Tone of a Lifetime: An Overview of the Best Guitar Woods for Building an Unforgettable Sound.
If you want to build the perfect guitar, pay close attention to the type of wood you use. Wood type can drastically change the sound of a guitar, and perhaps even determine the lifetime of the instrument. From softwood to hardwood, acoustic or electric, it all boils down to each type of sound you’re trying to achieve.
The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to choosing your guitar’s wood. Different types of wood will offer completely different sounds, and an entire open-ended range of possible combinations exists. So, how do you know which wood to use? That’s what we’ll be discussing here—the top five woods for guitar building, and why they make such good starting points.
When it comes to guitar woods, few can compare to mahogany. Mahogany is usually combined with a maple top to achieve a vintage tone. The maple effectively balances out the warmer tones of the mahogany, resulting in a full-bodied sound with plenty of bite. Mahogany is also highly sought after given its understanding, smooth sound. Plus, it’s a very durable and easy to work with type of wood.
When it comes to acquiring a light, “airy” sound, alder is the key. Alder sounds slightly brighter compared to mahogany and adds a great edge to any guitar. It’s also a lightweight wood, offering an even balance of tones. Alder has been a popular wood for guitar-building for many years, and it’s easy to see why.
For the more daring guitarists out there, nothing beats the sound of walnut. Combining the best elements of mahogany and alder, walnut is a strong wood that makes for an incredibly full-bodied sound. Walnut is also incredibly versatile, providing a marked sonic difference between electric and acoustic guitars. Additionally, its stability make it one of the most durable woods on the market.
If you’re looking for a less common guitar wood, look no further than dymondwood. Dymondwood is an engineered material made of laminated hardwoods, providing a unique blend of tone and durability. It offers a balanced output, producing clear lows without sacrificing any mid-range or higher frequencies. Many guitarists also like dymondwood because of its aesthetics—it has a glossy sheen and sleek look that can make any guitar stand out.
Lastly, we have maple. While maple might be the most common base wood used in guitar-building, its sound is anything but standard. Maple naturally produces bright tones, and the higher of the frequencies are even further enhanced when a maple top is added. Maple is also incredibly stable, making it great for extended use.
Ultimately, all of the woods we’ve gone over here offer unique sounds, looks, and stability. Whether you want a guitar for recording, electric or acoustic purposes, these five woods offer a variety of unique sounds and great longevity. No matter your style, there’s sure to be a wood that fits your tastes and playing style.