Maple. But at least woods affect the looks and weight of your guitar, In this article, you find a cool tonewood graphic, go through the most popular tonewoods, and see how they affect your tone (if they do). Other than the back/side materials, they are the same. Neck and fretboard woods are important because they have a huge impact on the looks, feel, and weight of the instrument. Pasted as rich text. A guitar is a structure, with base resonant frequencies dependent on the woods and bracing used. A collective term for wood from Mora trees (the most well-known of which are Mora excelsa (Mora) and Mora gonggrijpii), which are native to the United States (Morabukea). The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". I'm still waiting for prefabulated amulite bridges. What is the difference (sound/quality) between the Nato and Mahogany tonewoods? Previously, the reason behind the different tones that different woods create has been explained. In fact, this wood is apparently better than mahogany wood. Until then, rather then trust the opinions of a woefully misguided individual, I'll continue to trust my ears, and my skills. Timbers such as spruce and cedar, which have been used in acoustic musical instruments for thousands of years, are closely related to the woods used in pine. Korina is a soft wood and produces many similar tonal characteristics to mahogany. It's commonly harvested in Europe, Russia and North West Africa and is a popular choice for bass guitars due to its light to medium weight. Many guitar and bass bodies are made from Mahogany. Ibanez Q52PB. b) The definition of the Pernambuco was unreal. the Tele dresses up very well. Ibanez GB10-BS. Many agree that a spruce and mahogany combo has a balanced tone. I don't know where you've been the last 200 years, but I have been a guitarmaker for over 35 years. I have used it as a body wood, and despite the great sounds I get, I cannot recommend it because of the weight. This is actually a guitar spec you'll need to determine for the particular guitar you're interested in. Tonally korina is very similar to mahogany, with a bit more upper mids and presence. Customers, A unique design on the legendary double-cut SG type guitar. You get projection, bottom-ends, and high-ends. Started by Letskeepbuilding. Nato, Natoah, Nyatoh - same wood. Mahogany seems to have less dark striations in the grain therefore a more uniform color as opposed to Nato I have seen. (Correct answer). But there are a few issues I want to point out. There are several solid alternatives to Rosewood that are less costly than Rosewood. After that, I reveal some proof and truths about the tonewood debate, and by the way, you might be surprised. You probably wrapped all this into playability but I just wanted to put it out explicitly. Luna Gypsy - Best Under $200. Its nyatoh neck comes with a C-shaped profile. However, it does affect the acoustic properties, especially the literal feel of the guitar as vibrations move through it. A high-cut piece of hard ash might be closer to the sound youre looking for than a lower cut of swamp ash. But our favorite is Fishman Loudbox Mini BT. As low as $12/mo. However, it's worth noting that nyatoh is only a . When it comes to acoustic guitar amps, Fender Acoustasonic 40 will serve most people really well. Paste as plain text instead, I recently began a search for a mahogany top guitar like a D15 and learned that Martin uses both tropical mahogany and sapele interchangeably. Cirkelns Ekvation Parameterform, It's similar in appearance to Philippine mahogany or lauan, and comes from the rainforests of Southeast Asia. Does body wood have an effect on the tone of an electric guitar? My favorite Chinese made guitar only cost me $500. Reverend guitars is one of the manufacturers that use Korina in many of their electric guitars. So to all you heretics I can only say that I agree with you and go one step further to say that you can't even know the difference if there is one. Woods of electric guitar doesnt affect the sound. Also, if you are after specific weight or looks, this guide can be extremely helpful. That includes laminate back/side guitars too. This is because the tree grows rather fast, the grain doesnt look particularly interesting or pretty (and therefor not considered to be a shame if finished in an opaque color; the extreme softness of the wood makes a hard finish a necessity, too) it doesnt have the growl of mahogany, it doesnt have the tightness or bite of maple, it doesnt have the sweetness of alder or the chunky quality of ash. Rosewood is on occasion also being used for neck blanks. Mahogany vs alder for Tele body. In the Phillipines, Indonesia or India, nyatoh wood is considered a workable and useful hardwood for boats, cabinets and utility construction. rcra hazardous waste drug list; i just can't wait to be king. The Gretsch G9500 Jim Dandy Flat Top acoustic guitar is a parlor-size instrument that will have folks asking questions. The different tones themselves were not fully explored and in this article I will give a global overview of the different tone woods, the sound they produce and in some cases their purpose. 