All About Wood

Types of Wood We Use

We get asked constantly “Which is the best tonewood?”

And the answer is “It depends on what you’re looking to achieve”


We use several different species of woods. All of which have different characteristics that contribute to the overall sound of the instrument. We find that the actual species of the wood play very little of a factor in tone. Whereas the biggest contributor being weight and density.


Admittedly, different species of woods have different weights and densities. This being the reason for the difference in tone. Other factors such as moisture/resin content and grain orientation also contribute, however, in a lesser capacity to weight snd density. We have found through years of study that lighter weight guitars regardless of species, have proven to be more articulate and open in the mid range.


They also have greater resonance. Resonance also contrary to popular belief can contribute to longer sustain if coupled tightly at the neck joint, and suitable hardware selections are made. On the opposite end of that spectrum we find that heavier, instruments tend to have less mid range frequency response but produce deeper lows and brighter highs. Sustain of heavier instruments is also affected greatly by hardware selection.


Given these factors, we present several alternative word options that we feel outperform the traditional offerings.

Body Wood


 • Swamp Ash •

Light weight 4-4.5 lbs, Wide grain pattern, Resonant, full bodied tone. (Subject to availability as this species is nearly extinct due to the Emerald Ash Bore killing the trees)


 • Northern Hard Ash •

Heavy weight 5-6.5 lbs, Tighter grain pattern, brighter tone than swamp ash, less midrange, but solid lows. (Subject to availability as this species is nearly extinct due to the Emerald Ash Bore killing trees)


 • Alder •

Average weight 4.5-5.5lbs, subdued grain, Full bodied tone, Resonance and sustain dependent on weight.


 • Paulownia •

Ultra Light weight 1.75-3lbs. Wide grain pattern, Greatly enhanced resonance, Exceptional sustain, clear open midrange, Soft smooth highs and punchy focused lows. However, deep lows are attenuated slightly. (Fantastic alternative to swamp ash.)


 • Roasted Clear Eastern White Pine •

Very light-medium weight, 3-4.5lbs Subdued grain pattern, Full bodied tone identical to Light weight Alder, however with much better resonance and 1/3 less weight. (John’s favorite tone wood)


 • Sassafrass •

Light/medium weight 4-5 lbs, tight grain pattern. Very resonant, full bodied tone. (Good alternative to Swamp ash.)


 • Mahogany •

Medium/heavy weight 4.5-5.5 lbs, wide grain pattern, Warm mids, smooth highs and solid lows.


 • Maple •

Heavy weight, Grain varies from subdued to highly figured, Bright crisp highs, generally used as a cap/top wood to brighten up a warmer body wood like mahogany.

Neck Wood Selections


• Maple •
Maple, light color, grain varies from subdued to highly figured, bright articulate attack,

good resonance and good stability.


• Roasted Maple •

Caramel color,
Grain varies from subdued to highly figured, bright articulate attack,

better resonance and increased stability.


• Black Walnut •
Dark Brown color. Grain varies from subdued to swirled, slightly warmer tone than maple,

good resonance and good stability.


• Mahogany •
Medium Brown color, wide grain pattern, warm and resonant with good stability.

Fretboard Wood Selections


• Maple • 

 Light color, grain varies from subdued to highly figured, bright articulate attack.


• Rosewood • 
Dark in color, grain varies from strait to swirled, slightly warmer tone than maple.


• Ebony •
Darker color, grain pattern varies from swirled to jet black, brighter tone than maple.


• Roasted Maple •

Caramel color, bright articulate attack, better resonance and stability than standard maple.


Other woods are available, but subject to supply on hand.

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