THE 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!
AVAILABLE WOODS
Bright Tonewoods
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 FOR
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 FOR
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 timbers
APPEARANCE
The figuring comes from the wood fibres compressing on themselves due to the shear weight of the old growth Maple trees. Approximately 1/100 trees have some quilt figuring, although less than 1/1000 have the figuring and depth we look for.
WEIGHT
34 LBS/FT3 (545 KG/M3)
JANKA HARDNESS
850 LBF (3,780 N)
RECOMMENDED FOR
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 FOR
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 FOR
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 FOR
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 FOR
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 FOR
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 FOR
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 FOR
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 FOR
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 FOR
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 FOR
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 FOR
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)
RECOMMENDED FOR
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 FOR
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 FOR
Balanced Tonewoods
ALDER
WEST COAST USA
TONE
A well balanced and regularly used tonewood. Mids are pronounced but it still has a nice rounded bottom 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 FOR
WHITE LIMBA
WEST AFRICA
TONE
Well-balanced tone with warm lows, clear mids, and articulate highs.
APPEARANCE
Pale yellow to light brown colors with straight grain and medium texture. Sometimes features darker streaks adding visual interest.
WEIGHT
37 LBS/FT3 (600 KG/M3)
JANKA HARDNESS
670 LBF (2,980 N)
RECOMMENDED FOR
OLIVE ASH
UNITED STATES
TONE
Similar to Ash and Olive, great high end but slightly more well-rounded.
APPEARANCE
Light beige 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 FOR
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 FOR
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 FOR
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 FOR
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 FOR
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 FOR
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 FOR
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 FOR
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 FOR
OSANGE 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 FOR
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 FOR
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 FOR
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 FOR
Warm Tonewoods
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 FOR
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 FOR
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 FOR
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 FOR
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 FOR
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 FOR
HONDURAN ROSEWOOD
HONDURAS
TONE
Warmth of tone with a slightly glassy sound, and highly suitable for fretboards. Great projection and strong lows and highs.
APPEARANCE
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 FOR
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 today.
APPEARANCE
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 FOR
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 FOR
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 FOR
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 FOR
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 FOR
ZIRICOTE
CENTRAL AMERICA
TONE
A rich, deep bass with sparkling highs are what you'll hear
APPEARANCE
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)