Geni Swing Guitars

Guitar Rosewood

Different types of wood used for guitar

Some of you out there who are looking for more information on what to look out for when buying a acoustic guitar probably have this question in mind: Why do the prices of some guitar differ by so much?

As we all know different acoustic guitars have different designs, colours, shapes. However, what really is important other than the looks of a guitar is actually the wood used for constructing the guitar. Woods used for constructing guitar revolves around those few like Spruce, Mahogany, Rosewood.. Rare wood like Koa are used for those top end guitars like what Gibson manufactures.  What really determines the price of the guitar is actually the quality of the wood used. They are explained as follows:

There are many types of wood that is used to build guitars. One of the most popular woods for guitars is the spruce. Because spruce is light and has a tight grain, it enables the wood to vibrate much like a speaker cone. The spruce is commonly used for acoustic guitar tops, as it is effective in regards to strength-to-weight ratio. Specifically, the persistent manoeuvring of the strings demands that the top of the guitar is to be extremely sturdy. On the other hand, to produce an instrument that exploits that optimal sound, you must have a light top. The spruce's existing texture is brightened, enticing the quality of the wood.

Another popular type of wood for guitars is the cedar wood. Cedar is very similar to redwood, yet it is darker and more reddish in comparison to spruce, which adds an extra distinctive appearance. As an alternative to spruce, specifically designed for acoustic guitar tops, cedar gives you a slightly crispier increased range and it is effectively more powerful. More over, it is resoundingly mellow. One of the significant characteristics of cedar is that it is a deterrent for moths.

A variety of hardwood makes up the backs and sides of virtually all guitars. The softwoods are not strong enough, nor do they bend well, making it difficult to be used as guitar sides. The sides are not a major part of the vibration frequency, as much as the back and tops. The sides are conventionally used to support the top and back while also defining the body shape. The back is significant in that it provides strength and fullness of tone.

Rosewood and mahogany are two of the most popular types of wood used for the back and sides of a guitar. The Brazilian Rosewood, in particular, is the standard for acoustic guitars. The rosewood is rare therefore the guitars are extremely heavy, bright and/or cost prohibitive. Yet, the sound is immaculate. It rewards with a full base and good high-end twist. It has a resounding distinctive piano-type mid-range to the tone. The mahogany hardwood is lightweight and is actually highly favorable because it has less density. Mahogany backs allow for impressive treble clarity and intensity. The mahogany back is relatively lighter in base while also delivering mid-range frequencies. Unlike rosewood, mahogany is generally economical, durable, attractive, easy to manipulate and flamboyant in sound.

Hopefully after reading this article, you know what to look out for when buying a acoustic guitar.

About the Author

Ashley Lee is a writer for various music agencies in Singapore.

If you are looking for Guitar Lessons in Singapore, check out the webpage for more info!

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