Tonewood isn't really any special kind of wood. It's just a word that is used to describe wood that is used in the construction of guitars. Wood that is used in guitar building generally has acoustic properties that will provide a high quality sound, or tone, when the guitar is built - hence the term tone wood. This term can be used to describe the back, sides, or top of a guitar but is most often used to describe the top wood of the instrument. The bottom line is that the type of wood you choose for your guitar's top will play a major role in the overall sound of your finished instrument. Read on to learn how to select a high quality top tonewood for your guitar.
Quartersawn Wood
When wood is sawn there are a number of different methods that can be used. For guitar wood, you want to select a wood that has been quartersawn - or sawn into quarters. This is done lengthwise. It's best to only purchase wood that limits the grain to 20 degrees off of the vertical. The reason for only using quartersawn wood is that it provides more stiffness than other cutting options.
Growth Rings Are Important
Higher quality guitar top wood will have a high number of annual growth rings per inch. Ideally, your wood will have at least 20 growth rings per inch. Make sure your any wood you use as your guitar's top soundboard has at least 12.
Top Stiffness is Key
Stiff tops will provide better sound quality that tops that are mushy or easily bendable. A high number of growth rings and quartersawn wood will help to ensure you are getting a stiff top, as will buying wood from a reputable dealer. However, you can also pick up your soundboard and try to flex it parallel to the grain to check the stiffness.
Tap Tone is Important
When buying guitar wood you can easily do a tap test to check the tone. Simply hold the wood between your thumb and index fingers and let it hang freely taking care not to grip it too tight. Use the knuckle of your index finger on your free hand and rap the wood. You should hear a bell-like sound. Ideally, you want a soundboard that vibrates freely and provides good sound.
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
When wood is sawn there are a number of different methods that can be used. For guitar wood, you want to select a wood that has been quartersawn - or sawn into quarters. This is done lengthwise. It's best to only purchase wood that limits the grain to 20 degrees off of the vertical. The reason for only using quartersawn wood is that it provides more stiffness than other cutting options.
Growth Rings Are Important
Higher quality guitar top wood will have a high number of annual growth rings per inch. Ideally, your wood will have at least 20 growth rings per inch. Make sure your any wood you use as your guitar's top soundboard has at least 12.
Top Stiffness is Key
Stiff tops will provide better sound quality that tops that are mushy or easily bendable. A high number of growth rings and quartersawn wood will help to ensure you are getting a stiff top, as will buying wood from a reputable dealer. However, you can also pick up your soundboard and try to flex it parallel to the grain to check the stiffness.
Tap Tone is Important
When buying guitar wood you can easily do a tap test to check the tone. Simply hold the wood between your thumb and index fingers and let it hang freely taking care not to grip it too tight. Use the knuckle of your index finger on your free hand and rap the wood. You should hear a bell-like sound. Ideally, you want a soundboard that vibrates freely and provides good sound.
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 very best guitar tone tonewoods available anywhere. In addition to tonewoods, GLSS also offers guitar plans and a wide variety of other guitar building supplies.. Unique version for reprint here: What Is Tonewood.
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