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
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.
Count Growth Rings
Ideally, you want a guitar top with a high number of growth rings. Growth rings are counted per inch and the best top tone woods will have at least 20 growth rings per inch. If you are building on a budget you can go as low as 12 per inch but don't use guitar top wood with less growth rings than 12.
Choose a Stiff Top
The stiffer the top, the better quality the guitar top. If you follow the advice listed above, chances are you will have a stiff top. If possible, pick up the top and try to flex it parallel to the grain. It should not feel spongy or like cardboard. Guitar top wood that isn't stiff enough will not provide clear highs notes and low notes will be overpowering.
Check The Tap Tone
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.
What About Species
Wood species is a very important consideration as it will affect the sound and appearance of your finished guitar. Most builders, including large companies, choose to use either a species of Red Cedar or Sitka Spruce for guitar wood tops. Both of these woods provide excellent sound quality and a good degree of stiffness. Keep in mind as you look at the different grades of tone woods available that the grades affect the appearance of the tone wood 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.
Count Growth Rings
Ideally, you want a guitar top with a high number of growth rings. Growth rings are counted per inch and the best top tone woods will have at least 20 growth rings per inch. If you are building on a budget you can go as low as 12 per inch but don't use guitar top wood with less growth rings than 12.
Choose a Stiff Top
The stiffer the top, the better quality the guitar top. If you follow the advice listed above, chances are you will have a stiff top. If possible, pick up the top and try to flex it parallel to the grain. It should not feel spongy or like cardboard. Guitar top wood that isn't stiff enough will not provide clear highs notes and low notes will be overpowering.
Check The Tap Tone
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.
What About Species
Wood species is a very important consideration as it will affect the sound and appearance of your finished guitar. Most builders, including large companies, choose to use either a species of Red Cedar or Sitka Spruce for guitar wood tops. Both of these woods provide excellent sound quality and a good degree of stiffness. Keep in mind as you look at the different grades of tone woods available that the grades affect the appearance of the tone wood more than the sound.
About the Author:
Ultimate Guitar Online is your source for the very best guitar tonewood available anywhere. In addition to wood, GLSS also offers guitar plans and a wide range of other guitar construction items.. Free reprint available from: An Overview Of Top Tone Wood For Guitar Building.
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