Acoustic Guitar Strings Medium

Wednesday, June 29th, 2011 at 8:38 pm

Best Acoustic Guitar Woods

Have you ever wondered what are the best woods to have an acoustic guitar might be? I'm not a luthier, but I recently did some on-line research of my own which can help to shed some light on the subject.

I discovered that the dynamic response of the acoustic guitar, and the sound it makes, are determined by the density of woods used and also the overall construction from the instrument itself.

Makes sense, right? But were you aware that sound travels faster through some woods and slower through others? This little phenomenon effects the entire tone, or "color" of your particular acoustic guitar.

Perhaps you've noticed this yourself have you ever compared the sound of one guitar with another. As an example, one guitar may seem bright and clear, another warm and mellow.

Many guitarists know that Sitka Spruce is the most common from the woods used for building the facial skin (top) of an acoustic guitar. This wood's high velocity creates a bright, clear tone that has a broad dynamic response.

Red Spruce on the other hand, is heavier. It's grain will be the stiffest of all the top woods employed for building acoustic guitars. This specific characteristic produces the best volume with more intricate overtones. That's probably why it is a favorite choice for steel-string acoustic guitar players. All you Bluegrass guitarists out there know you can really get down and rip up!

Brazillian Rosewood has often been considered well suited for the sides and back of the acoustic guitar. Not only does it produce rich tones, natural reverb qualities and wonderful clarity, it also has a beautiful appearance. However, as a result of high demand for this product the Brazillian Rosewood tree has become a threatened species and it is now being protected. This obviously helps make the wood more scarce and harder to come by.

But difficult circumstances could possibly be the mother of invention- leading me to one from the coolest things I learned while doing my research about guitar woods...

The Martin Guitar Company is promoting a new guitar model that's specifically designed to help protect the surroundings. It's the Martin DCE Dreadnaught Cutaway Acoustic-Electric. Needless to say, it's not cheap, but it is innovative and admirable on their own part for taking this kind of initiative in the first place. Read their very own words...

"The real star of this guitar is the quality that sustainable wood provides to the guitar. Sustainable wood is planted and harvested by ethical means as not to promote erosion and sustain the ecosystem since it is in it's surrounding. It's no surprise among the original proponents and users of your DCE is Trey Anastasio of Phish and other environmentally conscious musicians."

All I will say is two thumbs up for your Martin Company!

Other woods which can be also used for the trunk and sides are Mahogany, Maple and often Cherry.

Mahogany is denser compared to those previously mentioned. It has lower sound velocity but creates a solid tone.

Maple also has lower sound velocity and will be somewhat dull when used being a top for an acoustic guitar. On the other hand, the grain is particularly attractive when employed for the back. Be aware that beauty and adornment are added features which will drive the price higher. Maple responds well when amplified and for that reason it's a popular option for solid-bodied electric guitars.

I didn't research the specs on Cherry wood, but as it's not as common, I suppose it would be more expensive.

The bridge is another important factor to consider when purchasing an acoustic guitar. Some would even say it is the most important because the vibrations created from strumming the strings are transmitted with the bridge into the sound chamber. It then bounces around inside the guitar and comes out the sound hole.

An excellent bridge will be made from hard woods for example Ebony, Rosewood, or Ash.

Especially, try to stay away from laminated wood guitars as they will crack and separate under certain conditions. To create your choice simpler, I suggest sticking with reputable businesses that you know and trust for example Martin, Yamaha, Gibson, Takamine, and Taylor, etc. Should you choose decide to go with a custom built guitar, make sure you know very well what you're paying for. Look for sound quality and playability first; beauty last. That way you will have years of enjoyment playing a guitar you truly love.

Just thought you may be interested in reading this guide: best acoustic guitar and acoustic guitar tuner.
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