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Master Grade: Master grade is the highest grade possible for our tonewood with every criteria used scoring in the highest range. In short, a magnificent specimen. Perfect or near-perfect quartering (+/- 2º), very stiff, no apparent run-out, superbly uniform color, grain lines are tight (above 24 per inch) and evenly spaced with a very even and pleasing progression from the tight side to the loose side, no knot shadow is evident. 100% clear with no defect allowed. Only 0.1% or less of all soundboards will fall in the master grade. Master grade is extremely rare in alpine spruce, rare in sitka spruce and cedar. No flames although bearclaw figure is allowed, stiff with a high pitched tap tone. Slight color variation is allowed in Cedar.
AAA Grade:
AAA grade is very close to master grade. Usually down graded for a slight visual feature that is not quite perfect or immediately evident. The most common down grade feature is grain spacing that is not as exceptionally even as that found in master grade. Very well quartered (+/- 4 º), stiff across the grain and no apparent run-out. In a first pass evaluation it is difficult to distinguish a AAA from a master grade and a close evaluation of the criteria and comparison with a master grade is often required to understand the slightly lower grade. 100% clear with no defect allowed. Very limited acceptance of slight colour variation. Tight grain (18 – 24 per inch)
AA Grade:
AA tops present a very good first impression with very good visual qualities and very good tone structure features. The color is virtually uniform, with occasional light flame allowed. Grain uniformity is pleasing to the eyes (14+ per inch), the boards have firmness across the grain, only slight and localized deviation in the grain is allowed and run-out is minimal. 100% Clear. They are not AAA grade boards for subtle features, primarily slight unevenness of grain. AA is normally the “production” grade purchased by larger manufacturers.
A Grade:
Tonewood with acceptable quality in a lower price range. Less perfectly quartered (90 +/- 10 º). Irregular grain spacing (10+ per inch), with slight wiggle or curving allowed. More variation in color allowed as long as the difference is not high contrast.
B Grade:
Small defects (pitch-pockets, grain twist, pin knots) allowed as long as they are not structurally degrading. Less perfectly quartered (90 +/- 10 º). Strong , assymetrical color patterns may be observed in this grade. Irregular grain pattern and spacing.
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