Another tonewood article...

[Dale_I]

For your reading pleasure, this was originally published in American Lutherie #69 and has been posted online with permission.

http://www.guitarnation.com/articles/calkin.htm

[Randy_R]

I question the premise of the article and a number of statements the author makes.

The concept of tonewood is a hoax. Of the few things that we can do to a guitar and still call it a guitar, changing the wood it is made of will have the least impact upon the quality of the sound that it produces. The tonal difference between a mahogany guitar and a rosewood guitar is exactly the same as the difference between two mahogany guitars or two rosewood guitars.

At a gathering of players 4-5 years ago, Tim McKnight brought a set of a dozen pieces of different tone woods, both side woods and top woods. you were blindfolded and then asked to identify which wood was which from a tap test. I was able to get about 7 or 8 of them correctly, which was about average, a few people got them almost/or 100% correct (mostly people who had worked as luthiers or repair people).

I do agree with the statement: The tone of a guitar lies more in the hands of the builder than in the materials from which it is constructed.

Its a good article and worthwhile reading. Thanks for posting.

[Danny]

   I have to disagree from the differences I hear in Maple,hog and RW. At least the ones I have had.

[hadden]

Like a chef saying there is not much difference between sugar and salt. Some chef.

[Danny]

Like a chef saying there is not much difference between sugar and salt. Some chef.

Or cinnamon and peppermint.

[dmcginnis]

Thanks for the disgreements - I find significant differences between tone woods.  Both the soundboard and back/side woods **do** make a difference, as does the bracing pattern. Otherwise, all guitars would sound the same...and they do not.

Dave

[Dale_I]

I disagree with statements made in the article, and agree with others. However, I thought I might offer it up since I found it.

Remember... don't shoot the messenger!!!

[unclrob]

Ya don't shoot......................................Throw donuts at him.........................................................

[Bubblemaker]

Sorry ...but all tonewoods each have a distinct tonal influence.  In fact every " Solid " has a very distinct analogue frequency.   That coupled with its molecular and physical density allows each to project a very distinct tone.

I must disagree 150% with the statement in this article!


Cheers!


Bubblemaker!