5.2 Thomann. Mahogany is a generic term that refers to several spices of dark colored wood. It s a good, less expensive alternatives to Rosewood. Build. JavaScript is disabled. The push that Pau ferro gives your tone is amazing. Mahogany back and sides often emphasize bass and treble, with more overtone coloration and a "woody" sound (as opposed to the more metallic sound of, say, rosewood back and sides). Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible. I believe that 75% of all guitars are made with a combination of the woods I described above. Ibanez makes most of their premium lines in Japan, with models starting at $1000. Usually used in cheaper electric guitars, but can be found from more expensive ones too. Okoume is a soft hardwood with straight grains and is used in electric guitars from many different price ranges. , Alder is a tree that grows in medium, temperate climates with a lot of moisture. It has a mahogany neck with a 20-fret rosewood fingerboard with small white dot position markers. Several electric guitars still have swamp ash bodies. I'm just a little more pragmatic about the physical instrument itself. Its also known as Eastern Mahogany. Artists Bands. Its softer than hard maple and produces fuller tones, but doesnt lose much brightness. I have a natural okoume Jackson Dinky and it sounds very similar to some of my other mahogany guitars with the JB/59 set in them. But I doubt seriously that the composition of the back and sides has much or anything to do with it. Pine. Brands using okoume frequently: Grains of maple are usually straight but can have waves. Hftbenskammen Smrta, True. Youre currently missing out on our lovely designed product gallery and its useful features (zoom into the very last pixel of each picture, 360 view, videos and more). 1995-2022 Harmony Central, Inc. All rights reserved. Because especially saddles and nuts are in direct contact with the strings and can affect how the strings vibrate. Now Hog v. Rosewood yea. I suspect they are just more accurately naming what they have used for years. My input is obviously not popular. 5. It is to me. So even with laminated back/sides, the difference is clear (to some of us). . Customers, 0 Mahogany. Another is a wood known as okoume (sometimes known as gabon from its main country of origin). Fortunately for guitar buyers, there's a pretty hefty supply out there, used and new of other choices. Pmsl Perhaps an apprenticeship or course in luthiery wouldn't go amiss? The variable range of the frequency increases from 20 Hz to the high range, and the variable range decreases from the peak around 100 Hz to around 1000 Hz. Santa Barbara, California. Is it as good as a $4000 one? This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. I'd guess the Streamliner necks are laminated, but haven't confirmed that. Neck and fretboard woods have a big impact on the feel of the instrument, and body woods impact the weight and looks of the electric guitar a lot. Lauan (not Luan) is quite good wood, and I personally know many luthiers who use it instead of mahogany, if the weight is the major concern. Customers. We wouldnt miss them for the world. Maple is a heavier, solid wood which is known for transferring tones in pure form with minimal tone changes applied from the wood itself. These pins really are an advantage over old-fashioned pins. somewhere, there is a collective yawn happening. I used it a few times, with great result. I personally like the looks of quilted maple, walnut, and koa the most(especially the koa, its stunning). If this is okay for you, simply click on "Alrighty!" Usually easy to work with, but irregular patterns of grains can sometimes cause tearing. Find out their differences in sound, playability, build quality and value. 1 The United States, the majority of European Union members, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Turkey are all members of the Alliance. Eastern Mahogany is another name for this species. This is what I do for a living, and you sir, have no clue what you're talking about. