It’s a common belief among guitar enthusiasts: the more visually stunning the wood, the better the guitar sounds. You see guitars with beautifully figured tonewoods and assume they must possess superior sonic qualities. But is there a real connection between the aesthetic appeal of wood and its acoustic properties in a Wood Guitar? Let’s delve into the realities of tonewood selection and separate fact from fiction.
For decades, luthiers have encountered this very question. Often, the guitars praised for their exceptional sound are crafted from woods that might be considered plain or even flawed in appearance. Conversely, instruments built with the most exquisite, eye-catching woods sometimes fall short in terms of tone. This leads to a crucial question: why do the most visually impressive and exotic tonewoods often end up on the highest-priced guitars?
The truth, often whispered among guitar builders, is that the demand for visually flawless, highly figured wood surpasses the demand for wood that simply sounds extraordinary. While top-tier sounding wood is readily available, experienced luthiers know that the most visually “perfect” set isn’t always the sonic gem in the pile.
When commissioning a custom wood guitar, it’s vital to communicate your priorities to your luthier. For artists and serious players prioritizing sound, the visual aspect often takes a backseat. A piece of wood with slightly uneven grain, a minor color variation, an asymmetrical figure, or even small knots or repaired cracks can sometimes be the key to unlocking exceptional tone. These “imperfections” don’t necessarily detract from the structural integrity or sonic potential of the wood. In fact, they can sometimes indicate unique characteristics that contribute to a richer, more complex sound. Seasoned players often understand this, trusting their luthier to select wood based on its sonic potential, even if it deviates from visual perfection.
However, the reality of the retail world is different. A wood guitar with unconventional-looking wood is less likely to catch a casual browser’s eye in a music store or online. Guitars with striking, highly figured wood tend to attract immediate attention and are often perceived as being more desirable. Customers frequently gravitate towards the most visually appealing sets, while requests for wood chosen purely for its superior sound are surprisingly rare.
For luthiers building instruments for themselves, the focus shifts entirely to sonic qualities. The selection process involves tapping and listening to the wood, seeking sets that resonate with lively, ringing, and complex tap tones. Top woods are assessed for stiffness both along and across the grain. When wood exhibits these desirable acoustic properties, minor visual imperfections like less-than-perfect quarter-sawing or slight runout become secondary. The emphasis is on character and the natural beauty of wood as a material derived from a tree, rather than striving for an artificial, computer-generated aesthetic of flawless perfection.
When purchasing a wood guitar, particularly in a store setting, the best approach is to play as many instruments within your desired category as possible. Try to evaluate each guitar with your eyes closed, focusing solely on the sound and feel. If buying online, seek out retailers with knowledgeable salespeople who can accurately describe the tonal nuances of different instruments. And when commissioning a custom wood guitar, remember the trade-off: among tone, appearance, and value, you typically can only maximize two. Clearly define your priorities to your luthier and trust their expertise in selecting the wood that will best achieve your desired sound. Ultimately, the most rewarding wood guitar is one that inspires you with its voice, regardless of whether its wood is plain or fancy.
