Understanding Wood
Every piece of the guitar affects the sound of the instrument to varying
degrees. With an understanding of wood properties, you can make a better
selection of materials to achieve the best combination of sound and visual
beauty.
Acoustic Woods
The top of the acoustic guitar has the
most effect on the sound. The traditional choice for the top of an
acoustic guitar is spruce. Spruce is most widely used because of its high
strength to weight ratio. Spruce's light weigh provides
quick, true response to the vibration of the strings while the
strength helps prevent deformation under the tension of the strings.
Mahogany and western red cedar are both popular alternatives to spruce and
have gained popularity in recent years. Both of these woods provide
a warmer, more mellow sound than the bright sound of spruce. Other
woods may be used for guitar tops, but each must be evaluated
individually to determine the effect on the guitar sound.
Although the top is the most critical choice for the sound of the guitar, each
piece of wood will have minor effects on the sound. Traditionally,
sides, backs and necks are often made form rosewood or mahogany.
Both these woods are strong and easily workable. Just about any
other wood can be used for the sides and back of the guitar with only
minor differences in the sound. Lighter woods will provide warmer
overtones to the main sound produced by the top. Denser woods will
provide brighter overtones.
Electric Woods
Wood choices will affect the sound of an electric guitar,
but not as
dramatic as the effect on acoustic guitars. Regardless, it is
still important to understand the properties and choices.
Traditionally, the bodies of electric guitars are made from alder or swamp
ash. Both alder and swamp ash provide strength and good tone without being too
heavy. Lighter, less dense woods will provide warmer overtones while
more dense woods will provide brighter overtones.
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