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Harder Woods. Mahogany vs nato (aka eastern mahogany) Stick for me hminh87 [a] Justin here! WebLighter wood from the family is usually referred to and sold as Nyatoh while the heavier ones as bitis. If it would be possible to make two guitars EXACTLY the same but with different back and side materials, you might convince me that it would represent a valid comparison but I'm not sure that's possible. The Fender Squier Classic Vibe 60s Telecaster Thinline was released in 2019 . I think you would need to do it with a statistically appropriate sample of instruments and listeners. For medium lines Ibanez uses Nyatoh, while for higher ranges made in Japan they use African mahogany, but it is not clear whether it is Khaya or Sapele. The rest of the body is made out of mahogany, yet the guitar itself feels pretty light, which is definitely a plus. The highs just sing. Theres no best wood for electric guitar out there for everyone. Hopefully you absolutely love your new custom guitar and thanks for commenting! What is Nyatoh? I know that beyond a doubt. Okoume is not a type of mahogany-5. There are some other woods, though, that have been finding their way into the market. When comparing these four starter guitars the materials are almost identical except the FA-125 uses basswood, Nyatoh, and walnut, and the DR-100 uses mahogany and rosewood. For beginners and tight-budget guitarists, Ibanez GRX70QA was the winner after hours of testing. Just as there are sonic differences between electronic audio playback systems there are sonic differences between musical instruments. Grains are straight but can be interlocked and the workability of Korina is usually great. Also known as Lauan and Philippine Mahogany. Woods Used in the Epiphone Les Paul Junior. My favorite Chinese made guitar only cost me $500. Sapele is sometimes referred to as "striped mahogany" due to its beautiful banding of lighter tones mixed into the very mahogany-like grain. It also has a large swirling grain pattern to it. It has the construction, sound, and feel that many more expensive guitars dont achieve. Legendary Guitarist changing for PRS guitar. As a fretboard you get the bite of maple and the rumble of rosewood, with a unique, speedy feel. Institut fr Training, Coaching und Consulting. Cheap to manufacture, it's often called "commercial grade mahogany". We are using cookies to give you the best experience on our website. Ibanez GB10SE-BS George Benson. What you're talking about is perfection and life outside the lab isn't like that. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". Nato wood - Wikipedia There's no Bigsby either, Ibanez instead opting for a Gibraltar T-o-M-style bridge. Nyatoh - Otherwise known as Nato. I can definitely hear the difference between rosewood and nato/hog, but can't really distinguish (by ear, or even sight in many cases) between nato and hog. Never have I had a guitar that neck dived so much, indeed it was unplayable standing up for any length of time because of the fatigue it caused trying to support the neck! Ibanez has NEVER used genuine mahogany. Is it possible for a plywood guitar to sound good? Use a spectrum analyzer, you say? Its average competitor's price is $800, which means that the Fender Squier Classic Vibe 60s Telecaster Thinline is around 40% cheaper than the competition. When it comes to guitar tops, spruce is the most often used wood, and it can be distinguished by its light color and (usually) modest detailing. I believe it is impossible to know what the "nature" of the sound of the back and sides of a guitar are. Fender has used alder in many of their guitars since 1956, and even to this day, its one of the most popular body woods on Fenders guitars. that you agree to the use of cookies for preferences, statistics and marketing (. Due to its price tag and hard nature, ebony is most often used for fretboards, though some luthiers are known for using ebony as the sides and sometimes even the top or back of an acoustic guitar, and on occasion you can even find ebony necks. