TONEWOODS
How Different Tonewoods Shape Your SoundTHE SOUND OF TONEWOODS
We all know an electric guitar's tone comes from various areas: the timbers used, construction method, quality of construction, hardware, pickups and amplifier. We can swap out pickups, we can change an amplifier, or we can even add effects into the mix, but we can't change the tonewoods. Once a guitar is built, so it is very important to get this right in the first place. Let us be honest here - the average person couldn't care less which tonewoods are being used when you're blasting out a solo at the local bar. But you do. Or at least you should do.
Whilst the amplifier and pickups take the majority of the tonal load, it is important to remember they only amplify the basis of the guitar being the construction and timbers used. We firmly believe all good guitars start with a well selected set of tonewoods, and then ADD pickups to suit the chosen timbers.
Below are a selection of woods that are popular for guitar building; whilst we stock many of these please contact us prior to ensure availability and if it will be a suitable wood for the guitar you have in mind!
ALDER
WEST COAST USA
TONE
A well balanced and regularly used tonewood. Mids are pronounced but it still has a nice rounded bottom and and bright top end.
APPEARANCE
Pale whitish yellow natural wood similar to ash.
WEIGHT 28 LBS/FT3 (450 KG/M3)
JANKA HARDNESS 590 LBF (2,620 N)
RECOMMENDED FORBODIES
AFZELIA
CAMBODIA AND LAOS
TONE
The tonality of Afzelia Xylay is characterized as an even tone with rich basses, clear mid-tones and crisp trebles.
APPEARANCE
Orange and red hued, stunning natural figuring. Yellowish contrast where sapwood meets heartwood.
WEIGHT 51 LBS/FT3 (825 KG/M3)
JANKA HARDNESS 1,980 LBF (8.820 N)
RECOMMENDED FORTOPS
OLIVE ASH
UNITED STATES
TONE
Similar to Ash and Olive, great high end but slightly more well-rounded.APPEARANCE
Light beiege and cream colours with light brown swirls. Also found straight grained, but the burl is the most stunning.WEIGHT 62 LBS/FT3 (990 KG/M3)
JANKA HARDNESS 1,320 LBF (5,900 N)
RECOMMENDED FORTOPS
SWAMP ASH
SOUTHERN NORTH AMERICA
TONE
Mids are pronounced, similar to Alder, with a slightly rounder bottom end. Think of the old guitars built by Leo, and you'll be familiar with Swamp Ash.APPEARANCE
Light yellow to white in colour, similar to the colour of maple.WEIGHT 30-33.6 LBS/FT3 (481-538 KG/M3)
JANKA HARDNESS 590 LBF (2,620 N)
RECOMMENDED FORBODIES
NORTHERN ASH
NORTH AMERICA
TONE
Bottom end attack and stronger mid range than Swamp Ash.APPEARANCE
Light yellow to white in colour, similar to the colour of maple.WEIGHT 42 LBS/FT3 (675 KG/M3)
JANKA HARDNESS 1,320 LBF (5,870 N)
RECOMMENDED FORBODIES
TASMANIAN BLACKWOOD
SOUTH EAST OF AUSTRALIA
TONE
It features a nice tight bottom end, with a small mid range hump, and a bright top end.APPEARANCE
Ranges from light brown to medium brown, can sometimes have slight patterns.WEIGHT 40 LBS/FT3 (640 KG/M3)
JANKA HARDNESS 1,160 LBF (5,180 N)
RECOMMENDED FORBODIES AND NECKS
BOIS DE ROSE
MADAGASCAR
TONE
Very similar in sound to Cocobolo, nice mid range and well rounded.
APPEARANCE
Dark purple to bright red, with linear tight grain lines, may turn brown over time.
