Mechanics institute set

As Chuck says the wood color is a matter of personal preference.

With that, I have this set in Rosewood, which is no longer available.

I do own a couple HoS sets in their Golden Rosewood and would highly suggest it.  If I did not already own mine I would buy the Golden Rosewood one.

And the set lists for $199 on the HoS site.  However there always is some discount code or codes available.

Get thee the rosewood while the gettin's good. All the rosewoods have just been added to the endangered species list, which means, no more export, no more import. When the present stock is sold, it's gone.....puff!

I am into the rosewood just because i think the detail may be better shown with that natural look. I also like the clock in the pictures. Are these still readily available?

Nic,

I agree about the black (ebony/ebonized) sets. First, I find the black and boxwood combination to be very stark and somewhat cold and sterile. Second, the black doesn't match the boards I prefer. Third, when you hear the word 'wood', black isn't usually the first color that pops into your head. I much prefer the warmer wood tones. And lastly, as you mentioned, the black masks the detail in the pieces, especially the knights. And if you spent the money for an expensive set with intricately carved knights, why on earth would you select a color that obscures those details?

I think i can agree on the natural colors. I do think some sets are well suited to have ebonized pieces but the brickwork on those rooks is just too cool to pass up showing off with a more natural look. I can't wait to get this set maybe in the next month or two. I intend to post positions from some famous Capablanca games to show it off. Anybody wanna suggest a couple?

This isn't a famous game, but it is historically relevant. If you've read the write up at HoS, you know that this set was made up for a 32 board simul that Capablanca played at the Mechanics Institute chess club in 1916, where he ended up winning 29 games and drawing 3. The game below, with A.J. Fink (a CA state champion), ended in a draw. It's interesting to note that A.J. Fink once beat Alekhine in a simul game in 1929.

Wow I've never seen a set with the rooks detailed like knights usually are.

I know, it's massive. With this rook you're truly 'castling.' With others, it's more like 'rooking.'

That would be a good one as this is the set from that simul. 

Jose Raul Capablanca vs David Janowski
New York (1924)  ·  King's Indian Attack: Sicilian Variation (A08)  ·  1-0

To move: black Last move: 9. a3

This is a good candidate just because it is an interesting Capa game with a very distinctive pawn structure. I will certainly post this position.

House of Staunton recommends up to a 2.5 inch square size. Do you think that 2.75 would be overkill? These pieces are so stout looking that I can imagine larger squares being a good call. I am having blitz in mind here since almost all games at the club are blitz affairs. I would think a little space between the pieces might make quick play a little easier.

I use 2.5" square size for mine.  These pieces are monsters and I love them.

A 2.75" square size board is a big board.  The playing area itself is 22" and that is without any border at all.  I would try a 2.5" board first and if it seems too small then you could get the bigger one.

You guys are awesome. I can't wait to get my hands on this set so I can post some cool photos!

Here it is on a 2.5" board...

And on a 2.375" board...

and on another 2.375" board...