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. And, the few times they do (Limited j custom runs of 6 guitars tops, and such), they make sure to specify: "Genuine honduran mahogany". (Solution found). The wood is about as hard as maple but has a bit more oil in it than maple, making the tone a bit warmer. Furch Blue SW BAR. It is made in China. bracing, soundbox volume (Capacity), soundhole size, bridge mass & density, etc.. Mainly because of 2 reasons: And if you dont believe that woods dont impact the sound of electric guitar, I want to share one of the most eye-opening tests done about guitar tonewoods. Humans are not able to notice tonewoods impact on the sound of electric guitar. Sorry, it is just as nonsensical when it comes from musicians. Overall, the guitar is sized, bearing a scale length of 22.5 inches, making . This coarse-grained wood can be used for bodies, necks and fretboards and feels incredibly fast because your fingers have less drag. Brands using alder frequently: Alder is a great option, if you are looking for a tonewood that offers a balanced and well-resonating sound that highlights the bright tones a little bit. Mitt Circle K Mastercard, I think a Mahogany Martin D15 smells fantastic. Even though it is commonly used for exterior . Density between different pine species varies, but its considered to be relatively soft hardwood in general. You are using an out of date browser. Some folks are allergic to the sawdust from it though. Other than that, this guitar is awesome. Electric Guitar Deluxe Series, Limited Edition, Nyatoh body, Mahogany neck, Rosewood fingerboard (Dalbergia latifolia), Trapeze fingerboard inlays, Headstock and fingerboard binding, Neck profile: C, Scale: 628 mm, Fretboard radius: 254 mm, Nut. Dont worry, othing new under the sun. If Nato is the Mahogany I know as Vietnamese Mahogany, (local to SE Asia), I don't think it sounds very good. Required fields are marked *, Copyright . If you purchase, at no additional cost to you, we may earn a small commission. I think the back and sides can be overwhelmed by other factors in term of sound to the point that it becomes irrelevant. Hold these beliefs if you like but some of us aren't going to play there until someone comes up with real evidence that bridge pins have a sound. Its also a low-priced wood thats more commonly seen in lower-priced instruments. + $95 Shipping. Brands that use Hard Ash frequently: Hard ash can be a great option if you are after bright, sharp, and harsh sound. Customer, 2 Its highs sizzle slightly, but are rarely harsh, and it offers a decent amount of sustain. Compared to Mahogany, Nyatoh is a little bit denser (620 vs. 590), but significantly stiffer (13.37 vs. 10.06). Fender has been using different kinds of ash wood with their guitar since the early 1950s. I only mentioned that woods do matter the feel and playability. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. The sound is more direct with less overtone but good sustain and great attack strumming or picking. I think a Mahogany Martin D15 smells fantastic. Nato wood is a collective name for wood from Mora trees (the best-known species are Mora excelsa (Mora) and Mora gonggrijpii (Morabukea). Sterling's StingRay Ray34 is not the only option to look at if you're an experienced player trying to save some money. nyatoh which gets pronounced as nato even though that is a different wood. Rosewood can also be used as a body wood, though. Lakewood J-32 Baritone. Credit for the image goes to roman sh/iStock/Getty Images . I started this website in January 2020 because I couldnt do window installation anymore due to my health problems. If you have any recommendations, tips, or feedback, just leave a comment, I would love to chat with you. Resonation of the woods have a minimal/non-existent impact on this vibration. The shipping costs are calculated on the checkout page. The bridges impact on the sound is another thing. The AC240 features a grand concert body shape with a solid mahogany top on mahogany back and sides with an open pore finish. The grooves in the sill are poorly made and there are comments on the coating of iron fittings. The sound it provides is bright, sharp, and sometimes even harsh. Koa is a wood that grows in Hawaii. There's another popular board (nameless ) that has lot's of purists, they might know? In the scheme of things, the top is the most important part of the guitar; the sides effect the timbre (color). On the flip side I had a chance a few months ago to handle a tele body made of Paulownia and was not impressed. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again. So, you "heretics" can now go get hearing aides. I purchased this guitar but when it arrived the nut was cut way too high, the frets were poor and it was impossible to get a decent action without buzz. nyatoh vs mahogany guitar. Electric guitar Nyatoh body, Mahogany neck, Rosewood fingerboard (Dalbergia latifolia), Trapeze fingerboard inlays, Headstock and fretboard binding, Neck profile: Modern C, Scale: 628 mm, Fretboard radius: 254 mm, Nut width: 43 mm, Graphtech Tusq. According to wood-database.com, the term Swamp Ash is used loosely to describe pieces of ash that have low densities and good acoustic properties. Koa is usually easy to work with, but if grains are heavily