Rosette feature

[itsdono]

On some rosettes there is a motif that appears to be a repeated "arrow" figure. For example, the Blochinger models have one ring of arrows against a green background.

I've read elsewhere that they represent a "stalk of wheat" theme. Does anyone know if this is correct, or if not what it actually represents?

Also, if it is a wheat stalk theme, does anyone know how it got started and why luthiers referred to "wheat" on their guitars...

[APERTURE]

I've heard it referred to as wheat as well. I don't think there is any association between wheat and guitars in general, just that the pattern formed does look like wheat. But I could be wrong.
James

[jdschoe@juno.com]

Interesting question...the answer at this point may be personal to the luthier or simply that he liked the visual and found an interesting solution to producing it in a rosette.

The wheat sheaf is an old heraldic image in European culture, generally meaning plentifulness (ie harvest associations), gathering in of harvest, and by extension achievement of hopes. It has been used on everything from tombstones to fireplace tiles and is in the name of many a country pub/hotel in England and Ireland.

So, what does it have to do with guitars or music? Maybe it has to do with harvest celebration...for farmers and pub goers, good food, good drink, and good company after the harvest. For musicians, good music after lots of practising?

Say, can you tell us how a Blochinger is to play? I've seen one currently for sale described in glowing terms not only for its sound but for its ease of playing, neck contour, general responsiveness, etc. Alas, it's beyond my touch not only in distance but in price. But are Blochinger's really superior in playability?

[Pepe Vergara]

I love this forum...........!

[itsdono]

jdschoe - alas, I don't have a Blochinger. I'm getting delivery tomorrow of a Loriente "Isabel" cedar, which was designed by Blochinger in conjunction with Tim Miklaucic of GSI. The Blochinger guitar rosette is very similar to the Isabel rosette.

Thanks for your input. It sounds plausible, but I'm not sure your explanation is definitive. I've seen the motif on many other name brand guitars - for example just on the GSI site here - the Kenny Hill "Fleta" CD, the Kenneth Brogger SP, the Contreras II Double Top, the RL Mattingly SP/BR...I could go on searching the rest of the site and probably come up with more examples. It appears to be widely used.

I wonder if it is a distinctly Spanish symbol, or if it came from Torres...

[gjo]

This pattern is commonly called "Herringbone". Torres did not invent it but he was a real master in making and using it. I would recommend to read the book about Antonio de Torres by José Romanillos careful, not only for the herringbone.

[compagnito]

Are thr rosettes real on guitars like my Vicente Sanchis A2F, or Burguets, Lorientes, Cordobas etc?

Or are they transfers - (decals)?

[C. Vega]

Most rosettes, except on the very cheapest guitars, are usually the real thing.
There are a number of European and Japanese manufacturers who make them.

Making individual mosaic rosettes in the traditional way can be quite time consuming so manufacturers and many individual makers use pre-made rosettes, either in a stock pattern or made to their own designs.
They can be purchased very inexpensively in large quantities.

Some specialist firms, like Karin Rost in Macken, Germany, offer a wide range of stock patterns (Rost has over 200 stock designs) and will also make custom designs in relatively small quantities, 50-60 pieces, for smaller shops at reasonable prices.
www.karin-rost.com

[itsdono]

Ah...herringbone. That makes sense. The bones of a herring? Fish skeleton? It looks like a herringbone. The commonality between the wheat stalk and herringbone is...food!

So we have symbols of food on our guitars. Nourishment for the soul...