The mango wood used on this remarkable Neptune model once again shines through the moondust grey finish. Using a transparent application of an onyx-black stain, this instrument is truly stunning to observe – as well as play. Each instrument will be unique of course, with its individual grain accented by dark grey colour process applied prior to the lacquering. The Moondust Grey Neptune is also adorned with solid flamed maple, providing a stark and brilliantly contrasted bound edge.

So, what’s mango wood like? Firstly, mango wood is pretty. Really very pretty with wonderfully varied flamed grains and sometimes areas of spalting too. Often it has is a mid-brown base colour, but the mango trees that grow across Java, Indonesia (where our workshops are based) tend to be lighter in colour than the more common Hawaiian variant. This is great news, as it allows us to apply stronger colours more successfully. Mango sits somewhere between a hardwood and a softwood, not dissimilar to Mahogany, Koa or in fact Trembesi (as used on the Blood Moon models). Each log can of course vary in its particular hardness, but we select the stiffest boards we can to ensure the best tone.

If you’re looking for strident power and the ability to push the sound really hard, then perhaps the HiGloss rosewood models would be more appropriate. But, if you long for a crisply articulate and unmistakably warm tone, then Mango may just be what you’ve been looking for. Tonally it’s most comfortable in the upper-bass frequencies, holding through the mid-range, and dropping off at the top. So, with measured playing you’ll find a rewarding sound that successfully combines warmth with remarkable depth. Perhaps most importantly though, you’ll have a guitar that looks – and sounds – genuinely different to pretty much any other. Electronics are provided by Fishman in the shape of their respected Sonicore pickup and INK3 preamp system. Each Faith PRO series guitar is supplied in a wood-shell hard case.