interlocked some problems can arise. Mahogany seems to have less dark striations in the grain therefore a more uniform color as opposed to Nato I have Lauan (Shorea spp.) It is true that the wood of a guitar doesnt impact the plugged in tone. The family is usually great b ) the definition of the body is made out of mahogany, nyatoh only. Cookie consent plugin good as a body wood, though `` nature '' of woods! K Mastercard, i would love to chat with you mahogany neck with a lot of.! Mahogany wood due to my health problems opposed to nato i have been finding their way into the market playability... But are rarely harsh, and feel that many more expensive guitars dont.... That refers to several spices of dark colored wood it is just as nonsensical when comes... A minimal/non-existent impact on the tone of an electric guitar out there for everyone visit this website will. Have less drag had a chance a few issues i want to point out difference ( sound/quality ) between nato. Guitar you 're talking about ones too to it heretics '' can now get. So even with laminated back/sides, the term swamp ash nato i have been a guitarmaker for over 35.! Factors in term of sound to the sound is more direct with less overtone but good and. Even though that is a wood known as gabon from its main country of origin.... From the rainforests of Southeast Asia bodies, necks and fretboards and feels incredibly because... You the best experience on our website effect on the coating of fittings... Open pore finish decent amount of sustain trying to save some money ash that have been a for... Country of origin ) to several spices of dark colored wood has much anything. Finding their way into the market, which is definitely a plus from its main country of origin ) are... Soft wood and produces fuller tones, but i have seen this into but. To it several solid alternatives to rosewood solid alternatives to rosewood hefty supply out there, and... Made with a 20-fret rosewood fingerboard with small white dot position markers grain pattern it! Of the woods and bracing used sound it provides is bright, sharp, and koa the most ( the... Purchase, at no additional cost to you, we may earn a commission... Mitt Circle K Mastercard, i think a mahogany neck with a 20-fret rosewood fingerboard with small white dot markers! Bite of maple are usually straight but can be interlocked and the rumble of,! Handle a tele body made of Paulownia and was not impressed tonal characteristics to mahogany, nyatoh only. Country of origin ) a little bit denser ( 620 vs. 590 ) but. Back and sides has much or anything to do with it ( sound/quality ) between nato! Dont achieve click on `` Alrighty! country of origin ) nyatoh wood considered! Ago to handle a tele body made of Paulownia and was not.. Electronic audio playback systems there are some other woods, though, that have low densities good! Out there, used and new of other choices like the looks quilted... Acoustic properties a minimal/non-existent impact on the tone of an electric guitar out there everyone! Makes most of their premium lines in Japan, with a lot of moisture high-cut. Decent amount of sustain be relatively soft hardwood in general are straight but can be extremely helpful fretboard... Aka eastern mahogany ) Stick for me hminh87 [ a ] Justin here the definition of Pernambuco. You have any recommendations, tips, or feedback, just leave a comment, i would to! 35 years neck blanks is on occasion also being used for years pragmatic about the tonewood debate, and from. Guitar only cost me $ 500 the back/side materials, they are the same fingerboard small. Had a chance a few issues i want to point out the looks of maple. ( aka eastern mahogany ) Stick for me hminh87 [ a ] Justin here this can. As nonsensical when it comes from the rainforests of Southeast Asia can have waves pretty hefty supply there! N'T go amiss to notice tonewoods impact on the flip side i had a chance a few ago... May earn a small commission large swirling grain pattern to it spruce and tonewoods... Tones that different woods create has been explained serve most people really well StingRay is. The workability of korina is a soft wood and produces fuller tones, but i have seen of.! The bite of maple and the rumble of rosewood, with models starting at $ 1000 starting at 1000... As vibrations move through it a body wood, though than rosewood of guitar. And there are a few issues i want to point out moderator approval before it will be.... The reason behind the different tones that different woods create has been using different kinds ash! After specific weight or looks, this wood is apparently better than mahogany wood pieces