XJ ( X351 ) 2009 - 2019

Choosing our XJ-L: Piano Black vs Burl Wood Trim?

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Old 08-07-2017, 02:01 AM
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Default Choosing our XJ-L: Piano Black vs Burl Wood Trim?


XJ-L Supercharged with Piano Black


XJ-L Portfolio with Burled Walnut


We are trying to pick out an XJ-L and wondering how the Piano Black trim looks in these cars with a black interior?? I've found one that I really like but I'm not sure if it will have the same "panache" as the burl wood.. does it look plasticky?
 
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Old 08-07-2017, 08:42 AM
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I've never been a fan of the black. I like burl the best. Even carbon fiber is better than the black IMO. Most are wood however so the black would be more unique.
 
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Old 08-07-2017, 08:46 AM
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ive had both, the paino black looks better.
 
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Old 08-07-2017, 09:19 AM
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My interior leather is black and I love the way the burl looks with it - based on the photo you posted, I probably would have passed on the car if it had the piano black.

Dwayne
 
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Old 08-07-2017, 12:29 PM
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One thing to consider with the piano black trims (or any flat colour) is that scratches will show up clearly, and the door trims collect a lot of scratches from finger nails when grabbing for the door handles.
 
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Old 08-07-2017, 03:17 PM
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I wouldn't trade the burl walnut for a whole truckload of piano blacks.
 
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Old 08-07-2017, 04:26 PM
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Default Decisions, decisions

thanks for the opinions... Some seem to really like it.. we'd like to get dark gray paint with a black interior and if the piano black looked like real glossy piano wood, it might be a cool combination of dark tones... We will most likely have to travel to get into the right XJ-L and I might not have the chance to see what the piano black really looks like in person before committing to a trip..
 
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Old 08-08-2017, 02:39 AM
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Both are nice, it all depends on the interior color and the image you like. Jet interior would go well with piano black if you wish to exude a cool, masculine modern sophisticated look. But if you prefer the warm and homely old world charm of the burl walnut, then the interior might be better off in london tan or ivory.


Unfortunately, my XJL has jet interior with burl walnut and I could be happier either way if I could change the trims to piano black or the interior to london tan!
 
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Old 08-08-2017, 02:46 AM
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I realized it is the same dilemna with hifi speakers. For those audiophiles out there, you will know what it means. I went through the same and eventually got a pair of tall floorstanders in metallic black because I wanted a modern and futuristic feel to go along with the system electronics.


Nothing wrong with the wood finishes (there were plenty in fact), but I chose something that fits and complements my home decor, which is highly personal.
 
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Old 08-08-2017, 03:03 AM
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Interesting how things can appear different in the forum browse:



A piano! Those long wheelbase XJ's must be a lot bigger than I thought.

Graham
 
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Old 08-08-2017, 03:05 AM
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The one I found that I'm really liking has the dark gray paint (Stratus Gray??) jet seating, piano black trim but the "parchment" headliner... would have been sleeker and more subdued with a black headliner and all black/grey tones throughout.. Some have suggested the contrast is good inside but I think all dark tones make it more elegant... No black wheels for me though.. polished or painted in silver/gray
 
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Old 08-08-2017, 06:27 AM
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I have the gloss walnut finish but have noticed the piano black around the A/C controls and gear shift are a magnet for dust !
 
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Old 08-09-2017, 04:58 PM
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Originally Posted by roviw
I have the gloss walnut finish but have noticed the piano black around the A/C controls and gear shift are a magnet for dust !
As also the editor of the UK Jaguar Enthusiasts Club magazine found. Piano black means you really must keep a duster in the glove box to dust around every couple of days. Me, I always like the wood except the matt varnish ones.
 
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Old 08-09-2017, 06:00 PM
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All black everywhere is suitable for a hearse. For those of us still alive, good wood rules!

 
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Old 08-11-2017, 05:15 PM
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Wood gets my vote every time. Exquisite variation in detail and no two alike.

 
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Old 08-11-2017, 06:40 PM
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I agree 100%, but then, I also have a concert baby grand piano that is walnut instead of the traditional piano black!

Dwayne
 
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Old 08-12-2017, 10:07 AM
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I ordered mine with the Figured Ebony and tipped leather.

PS. Please excuse the mess in the garage as we were having major basement and backyard work done.
 
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Old 11-04-2017, 02:55 AM
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Wow, we seem to have the same taste or at least similar. I only saw one with the piano black a couple months ago. It was in Chicago and was Polaris white. It had the jet interior with contrasting white piping. Very beautiful. Too bad it had a salvage title. I ended up with a lunar gray with the jet interior with the white piping and walnut wood. I thought the piano black was prettier but couldn't find one I liked with it.
 

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