Tone wood is really just a fancy word used to describe the wood that's used for building guitars. The word tone wood can be used to describe the back, sides, or top of the instrument but it's widely believed that the top wood of the guitar is the most important when it comes to overall tone. Wood that is used in guitar building should be carefully selected as it will have a major role in the acoustical properties of the finished instrument. Keep reading to learn what to look for in a high quality top tonewood for your next guitar building project.
Quartersawn Wood
Be sure that you are purchasing guitar top wood that quartersawn. Quartersawn wood has been cut into quarters lengthwise along its axis. This is important because quartersawn wood will have more stiffness than other wood. If possible, select wood that limits the vertical grain to no more than 20 degrees off the vertical.
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
Stiffer guitar top wood will provide a higher quality sound. If you make sure that you count growth rings and choose quartersawn wood chances are that you will end up with tone wood that is stiff enough. You can also physically check the stiffness of wood by picking it up and carefully attempting to bend it parallel to the grain to see how stiff the wood is. Always purchase your guitar soundboards from a reputable dealer to ensure you are getting stiff wood.
Tap Tone is Important
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
Be sure that you are purchasing guitar top wood that quartersawn. Quartersawn wood has been cut into quarters lengthwise along its axis. This is important because quartersawn wood will have more stiffness than other wood. If possible, select wood that limits the vertical grain to no more than 20 degrees off the vertical.
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
Stiffer guitar top wood will provide a higher quality sound. If you make sure that you count growth rings and choose quartersawn wood chances are that you will end up with tone wood that is stiff enough. You can also physically check the stiffness of wood by picking it up and carefully attempting to bend it parallel to the grain to see how stiff the wood is. Always purchase your guitar soundboards from a reputable dealer to ensure you are getting stiff wood.
Tap Tone is Important
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 tone tonewoods available anywhere. In addition to tonewoods, GLSS also offers guitar plans and a wide variety of other guitar construction items.. This article, All About Guitar Tone Wood is available for free reprint.
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