Tone wood is a term that is used to describe the wood with acoustic qualities that is used in guitar construction. While tone wood can refer to the top, back, and side plates of a guitar it is most often used to refer to the top wood used on a guitar. The reason for this is that most of a guitar's sound quality comes from the top of the instrument. The type and quality of wood plays a major role in the sound of the instrument as does the bracing pattern and the quality of construction. Read on to learn what to look for in a quality top tone wood for your guitar project.
Always Choose Quartersawn Wood
There are a variety of ways that wood can be sawn. When you are purchasing wood for a guitar building project, you want to use only quartersawn wood. This is wood that has been sawn into quarters lengthwise. When you are looking at wood, try to purchase only wood that limits the grain to a maximum of 20 degrees off vertical. Quartersawn wood will provide more stiffness than other options.
Growth Rings Are Important
More growth rings means higher quality. The best guitar top woods will have at least 20 growth rings per inch. However, you can buy wood with as few as 12 per inch and still end up with a high quality sound.
Choose a Stiff Top
The stiffer the top, the better quality the guitar top. If you follow the advice listed above, chances are you will have a stiff top. If possible, pick up the top and try to flex it parallel to the grain. It should not feel spongy or like cardboard. Guitar top wood that isn't stiff enough will not provide clear highs notes and low notes will be overpowering.
Tap Tone is Important
What the heck is a tap tone? This is a simple test you can do when you are looking at tone wood for your guitar. Pick up one half of the top wood set. Hold it between your thumb and index finger and allow the wood to hang freely from your hand. Use the knuckle of your index finger from the other hand and rap the wood. You want to hear a bell like sound that is clear and has some sustain. You want a soundboard that will vibrate freely.
Consider Wood Species
The species of wood you choose for your guitar top is going to play a role in the sound of your finished instrument. Most guitar builders choose to use either a Red Cedar or Sitka Spruce for their acoustic guitar building projects. Both of these are quality tone woods. As you look at wood, keep in mind that different grades of wood will affect the appearance of your guitar more than the sound.
Always Choose Quartersawn Wood
There are a variety of ways that wood can be sawn. When you are purchasing wood for a guitar building project, you want to use only quartersawn wood. This is wood that has been sawn into quarters lengthwise. When you are looking at wood, try to purchase only wood that limits the grain to a maximum of 20 degrees off vertical. Quartersawn wood will provide more stiffness than other options.
Growth Rings Are Important
More growth rings means higher quality. The best guitar top woods will have at least 20 growth rings per inch. However, you can buy wood with as few as 12 per inch and still end up with a high quality sound.
Choose a Stiff Top
The stiffer the top, the better quality the guitar top. If you follow the advice listed above, chances are you will have a stiff top. If possible, pick up the top and try to flex it parallel to the grain. It should not feel spongy or like cardboard. Guitar top wood that isn't stiff enough will not provide clear highs notes and low notes will be overpowering.
Tap Tone is Important
What the heck is a tap tone? This is a simple test you can do when you are looking at tone wood for your guitar. Pick up one half of the top wood set. Hold it between your thumb and index finger and allow the wood to hang freely from your hand. Use the knuckle of your index finger from the other hand and rap the wood. You want to hear a bell like sound that is clear and has some sustain. You want a soundboard that will vibrate freely.
Consider Wood Species
The species of wood you choose for your guitar top is going to play a role in the sound of your finished instrument. Most guitar builders choose to use either a Red Cedar or Sitka Spruce for their acoustic guitar building projects. Both of these are quality tone woods. As you look at wood, keep in mind that different grades of wood will affect the appearance of your guitar more than the sound.
About the Author:
Georgia Luthier Supply is your source for the highest quality guitar wood available anywhere. In addition to wood, GLSS also offers guitar plans and a wide range of other luthier tools.
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