WEIGHT 58 LBS/FT3 (930 KG/M3)
JANKA HARDNESS 2,600 LBF (11,570 N)
RECOMMENDED FORFRETBOARDS
BOCOTE
MEXICO
TONE
Its on the warmer side of the scale tonally, but it does have a nice attack and sustain.APPEARANCE
Grain of striking yellow and brown lines and swirls.WEIGHT 53 LBS/FT3 (855 KG/M3)
JANKA HARDNESS 2,010 LBF (8,950 N)
RECOMMENDED FORTOPS
CARBON FIBRE
NASA
TONE
Extremely stiff and light weight, it has a well defined note separation and glassy tone.APPEARANCE
Blackish Gunmetal Grey with carbon fibre crosshatch pattern.WEIGHT N/A
JANKA HARDNESS N/A
RECOMMENDED FORBODIES AND NECKS
BUCKEYE BURL
EAST COAST OF NORTH AMERICA
TONE
It has no significant tonal qualities because its so porus and soft.APPEARANCE
High contrast and randomised figuring of beige, blue, grey, green and near black.WEIGHT 25 LBS/FT3 (400 KG/M3)
JANKA HARDNESS 350 LBF (1,560 N)
RECOMMENDED FORTOPS
OLIVE BURL
EUROPE AND SOUTHWEST ASIA
TONE
Between Mahogany and Walnut in tone. Crisp, clear, and snappy high end.APPEARANCE
Light yellowish brown or cream, with medium orangey brown burls and stunning contrasting figuring.WEIGHT 62 LBS/FT3 (990 KG/M3)
JANKA HARDNESS 2,700 LBF (12,010 N)
RECOMMENDED FORTOPS
BUBINGA
CENTRAL AFRICA
TONE
Fantastic sustain and bright tone, fat bottom end and perfect for bass or baritone guitars.APPEARANCE
Often has a combination of yellow heartwood showing against random patterns of deep orange quilt, flame and darker contrasting swirls.WEIGHT 56 LBS/FT3 (890 KG/M3)
JANKA HARDNESS 2,410 LBF (10,720 N)
RECOMMENDED FORCHAMBERED BODIES
COCOBOLO
CENTRAL AMERICA
TONE
Expect a nice mid range without it being too warm, or bright tonally.APPEARANCE
Wild oranges, browns, even yellow and black are featured in the magnificent grain of Cocobolo but will darken over time.WEIGHT 69 LBS/FT3 (1,095 KG/M3)
JANKA HARDNESS 2,960 LBF (14,140 N)
RECOMMENDED FORFRETBOARDS
DOUGLAS FIR
NORTH AMERICA
TONE
Clear and bright in tone with a nice bottom end.
APPEARANCE
Similar to pine, pale yellow with light growth bands.
WEIGHT 32 LBS/FT3 (510 KG/M3)
JANKA HARDNESS 620 LBF (2,760 N)
RECOMMENDED FORTOPS
ASIAN EBONY
SOUTH EAST ASIA
TONE
Similar in tone to Macassar Ebony, which is bright.APPEARANCE
Nice dark pinkish brown grain with wide black streaks.WEIGHT N/A
JANKA HARDNESS N/A
RECOMMENDED FORNECKS
EBONY
AFRICA
TONE
Tonally it is the brightest of timbers, and adds a nice snappy tone especially to the initial attack of each note plucked.APPEARANCE
Black to deep brown, tight pored and can be almost plastic-like in appearance when highly polished.WEIGHT 60 LBS/FT3 (955 KG/M3)
JANKA HARDNESS 3,080 LBF (13,700 N)
RECOMMENDED FORFRETBOARDS
PALE MOON EBONY
SOUTH EAST ASIA
TONE
Great focused tonal spectrum with nice tight lows, and clear highs, not unlike black ebony.APPEARANCE
Each peice is a unique swirl of light yellowish white, light brown and contrasting black patterns.WEIGHT 51 LBS/FT3 (825 KG/M3)
JANKA HARDNESS 1,780 LBF (7,920 N)
RECOMMENDED FORFRETBOARDS
MACASSAR EBONY
SOUTH EAST ASIA
TONE
Similar to African Ebony in tone, although not quite as bright.APPEARANCE
Reddish, chocolate brown and black ebony with swirls and grain in darker blacks and browns.WEIGHT 72 LBS/FT3 (1,150 KG/M3)
JANKA HARDNESS 3,220 LBF (14,140 N)
RECOMMENDED FORFRETBOARDS AND TOPS
GONCALO ALVES
BRAZIL
TONE