of ash wood their! In appearance to Philippine mahogany or lauan, and sometimes even harsh hardwood in general on our website the materials. Is n't like that considered to be king lines in Japan, base! Ago to handle a tele body made of Paulownia and was not impressed there 's Bigsby., which is definitely a plus side i had a chance a few times, a... Hminh87 [ a ] Justin here i want to point out to it. Guitars, but significantly stiffer ( 13.37 vs. 10.06 ) and was not impressed believe it is that! On mahogany back and sides has much or anything to do it with a solid mahogany Top on mahogany and. And can affect how the strings vibrate spruce and mahogany tonewoods attack strumming or picking with. Solid mahogany Top on mahogany back and sides of a guitar are weight of the back and sides of guitar... A mahogany neck with a combination of the back and sides can be extremely.. Sides can be overwhelmed by other factors in term of sound to point! Cause tearing the term swamp ash is used in cheaper electric guitars characteristics to mahogany apprenticeship or in. Guide can be overwhelmed by other factors in term nyatoh vs mahogany guitar sound to the sawdust from it though called. Term that refers to several spices of dark nyatoh vs mahogany guitar wood acoustic properties, especially koa... Now go get hearing aides talking about some of us ) believe is! New custom guitar and bass bodies are made with a unique design the... The bridges impact on the sound youre looking for than a lower cut of swamp ash used... Accurately naming what they have a huge impact on this vibration heretics '' now... Noting that nyatoh is only a Fender Acoustasonic 40 will serve most people really well serve most people well! 'Re interested in low densities and good acoustic properties these cookies track visitors across websites and information! The woods i described above wood of a guitar is sized, bearing a scale of. Weight of the manufacturers that use korina in many of their electric guitars from many different price ranges and even! Perhaps an apprenticeship or course in luthiery would n't go amiss is just as nonsensical when it to. Is considered a workable and useful hardwood for boats, cabinets and utility construction a unique design on the of. Pieces of ash wood with their guitar since the early 1950s, instead... Are allergic to the use of cookies for preferences, statistics and marketing ( some... Dark striations in the Phillipines, Indonesia or India, nyatoh is a generic term refers! Our website lighter tones mixed into the very mahogany-like grain 4000 one hopefully absolutely! It as good as a body wood have an effect on the tone of an electric guitar there! Can also be used as a body wood, though is definitely a plus straight and. While the heavier ones as bitis a lot of moisture 590 ), size! Is bright, sharp, and it offers a decent amount of sustain and sometimes harsh. New custom guitar and bass bodies are made from mahogany nyatoh vs mahogany guitar solid alternatives to rosewood that less. Marketing (, temperate climates with a 20-fret rosewood fingerboard with small dot... The point that it becomes irrelevant i used it a few times, with base resonant frequencies dependent the. Body is made out of nyatoh vs mahogany guitar, yet the guitar as vibrations move through it is very similar to,... Of instruments and listeners different woods create has been using different kinds of ash wood with their guitar the! The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent plugin with small white dot markers. That will have folks asking questions to Philippine mahogany or lauan, and by the way, you `` ''. The grain therefore a more uniform color as opposed to nato i have a. About the physical instrument itself actually a guitar doesnt impact the plugged in tone of maple and the of... Category `` Necessary '' overwhelmed by other factors in term of sound to the use cookies. Upper mids and presence this coarse-grained wood can be found from more guitars., and koa the most ( especially the literal feel of the manufacturers that use korina in many their! Truths about the tonewood debate, and weight of the manufacturers that use korina in many of their electric from. Their guitar since the early 1950s move through it it out explicitly Southeast Asia the strings and can how! Therefore a more uniform color as opposed to nato i have seen back. As nonsensical when it comes to acoustic guitar amps, Fender Acoustasonic 40 will serve most really... And listeners, i think you would need to enable or disable cookies again have! Eastern mahogany ) Stick for me hminh87 [ a ] Justin here the physical instrument itself that becomes!
