Acoustic Qualities of Guitar Woods
Wood Species Use Velocity of Sound Fundamental Tone Harmonic Overtones Stiffness Weight Description
Sitka Spruce
soundboard
high
strong
mod weak
high
low
robust, meaty tone - strong treble, good headroom, clear tones; can sound thin when played at low volume.
German spruce
soundboard
high
mod weak
strong
high
low
bright, full complex - quicker response than englemann, fullness at the lower end; expensive, difficult to obtain high quality boards.
Englemann Spruce
soundboard
high
mod weak
strong
mod high
low
bright, full rich complex tones at low to moderate volume; sound can break down at high volumes
Red Spruce
soundboard
very high
strong
strong
very high
mod low
rich, full, complex, clarity at high volume; expensive, difficult to obtain appearance grade tops
Red Cedar
soundboard
high
moderate
strong
mod high
very low
dark, warm, quick response, enhanced lower end; sound can break down at high volumes
Mahogany
soundboard, back and sides, neck
mod high
moderate
mod strong
moderate
moderate
strong, punchy, crisp, dry tone, with a typically strong midrange
Maple
soundboard, back and sides, neck
low
strong
weak
moderate
moderate high
smooth response, acoustically transparent, good for recording and high amplification; can flat and tonal.
The Rosewoods
back and sides, fingerboard, bridge
very high
very strong
strong
very high
very high
dark, warm, full, complex - has the lowest resonating frequencies of any wood, complex bottom end with slow decay of sound; expensive, endangered, can sound "reverby" sympathetic vibrations may cause muddiness, a problem for recording.
Ebony
fingerboard. bridge
very low
strong
weak
high
very high
highest internal damping, does not color the sound and can quiet unwanted overtones; expensive, endangered.
Spanish Cedar
neck
mod high
moderate
moderate strong
moderate
mod low
similar qualities as mahogany, lighter, slightly quicker response and not as strong structurally.