Acoustic Guitar Tonewoods - Back and Sides

When it comes to acoustic guitars, the type of wood used can have a significant impact on the instrument's tone. Let's delve into the world of tonewoods and explore the different types commonly used on the backs and sides of acoustic guitars.

Indian Rosewood (Dalbergia latifolia)

Indian rosewood is a popular choice for acoustic guitar backs and sides due to its rich, warm tone with deep bass and sparkling highs. It is favored by fingerstyle players and is well-suited for a wide range of music genres, from folk to classical.

Honduran Mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla)

Honduran mahogany is known for its balanced tone, offering clear and focused sound with a strong midrange. It is a versatile tonewood that works well for both strumming and fingerpicking styles, making it a favorite among singer-songwriters.

Maple (Acer spp.)

Maple is prized for its bright and articulate sound, with excellent clarity and note definition. It is often used on acoustic guitars to add brightness and projection, making it ideal for genres like bluegrass and country music.

Hawaiian Koa (Acacia koa)

Hawaiian koa is a visually stunning tonewood with a sweet, warm tone that emphasizes the midrange. It is well-suited for players who prefer a more mellow sound and is commonly found in ukuleles and acoustic guitars used in Hawaiian music.

Macassar Ebony (Diospyros celebica)

Macassar ebony is a dense tonewood that produces a clear, bright sound with a pronounced low end. It is favored by players looking for a focused and punchy tone, making it a great choice for solo performances and recording sessions.

African Mahogany (Khaya spp.)

African mahogany offers a warm and woody tone with a strong midrange presence. It is a versatile tonewood that works well for a variety of playing styles, from strumming to fingerpicking, and is commonly used in acoustic guitars for its balanced sound.

Sapele (Entandrophragma cylindricum)

Sapele is similar to mahogany in terms of tone, offering a warm and balanced sound with a slightly brighter top end. It is a great choice for players seeking a rich and full-bodied sound that complements both vocals and other instruments.

Malaysian Blackwood (Diospyros ebonasea)

Malaysian blackwood is known for its warm and mellow tone, with a strong focus on the midrange. It is a great option for players looking for a tonewood that provides a smooth and balanced sound, making it suitable for a wide range of musical genres.

Bocote (Cordia spp.)

Bocote is a visually striking tonewood with a bright and clear tone that offers good note separation. It is a great choice for players who want a tonewood that delivers a crisp and articulate sound, making it ideal for intricate fingerstyle playing.

Brazilian Rosewood (Dalbergia nigra)

Brazilian rosewood is highly sought after for its rich, complex tone with deep bass and lush overtones. It is a favorite among professional musicians and collectors for its exceptional sound quality, making it well-suited for high-end acoustic guitars.

Cocobolo (Dalbergia retusa)

Cocobolo is prized for its vibrant and resonant tone, with a strong emphasis on the bass and treble frequencies. It is a favorite among players who seek a tonewood that offers a bold and powerful sound, making it ideal for solo performances and recording.

Claro Walnut (Juglans hindsii)

Claro walnut is known for its warm and rich tone, with a good balance of bass, mids, and highs. It is a versatile tonewood that works well for a variety of playing styles, from strumming to flatpicking, and is valued for its unique grain patterns.

Ziricote (Cordia dodecandra)

Ziricote is a visually stunning tonewood with a rich and full-bodied tone that offers a deep bass response and clear highs. It is a great choice for players looking for a tonewood that combines beauty with exceptional sound quality, making it a standout option for acoustic guitars.

Each tonewood brings its own unique characteristics to the table, influencing the overall sound and playability of an acoustic guitar. Whether you prefer the warmth of rosewood, the brightness of maple, or the complexity of Brazilian rosewood, there is a tonewood out there to suit your playing style and musical preferences.