Clear crisp bottom end with a nice midrange.APPEARANCE
Orange and Yellow with strong reddish hues and sublime dark brown tiger stripes.WEIGHT 57 LBS/FT3 (905 KG/M3)
JANKA HARDNESS 2,170 LBF (9,640 N)
RECOMMENDED FORTOPS
BLACK LIMBA
AFRICA
TONE
Similar in tone to Brazilian Mahogany, with slightly more mids.APPEARANCE
Sapwood is light yellowish white to light brown, black Limba is more ashy brown to pale grey tone with a black washed appearance.WEIGHT 35 LBS/FT3 (555 KG/M3)
JANKA HARDNESS 670 LBF (2,990 N)
RECOMMENDED FORBODIES
KOA
HAWAII
TONE
Very similar to both Brazilian Mahogany and Tasmanian Blackwood, although with more top end presence.APPEARANCE
Beautiful gold and brown stripes, and can sometimes be found with flame patterns.WEIGHT 38 LBS/FT3 (610 KG/M3)
JANKA HARDNESS 1,170 LBF (5,180 N)
RECOMMENDED FORNECKS AND BODIES
KATALOX
CENTRAL AMERICA
TONE
Dense and bright tonally, similar to Ebony, good mid-range attack.APPEARANCE
Deep reddish browns, to almost purple black in appearance, with visible pores and colour shifts.WEIGHT 72 LBS/FT3 (1,150 KG/M3)
JANKA HARDNESS 3,660 LBF (16,260 N)
RECOMMENDED FORFRETBOARDS
BRAZILIAN MAHOGANY
SOUTH AMERICA
TONE
Well rounded in tone with a warm feel. Pairing with a brighter wood adds a little bit of snap for rock and metal.APPEARANCE
Reddish brown which darkens with age. Displays some Chatoyancy, which gives the colour and luster a natural shift as the light hits it.WEIGHT 41 LBS/FT3 (655 KG/M3)
JANKA HARDNESS 900 LBF (4,000 N)
RECOMMENDED FORFRETBOARDS
AFRICAN MAHOGANY
WESTERN AFRICA
TONE
Similar in tone to Brazilian Mahogany, with a slightly brighter vibe.APPEARANCE
More light pinkish red than dark brown, but often features a slight swirl to the grain which can make it interesting to look at.WEIGHT 40 LBS/FT3 (640 KG/M3)
JANKA HARDNESS 1,070 LBF (4,760 N)
RECOMMENDED FORFRETBOARDS
PACIFIC MAHOGANY
FIJI
TONE
Warm tone overall with a creamy top end.
APPEARANCE
Light brown in colour with a slight pale reddish hue, tight grained and satin finish when sanded.
WEIGHT 28 LBS/FT3 (450 KG/M3)
JANKA HARDNESS 590 LBF (2,620 N)
RECOMMENDED FORBODIES
MANGO
HAWAII
TONE
Slightly brighter top end compared to Koa.APPEARANCE
Arrays of colours from yellow, pink, ash, orange, brown black and sometimes figured and flamed.WEIGHT 42 LBS/FT3 (675 KG/M3)
JANKA HARDNESS 1,070 LBF (4,780 N)
RECOMMENDED FORBODIES
BURL MAPLE
NORTH AMERICA
TONE
A little warmer than the rest of the Maple examples.APPEARANCE
Lots of swirls, dark rounded voids, bark inclusions and general "what the hell is THAT?!?!" make this an interesting timber.WEIGHT 44 LBS/FT3 (705 KG/M3)
JANKA HARDNESS 1,450 LBF (6,450 N)
RECOMMENDED FORTOPS
BIRDSEYE MAPLE
NORTH EAST OF NORTH AMERICA
TONE
Stable and strong, Maple has a brightness to the top end and tends to tighten the bottom end when combined with warmer timbers.APPEARANCE
Yellowish white with medium brown and brown-black burl-like spots, which get closer together and deeper in colour when heavily figured.WEIGHT 44 LBS/FT3 (705 KG/M3)
JANKA HARDNESS 1,450 LBF (6,450 N)
RECOMMENDED FORFRETBOARDS
ROCK MAPLE
NORTH EAST OF NORTH AMERICA
TONE
Stable and strong, Maple has a brightness to the top end and tends to tighten the bottom end when combined with warmer timbers.APPEARANCE
