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TONEWOODS

For acoustic instruments, the wood they are created out of is a large factor in the sound they produce. Each tonewood produces a tone (or timbre) different from the other. The changes in the timbre are made by the characteristics of the wood like density or the number of pores. Not only does this determine the sound, but it also determines the appearance of the instrument. Find the right equation of style and sound through the info below.

Sitka Spruce

The industry standard for top tonewoods, perfect for all styles of playing.

  • Range: Balanced, Crisp
  • Volume: 7
  • Color: Cream – Yellow
  • Grain: Uniform, Straight
  • Weight: 5

Western Red Cedar

What started as the traditional top tonewood for classical guitars has spread to all acoustics bringing the colorful characteristics of fingerstyle playing.

  • Range: Balanced, Dark, Rich Overtones
  • Volume: 4
  • Color: Red – Honey – Brown
  • Grain: Uniform, Straight
  • Weight: 5

Mahogany

Most commonly used as a back and side tonewood, when used as the top it creates a full-bodied warm tone.

  • Range: Boosted Midrange & Bass, Warm
  • Volume: 6
  • Color: Red – Orange – Brown
  • Grain: Uniform, porous
  • Weight: 4

Ovangkol

A newer tonewood brought to the market with characteristics reminiscent of its cousin, African rosewood.  Great for all styles of playing.

  • Range: Boosted Midrange & Treble
  • Volume: 7
  • Color: Yellow – Brown
  • Grain: Uniform, Lines
  • Weight: 4

Flame Maple

Commonly used as a back and side tonewood, it’s a great tool for cutting through mixes and jaw-dropping style.

  • Range: Boosted Treble, Bright
  • Volume: 8
  • Color: White – Gold
  • Grain: Uniform, Striped
  • Weight: 6

Spalted Maple

One of the most ornate patterns in tonewoods due to the contrast of the “inky” stripes, you’ll never find another that looks exactly like it.

  • Range: Boosted Treble, Bright
  • Volume: 8
  • Color: white – gold – black
  • Grain: varies, waves and stripes
  • Weight: 6

Ziricote

This wood’s unique rich-looking textures and colors make it a favorite for boutique guitars, offering spectacular patterns and a tone slightly cleaner than cedar.

  • Range: Boosted Bass & Midrange, Dark
  • Volume: 4
  • Color: Brown – Dark Brown – Black – Green – Purple
  • Grain: Varies, Stripes, Swirls, Webs
  • Weight: 6

Acacia

Often likened to Koa, this beautiful wood offers a punchy sound for any kind of player.

  • Range: Boosted Bass & Midrange, Bright Dry
  • Volume: 6
  • Color: Dark Orange – Dark Brown
  • Grain: Grain Lines and Stripes
  • Weight: 5

Ebony

Originally a staple for fretboards on electric guitars, its rich dark tones make it more attractive as a body tonewood.

  • Range: Boosted Bass, Dark
  • Volume: 5
  • Color: Dark Orange – Cream – Dark Brown
  • Grain: Varies, Striped
  • Weight: 5

Walnut

Like Acacia, it too has similar properties to Koa, but its rolling grain patterns make it a favorite for players.

  • Range: Boosted Bass & Midrange
  • Volume: 6
  • Color: brown – dark brown
  • Grain: varies, striped
  • Weight: 4 

Willow

Bright colored, bright sounding, not a problem to stick out over a whole band with this wood.

  • Range: Boosted Treble, Bright
  • Volume: 9
  • Color: white-silver-gold
  • Grain: varies, waves
  • Weight: 2
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