When we cut trees, one of our main focuses is that each useable piece of it is taken, not just the perfect pieces that the guitar builders want, but the perfectly imperfect pieces too. Each bird peck tells the story of families raised and growing in the tree’s branches. Each stain, each burl, each knot is a part of the story of the life of the tree. Using all of it honors that life.
This photo: Hauling a curly log, Lewis County, WA. Above: Winlock retail shop
When processing trees, our first cutting focus is finding wood for guitar builders. Musical instrument woods (primarily guitars and ukuleles) are bound by strict specifications. Wood must be free of defect, highly figured, and uniform in color. Because of these requirements, a significant portion of each figured tree will not make instrument grade.
We source a lot of our wood from logging operations, where monoculture replants are planned. Environmental sustainability practices requires that the clear-cut will be replanted with single-species, lumber producing trees. While this is the method used to ensure the future of wood products, it limits the natural spread of maple trees. The increasing rarity of large maples makes the preservation of this wood all that much more important. Every part of these amazing trees is a treasure. Preserving it all: flawless or gorgeously flawed, honors the life of the tree.
By carefully selecting the trees we cut, and only taking those that are fully mature, we can ensure that maple and koa remains a vibrant resource into the future.
Maple Forest, autumn - Clark County, WA
Selective Harvest, Clark County, WA
Our wood supply is sustainable and ethically sourced directly from land owners and their logging contractors, with whom we have long-standing relationships. On Hawaiʻi, we salvage wood from dead and downed trees. Integrity and sustainability is important to us. Over the years, we have developed a strong base of contacts and maintain those good relationships by paying top market for the trees we cut. All of our wood is Lacey Act Compliant.
We have a strong commitment to honoring the life of the trees we cut and aim for 100% recovery from our wood.
Our craft program is a result of this commitment. The life of a tree is written into its fibers. Birds feeding on cambium will leave holes that fill with colorful fungus, years of drought will alter growth patterns, and age and decay cause staining. For the discerning craftsperson, these are indications of the tree’s character that spark creativity.
Check out Our Story to learn more about the heart of our WHY.
This is where you come in. You, the discerning artisan. If you want something unique and dramatic, something out of the ordinary this Dragon Hoard is for you. Whether you’re turning bowls or building tables, we have wood that will dazzle you.
Come on in and seek out your own treasure. If you don’t see what you’re looking for here, ask. It’s a large collection and something may be tucked away in a corner. I enjoy talking with the visitors to the Hoard. Tell me what your project is and I will do all I can to help you find the treasure that will fit your most perfect vision.
Our Mission is to provide artisans with exceptional figured woods by maintaining strong working relationships with land owners and sourcing high quality material ethically and sustainably.
All of our wood is sourced exclusively from the Pacific Northwest and the Kingdom of Hawaiʻi.
