Ancient Kauri (Agathis Australis) from New Zealand which has been rescued from bogs where the water has preserved trees that grew in the Stone Age -30,000 to 50,000 years ago! It will be use for the back & sides materials.

First grade quartersawn Australian Kauri Pine from Australia which will use for the soundboard. So far lightest top wood I come across.

Just arrived home about 40mins ago after Az Samad's concert. Glad to see Jia Ming, Zahari,Vivien, Foo, Leonard, Az for sure from ACPickers. Unfortunately, Raymond didn't make it due to his busy schedule. Get to know new friend Mr. Freddie & expecting him to join us soon.

Great concert environment, Az and his marvellous band Shelley Leong on vocal, Kevin Adrian Theseira on Elec. Fretless Bass & amazing percussionist Zalila Lee. Overall, great performance & relaxing concert (just nice in timing without being too long), the only complaint is the poor PA system. Especially when Azplaying Train to Ericland which add on some extra effects....

Anyway, congratulations & well done, Az!

Message from Tommy Emmanuel

Tommy appreciates all the kind notes and calls from friends andfans...Please view his new message on this NEW YEAR'S DAY!http://www.youtube. com/watch? v=KpXaLvYcg4A

Happy New Year 2008!

Sadly I unable to join the 1st meet of the Acoustic Pickers' community.. Anyway, glad to see the community working well. I just reach home from Singapore. I saw the most beautiful fireworks in my life there, worst jam I had in my life there & weird scence that you guys got to believe it, did you guys ever Q to enter music store & watching most of the visitors walking out with either a Martin or Ovation guitars!!?? YEs, it happened in Singapore where they having year-end sales. E.g, a Martin guitar which usually priced at S$2500 & you can get for S$1500!!! Ok, I didn't walk back with any guitar... And you can see branded stuff like LV & Burberry happened the samething. People are grabbing like it's FOC. The cheapest stuff you can get in those shop is about S$400 onward...!

Lastly, Happy New Year & wish all you dreams come true.