Wood types for a custom build.

[Glennd]

I have posted several times concerning acquiring a new dread. I am looking at a custom build and seeking advice about wood types. The guitar will be hog back and sides. I have options of standard or premium sitka, standard or premium Adirondak for the top. Back and side options are standard hog, flamed hog and quited (or curly) hog. Neck options are "selected hardwoods" or hog. I would appreciate ideas, suggestions or even questions. Is there a difference in sound among the differant types of hog. One opinion on another forum states the standard hog is superior sonically. My LV-10 has all the bling I'll ever want in a guitar. I want this guitar to be built as somewhat plain appearance with the best (sonic) combination of woods within my budget. I am currently working with a local dealer to have this guitar built in the Martin custom shop. They seem willing to try almost anything and the prices are competitive with their ready builts.

[Randy_R]

everything I've read indicates that mahogany necks are the most stable. Also for necks I like the stained black ebony which is treated yielding long term consistency.

[jeremy3220]

I'd go with standard mahogany, since the quilted is most likely flatsawn. For the neck Spanish Cedar(very stable and the original neck wood for Martin) or Mahogany would be fine with me. Adi over Sitka but the grade is just visual, on average the premium and standard grade will sound just as good.

[ducktrapper]

The differences are often subjective. One person's "way different" is another's "subtle change" or "can't hear it". If you can tell the difference (and like it) between the upgrade and the regular wood, go for it. If not, do you like the looks of one better? That's the one you want, then. Jean Larrivée, in this day and age, prefers sitka. Others swear by adirondack come hell or high water. In the end, if you can afford it and it doesn't make the guitar worse go with whatever you like and forgetaboutus. 

[Zohn]

I'd go with standard mahogany, since the quilted is most likely flatsawn. For the neck Spanish Cedar(very stable and the original neck wood for Martin) or Mahogany would be fine with me. Adi over Sitka but the grade is just visual, on average the premium and standard grade will sound just as good.

I've gone for quartered hog on my heirloom because acoustically and mechanically it is the ultimate cut - and it looks pretty good too by the way. As for your choice of tops I can't comment on Adi because I don't know it. I do know that you can't go wrong with Sitka or Italian Spruce. Like Jeremy mentioned the best grade is not that important for good sound.

I know a guy who is having a custom built in the States from figured Sapele with a sound port in the body and dark striped sinker redwood top with some fancy exotic binding, a top bevel and lots of pearl, for plenty moola. I have no doubt it will sound great as well, but somehow a basic guitar built with top class standard and proven materials and superior workmanship is what appeals to me lately, and what I believe I got for half the money. Oh and I love my guitar just as much...   http://www.larriveeforum.com/smf/index.php?topic=33916.0

[jeremy3220]

Oh, and my suggestion for Adi was because this is a Martin. If it were a Larrivee I might go with Sitka.

I know a guy who is having a custom built in the States from figured Sapele with a sound port in the body and dark striped sinker redwood top with some fancy exotic binding, a top bevel and lots of pearl, for plenty moola. I have no doubt it will sound great as well, but somehow a basic guitar built with top class standard and proven materials and superior workmanship is what appeals to me lately

Yup, there's no reason the best sounding guitars have to try and seem exotic.