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.
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.
Check the Number of Growth Rings
Ideally, you want a guitar top with a high number of growth rings. Growth rings are counted per inch and the best top tone woods will have at least 20 growth rings per inch. If you are building on a budget you can go as low as 12 per inch but don't use guitar top wood with less growth rings than 12.
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.
Check The Tap Tone
If you are buying your guitar top tone wood in person, it's always a good idea to tap test it. Do this by picking up one half of the top set. Hold it between the thumb and index finger and let the wood hang freely from your hand. With the knuckle of your index finger, tap the guitar several times in the center of the wood plate. You should hear a clear, bell-like response. The ideal is a top soundboard that vibrates freely and resonates well.
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.
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.
Check the Number of Growth Rings
Ideally, you want a guitar top with a high number of growth rings. Growth rings are counted per inch and the best top tone woods will have at least 20 growth rings per inch. If you are building on a budget you can go as low as 12 per inch but don't use guitar top wood with less growth rings than 12.
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.
Check The Tap Tone
If you are buying your guitar top tone wood in person, it's always a good idea to tap test it. Do this by picking up one half of the top set. Hold it between the thumb and index finger and let the wood hang freely from your hand. With the knuckle of your index finger, tap the guitar several times in the center of the wood plate. You should hear a clear, bell-like response. The ideal is a top soundboard that vibrates freely and resonates well.
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 best and most affordable guitar tonetonewoods available anywhere. In addition to tonewoods, GLSS also offers guitar plans and a wide range of other guitar construction items.. Unique version for reprint here: An Overview Of Top Tone Wood For Guitar Building.
Very nice blog post. In this blog you mention different types of wood used for guitar making and how it affects the sound of guitar. Recently I found unique information on cedar of lebanon guitar. It was amazing.
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