Yellowish white with minimal figuring, though may appear similar to swamp ash due to grain and growth lines.WEIGHT 44 LBS/FT3 (705 KG/M3)
JANKA HARDNESS 1,450 LBF (6,450 N)
RECOMMENDED FORNECKS
FLAME MAPLE
NORTH EAST OF NORTH AMERICA
TONE
Stable and strong, Maple has a brightness to the top end and tends to tighten the bottom end when combined with warmer timbers.APPEARANCE
The figuring comes from the wood fibres compressing on themselves due to the shear weight of the old growth Maple trees. Approximately 1/50 trees have some flame figuring, although less than 1/1000 have the figuring and depth we look for.WEIGHT 44 LBS/FT3 (705 KG/M3)
JANKA HARDNESS 1,450 LBF (6,450 N)
RECOMMENDED FORFRETBOARDS AND TOPS
QUILT MAPLE
PACIFIC NORTH AMERICA
TONE
Maple has a brightness to the top end (but ever so slightly less than Flame Maple) and tends to tighten the bottom end when combined with warmer timbersAPPEARANCE
The figuring comes from the wood fibres compressing on themselves due to the shear weight of the old growth Maple trees. Approximately 1/100 trees have some quilt figuring, although less than 1/1000 have the figuring and depth we look for.WEIGHT 34LBS/FT3 (545 KG/M3)
JANKA HARDNESS 850 LBF (3,780 N)
RECOMMENDED FORTOPS
TASMANIAN MYRTLE
TASMANIA
TONE
Bright and snappy with a nice balance warmth to the bottom and mids.APPEARANCE
Often found with nice variation in the soft colours of pinks, biege, and greys.WEIGHT 39 LBS/FT3 (625 KG/M3)
JANKA HARDNESS 1,310 LBF (5,840 N)
RECOMMENDED FORBODIES AND NECKS
QUEENSLAND MAPLE
NORTHERN QUEENSLAND
TONE
Bright and snappy with a nice balance warmth to the bottom and mids.APPEARANCE
Closer in colour to mahogany than regular maple, light brown with a slight pinkish tinge, less yellow.WEIGHT 35 LBS/FT3 (560 KG/M3)
JANKA HARDNESS 810 LBF (3,620 N)
RECOMMENDED FORBODIES AND NECKS
SPALTED MAPLE
NORTH AMERICA
TONE
Similar in tone to regular maple, a bit less resonant due to being softer.APPEARANCE
Light whitish and yellowish brown with defined thin black inclusions. Every piece is totally unique, so no two are alike.WEIGHT VARIES DEPENDING ON STATE OF DECAY
JANKA HARDNESS VARIES DEPENDING ON STATE OF DECAY
RECOMMENDED FORTOPS
OVANGKOL
WEST AFRICA
TONE
Similar in tone to Rosewoods, with a slightly brighter top end and nice full midrange.APPEARANCE
Yellowish brown with slight reddish or pale brown streaks, interlocking and interesting grain.WEIGHT 51 LBS/FT3 (825 KG/M3)
JANKA HARDNESS 1,330 LBF (5,900 N)
RECOMMENDED FORNECKS
OSAGE ORANGE
LOWER NORTH AMERICA
TONE
Very similar in tone to Rosewoods, with slightly reduced bass response, but a touch more clarity.APPEARANCE
Golden or orange appearance, Osage Orange is pretty unique and shows some distinct grain.WEIGHT 54 LBS/FT3 (855 KG/M3)
JANKA HARDNESS 2,760 LBF (12,280 N)
RECOMMENDED FORFRETBOARDS
PAU FERRO
SOUTH AMERICA
TONE
Not quite in the realm of Ebony for brightness (but still brighter than Maple),APPEARANCE
Light reddish brown and dark violetish brown heavy swirls or lines usually present.WEIGHT 54 LBS/FT3 (865 KG/M3)
JANKA HARDNESS 1,960 LBF (8,710 N)
RECOMMENDED FORFRETBOARDS
PADOUK
AFRICA
TONE
Bright and punchy tonally, similar to Maple and suitable for fretboards.
APPEARANCE
Bright orange and red heartwood, may look ashy light brown when dull and will brown over time due to UV exposure.
