makassar Ebony anymore , just Ebony, why is that.

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Jeff
Gots ta luv da Beech
Australia

Can't imagine the fallout of Sonor admitting their veneers are engineered.
The museum would probably have to shut down over it.
Sure is nice to discuss without feeling like the Sonor police will be at your door.

Years ago I might have cared. Now I don't care how it's made. As long as I like it. The Ebony, Rosewoods, bubinga's and Scandi's can be gorgeous.

While I understand the passion that's always inspired this topic, I honestly thank heavens that, for some strange reason(and I know I'm in the minority), I actually prefer lacquer finishes on all my kits.
Now if Greg's Signatures were to, somehow, miraculously reconvene after being "scattered to the four winds" and show up on my doorstep, I don't think I'd turn them away.
But, if I were buying a kit, new, to my desired specs? Lacquer finish, thanks.

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Ron- A.K.A "The Frenetic Rah Rah Guy"

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Cliff

River City Trio

What if we did all have the same opinions?

I care a good deal how they're made, although I'm not fully sure I know how to articulate why. It would be as if it came to light that Designers had been made in China. The drums wouldn't have changed, but my attitude toward them would.

Buying a Mercedes made in India falls under a similar heading. No problem if you know it's made there, big problem if you thought it was made in Germany.

Now that I'm looking at the "new style" bubinga veneer, I wonder if it's engineered. It would explain the shift in choice. And it would greatly alter my feelings about the kit. Hypothetically, I would prefer a painted surface, or a plastic wrap, to an engineered veneer for a number of reasons. The only reason I have gone after wood finishes is because of the uniqueness of natural formation. Nothing man can do -and I mean nothing - approaches the deep mystery of creation. We can't create. We can recreate, and procreate, and even strive to emulate; but creation is not ours.

The great joke along this line: God is arguing with a couple of scientists about creation. The scientists are telling God they don't need him anymore, that now they can create life without him. God says, "Let's see." So one of the scientists bends down and scoops up some dirt. "Uh-uh-uh-uh!," says God. "Get your own dirt."

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Gregory

Seems to be two different topics in there. Where something is made and how it was made. I guess I could care more about the wheres of things and not so much about the hows. As long as I think the Ebony is nice looking I'm good.
Not sure I would want my Audi made in China. But if it were cheaper I suppose and looked like an Audi, smelled like an Audi and acted like an Audi I think I'd be fine.
Yes I hear myself. Kids change everything. ROTFL