No.32

Taiwan Leopard Cat

According to literature, the Taiwan leopard cat (石虎) was distributed throughout various parts of Taiwan between 1930 and 1940. However, due to human development, the population of Taiwan leopard cat significantly decreased. In 2008, they were classified as a critically endangered species, with an estimated population of around 500 individuals in 2021.

This is the third piece in the Taiwan Wildlife Series by luthier Sing Wong, featuring the Taiwan leopard cat as the theme. For the backside of the guitar, a set of highly patterned Santos Rosewood was carefully chosen to complement the markings of the leopard cat, while the top panel is made from Sitka Spruce. Notably, this guitar is a 12-fret model, which means the neck joins the body at the 12th fret, causing the bridge to be positioned lower on the top panel's central area. This alteration results in a distinctive resonance compared to the more common 14-fret guitars. Generally, a 12-fret guitar is described to have a particularly full and warm sound.

Model：Modified OM (Manzer Wedge Body)
Top ：Sitka Spruce
Back & Sides ：Santos Rosewood
Neck ：African Mahogany
Neck profile：C Shape
Fingerboard ：Ebony
Neck Joint：12th fret
Headplate：Santos Rosewood & Rosewood & Ebony
Truss Rod Cover：Ebony
Bridge ：Ebony
Finish ：Nitrocellulose Lacquer
Body Bindings：Rosewood
Machine Head：Gotoh 510Z with Granadillo button
Scale Length ：648mm
Body Length：1035mm
Upper Bout：278mm
Lower Bout：390mm
Upper Body Depth：(L)98mm/ (R)103mm
Lower Body Depth：(L)100mm/ (R)113mm
Nut Width：43mm
String Spacing：56mm