WEIGHT 47 LBS/FT3 (745 KG/M3)
JANKA HARDNESS 1,970 LBF (8,760 N)
PINK IVORY
TONE
APPEARANCE
The heartwood has a distinct brownish red to pale pink colour, sometimes almost neon pink, with fine, dense grain.WEIGHT 65 LBS/FT3 (1,030 KG/M3)
JANKA HARDNESS 3,230 LBF
RECOMMENDED FORFRETBOARDS
PURPLEHEART
CENTRAL AMERICA
TONE
Wonderful sustain ideal for fretboards, and similar tone to Rosewood.APPEARANCE
The colour changes from a bright purple to a dark purple/brown colour as it oxidises, and it is very rare to find figured peices.WEIGHT 56 LBS/FT3 (905 KG/M3)
JANKA HARDNESS 2,520 LBF (11,190 N)
RECOMMENDED FORNECKS AND FRETBOARDS
POPLAR BURL
USA (EAST COAST)
TONE
It's considered to be close to Alder in tone.APPEARANCE
The grain is a light grey or even green colour and is mostly unattractive. However, burled examples feature beautiful figuring, swirls, darker pockets, and a maze of interlocking lines and grain.WEIGHT 29 LBS/FT3 (455 KG/M3)
JANKA HARDNESS 540 LBF (2,400 N)
RECOMMENDED FORBODIES
REDWOOD
NORTH AMERICA
TONE
Deep, rich tone. Adding a redwood top will accentuate the warmth and is often used in basses.APPEARANCE
Deep reddish brown hues. We source the flamed/figured variety, as shown, for it's beauty.WEIGHT 26 LBS/FT3 (415 KG/M3)
JANKA HARDNESS 450 LBF (2,000 N)
RECOMMENDED FORTOPS
REDWOOD BURL
NORTH AMERICA
TONE
Deep, rich tone. Adding a redwood top will accentuate the warmth and is often used in basses.APPEARANCE
The burl features magnificent red and brown swirling patterns that will draw you in.WEIGHT 26 LBS/FT3 (415 KG/M3)
JANKA HARDNESS 450 LBF (2,000 N)
RECOMMENDED FORTOPS
HONDURAN ROSEWOOD
HONDURAS
TONE
Warmth of tone with a slightly glassy sound, and highly suitable for fretboards. Great projection and strong lows and highsAPPEARANCE
Interesting deep brownish-purple to a light-brown. Most common is a brownish-mauve color colouring and grain patterns sometimes with a spider web type figuring.WEIGHT 64 LBS/FT3 (1,025 KG/M3)
JANKA HARDNESS 2,200 LBF (9,790 N)
RECOMMENDED FORFRETBOARDS
BRAZILIAN ROSEWOOD
BRAZIL
TONE
Brazilian rosewood is often more luscious and exotic in appearance than varieties from India, Madagascar, and the Amazon region that are more commonly used todayAPPEARANCE
Ranging from dark chocolate brown to a more stripy grain mingling gold, black, brown, and oxblood colorings.WEIGHT 52 LBS/FT3 (835 KG/M3)
JANKA HARDNESS 2,790 LBF (12,410 N)
RECOMMENDED FORFRETBOARDS
INDIAN ROSEWOOD
INDIA, SRI LANKA, INDONESIA
TONE
Nice warm tones with a creamy top end, Rosewood is a classic fretboard wood.APPEARANCE
Lusious reds, browns, and even streaks of black appear in light swirling.WEIGHT 52 LBS/FT3 (830 KG/M3)
JANKA HARDNESS 2,440 LBF (10,870 N)
RECOMMENDED FORFRETBOARDS
SNAKEWOOD
NORTH EAST AREA OF SOUTH AMERICA
TONE
Bright, and very smooth when used as a fretboard.APPEARANCE
Exquisite 'snake scale' like pattern of browns, black, yellow and orange.WEIGHT 73 LBS/FT3 (1,170 KG/M3)
JANKA HARDNESS 3,800 LBF (16,900 N)
RECOMMENDED FORFRETBOARDS
SAPELE
AFRICA
TONE
Mahogany like properties in both appearance and tonality. Well rounded in tone with a warm feel.APPEARANCE
Medium Brown with some light and dark grain effects, rarely found in pommele and quilted style figuring.WEIGHT 42 LBS/FT3 (670 KG/M3)
JANKA HARDNESS 1,410 LBF (6,280 N)
RECOMMENDED FORNECKS
WENGE
AFRICA
TONE
Not as bright as Maple, but it does have a nice mid range.APPEARANCE
Chocolate brown and black streaks with amazing grain patterns.WEIGHT 54 LBS/FT3 (870 KG/M3)
JANKA HARDNESS 1,930 LBF (8,600 N)
RECOMMENDED FORFRETBOARDS AND NECKS
CLARO WALNUT
CALIFORNIA
TONE
Nice well rounded earthy tone similar to Indian Rosewood.APPEARANCE
Light to dark chocolate tones with some pores, occasionally found with figured grain patterns such as: curly, crotch, and burl.WEIGHT 40 LBS/FT3 (640 KG/M3)
JANKA HARDNESS 1,130 LBF (5,030 N)
RECOMMENDED FORFRETBOARDS AND TOPS
ZIRICOTE
CENTRAL AMERICA
TONE
A rich, deep bass with sparkling highs are what you'll hearAPPEARANCE
Magnificent grain patterns of black lines and brown swirls you'll fall in love with.WEIGHT 50 LBS/FT3 (805 KG/M3)
JANKA HARDNESS 1,970 LBF (8,780 N)
RECOMMENDED FORFRETBOARDS AND TOPS
UNITED STATES
TONE
Similar to Ash and Olive, great high end but slightly more well-rounded.
APPEARANCE
Light beiege and cream colours with light brown swirls. Also found straight grained, but the burl is the most stunning.
WEIGHT
