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
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.
Check the Number of Growth Rings
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.
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
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
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.
Check the Number of Growth Rings
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.
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
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 highest quality guitar wood available anywhere. In addition to wood, GLSS also offers guitar plans and a wide range of other guitar building products.. Also published at What Is Tonewood.
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