As a devoted content creator for guitarplayers.net, and more importantly, a long-time aficionado of fine tonewoods, I’ve developed a deep appreciation for koa wood, especially when it comes to crafting exceptional guitars. Having owned several koa instruments, from guitars to mountain dulcimers, I can confidently say that koa ranks among the most sonically and visually captivating tonewoods available. For those exploring the world of Koa Wood Guitars, understanding its unique properties is key to appreciating its special character.
The Sonic Beauty of Koa Tonewood
What truly sets koa apart is its balanced tonal profile. From the deep resonance of the bass notes to the crisp clarity of the treble, koa offers a harmonious spectrum of sound. While it might not possess the overtone complexity of rosewood, koa compensates with a rich, inherent harmonic depth. However, it’s crucial to acknowledge that koa’s sonic character can be somewhat unpredictable. The tonal quality can vary significantly from one koa wood guitar to another. Interestingly, some of the most visually striking, highly flamed koa can sometimes yield a disappointingly muffled sound, almost as if the instrument were constructed from, as I once described it, “soggy cardboard.”
Strikingly attractive soggy cardboard, though – there’s no denying that!
Yet, years of experience buying, selling, and trading koa guitars and dulcimers have revealed a pattern. The most consistently musical koa tends to exhibit strong color contrasts – distinct streaks of dark brown grain juxtaposed with lighter, golden hues. This “stripey stuff,” as a tonewood dealer once aptly described it, seems to be a reliable indicator of superior sonic potential. My own experience reinforces this: my koa and spruce McAlister baritone guitar, along with several cherished stage dulcimers and a soon-to-be-completed Kevin Kopp K-185, all showcase this desirable striped koa, and they all resonate with exceptional musicality.
Koa Paired with Spruce: A Winning Combination
My enthusiasm for koa tonewood truly ignites when it’s paired with a spruce top. In fact, koa, in combination with spruce or cedar, stands as one of my absolute favorite tonewoods, rivaled only by black walnut. Both are medium-density hardwoods that offer excellent tonal equilibrium and a vibrant responsiveness under the fingers. Koa, in its finest form, tends to produce a richer sound, often imbued with a natural, almost reverb-like quality.
Conversely, I am less convinced by the sonic merits of all-koa instruments, where koa is used not only for the back and sides but also for the top. While these all-hardwood instruments can possess a sweet tone, they typically require a considerably longer period to “break in” and fully realize their sonic potential.
Koa Versus Black Walnut: A Tonewood Comparison
While koa and black walnut share the top spot in my tonewood preferences, they each bring distinct qualities to the table. Black walnut presents a slightly simpler tonal profile, yet it excels in ensemble settings, offering exceptional projection and clarity to cut through the mix. In fact, black walnut seems to be among the loudest and most projective of all back and sides woods. Koa, on the other hand, while equally balanced, brings that added richness and inherent reverb-like quality, offering a different flavor of sonic excellence.
In conclusion, for guitarists seeking a unique blend of tonal balance, harmonic richness, and visual beauty, koa wood guitars are an exceptional choice, particularly when crafted with a spruce top and featuring that distinctive “stripey” grain. The allure of koa lies not only in its striking appearance but also in its capacity to produce instruments with a truly captivating voice.
