If you’re looking for the perfect wood to use on your acoustic guitar, then you’ve come to the right place! Choosing the right wood for your instrument can make a huge difference in the tonality and sound quality of your guitar. The wood you select will affect the projection, clarity, warmth, and balance of the instrument.
Before choosing the wood to use on your acoustic guitar, there are a few factors to consider. The first and most important factor is the sound you want to achieve. Different types of wood produce unique tones, and the sounds you desire will influence which wood you choose. The second factor to consider is the budget. Some woods, such as koa, can be quite expensive, while others, like mahogany, are more affordable. Also, consider durability, as some types of wood are more durable than others. Lastly, consider the source of the wood and its environmental impact.
Have you ever wondered why certain guitars sound differently from others? What type of wood is best for producing the sound you want? Is the wood you choose solely based on budget restrictions or is there more to consider? We’re here to help guide you in the right direction on your search to find the perfect wood for your acoustic guitar. In this article, we’ll explore the different types of wood used for building acoustic guitars, their characteristics and qualities, and how they will affect the sound of your instrument. So, let’s dive in!
10 Best Wood For Acoustic Guitars
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Ideal for chamfering and reaming holes in guitar and woodworking projects.
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The product is ideal for acoustic guitar players who want a limited run, solid wood dreadnought guitar with a soft case.
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This product is ideal for music lovers looking to add a rustic touch to their home decor with guitar-themed wall art.
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Ideal for securely hanging acoustic and electric guitars on walls with a stylish wood bracket holder.
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Ideal for music enthusiasts looking to add a modern and stylish touch to their living room decor.
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The product is ideal for musicians who want a high-quality, all-solid wood acoustic guitar and premium gig bag.
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The product is ideal for musicians looking for high-quality, hand-crafted acoustic guitars made with authentic wood.
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Ideal for adding a rustic touch to home decor with a birch wood wall sign featuring acoustic guitar music shop design.
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This acoustic guitar made of solid woods is perfect for professional musicians who want a high-quality sound and premium accessories.
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The product is ideal for collecting and displaying as a replica of a miniature acoustic guitar with a celebrity signature.
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1. Woodworker's Tapered Chamfer Reamer
The Hole Enlarging Tool is a versatile tool that can help align holes, remove burrs from cut pipe, tubing, and conduit, and enlarge and countersink holes in sheet metal, plastic, and other materials. This tool is not only useful for industrial purposes but also for Luthier/Guitar enthusiasts as it can be used to enlarge bridge pin holes, headstocks, holes for tuners, and volume/tone knobs.
The T-handle provides increased leverage for easier reaming with greater control and easier turning. It has a capacity of 1/8" to 1/2" (3 – 13mm) and 5/32" to 7/8" (4 – 22mm), making it suitable for a wide variety of applications.
The Hole Enlarging Tool is made of hardened and tempered steel with precision ground cutting edges, making it durable and long-lasting. The wood handle is stable and comfortable to use, ensuring a secure grip and easy handling during use.
- Versatile tool for aligning, removing burrs, and enlarging/countersinking holes
- Suitable for industrial purposes and Luthier/Guitar enthusiasts
- Increased leverage with T-handle for easier reaming with greater control and turning
- Wide capacity range of 1/8" to 1/2" (3 – 13mm) and 5/32" to 7/8" (4 – 22mm)
- Durable and long-lasting with precision ground cutting edges
- Comfortable and stable wood handle for easy handling
2. C.f. Martin Martin D-12 Road Series Limited Run Solid Wood Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar W/soft Case
Introducing the Martin D-14 Fret Acoustic Guitar, an exceptional instrument that delivers premium sound quality and durability. With a glossy finish, the guitar boasts an elegant and professional appearance, making it an ideal instrument for both beginners and professionals alike.
The construction of the guitar is made using a Mortise and Tenon Neck Joint, which ensures that the guitar is sturdy and reliable. The X-Brace Bracing Pattern, combined with the Scalloped Brace Shape, enhances the guitar's resonance and projection, making it perfect for live performances and recording sessions.
The top material of the Martin D-14 Fret Acoustic Guitar is made of Sitka Spruce, which is known for its strong and resonant tonal quality. The body material is made of Sapele, which contributes to the guitar's balanced and warm tone. The neck material is made of Select Hardwood, providing players with a comfortable and smooth playing experience.
The fingerboard material of the Martin D-14 Fret Acoustic Guitar is made of FSC Certified Richlite, a durable and eco-friendly material that offers excellent playability and sound quality. The guitar also comes with a Martin Soft Case, ensuring that it stays protected while on the go.
- Mortise and Tenon Neck Joint ensures durability
- X-Brace Bracing Pattern and Scalloped Brace Shape enhances resonance and projection
- Sitka Spruce top material provides strong and resonant tonal quality
- Sapele body material contributes to a balanced and warm tone
- FSC Certified Richlite fingerboard material offers excellent playability and sound quality
- Comes with a Martin Soft Case for protection
3. Rustic Guitar Canvas: Music-Inspired Wall Decor
Introducing the stunning 24×36 inch wall art that is professionally printed on waterproof canvas using premium fade-resistant inks for long-lasting beauty. This art piece is hook-mounted on a sturdy wooden frame and comes with nails and a level, making it easy to hang and decorate your wall with. The back of the frame is covered with black flannel to conceal the staples or tacks, giving it a sleek look. For added protection, the art piece comes with 4 protective corners and is shrink-wrapped before being packed in a sturdy carton box.
This unique wall art design will effortlessly become the focal point of any room, exuding beauty and style wherever it is placed. Suitable for office spaces, living rooms, bedrooms, and more, this art piece is sure to add a touch of elegance to your home decor. Transform your space with this premium quality wall art and enjoy the beauty it brings to your home.
- Professionally printed with premium fade-resistant inks for long-lasting beauty
- Hook-mounted on a sturdy wooden frame for easy installation
- Comes with nails and a level for added convenience
- 4 protective corners and shrink-wrapped for added protection during shipping
- Sleek black flannel on the back of the frame to conceal staples or tacks
4. Mslco Guitar Wall Mount Set: 4 Hangers Included!
The Wooden Guitar Hangers are perfect for anyone looking to display their guitar in a secure and eye-catching way. The base of these hangers is made of solid wood, while the hooks are made of strong metal steel. The hooks also have a soft sleeve to protect the body of your guitar from any potential damage. These hangers are specifically designed to hold your guitar securely, and the V-shaped bracket holder with deep cradle design hooks ensures that your guitar will not slip. The hooks are also designed to hold your guitar firmly without causing any scratches or damages to the surface of the guitar.
Installing the Guitar Wall Mount Bracket is easy, and you only need basic home tools like a drill and screwdrivers. The package comes with solid screws and anchors to safely mount on any type of wall. The yoke of this guitar wall mount bracket is adjustable, and the hook is intended to rotate slightly to accommodate different design headstocks, especially non-symmetrical ones. It will securely hold your electric, acoustic, classical, or bass guitars on the wall of your space. This Guitar holder supports up to 20-25 lbs. weight, and the prongs are wide enough to fit all types of guitars.
Customer satisfaction is their top priority, and they make sure that their product serves the purpose for which it is made. They assure you the best quality and 100% satisfaction.
- Made of solid wood and strong metal steel hooks
- Hooks have a soft sleeve to protect the body of the guitar
- Designed to hold guitar securely without causing any damage
- Easy to install with basic home tools
- Adjustable yoke and wide prongs fit all types of guitars
- Supports up to 20-25 lbs. weight
- 100% satisfaction guarantee
5. Acoustic Guitar Canvas Art – 5 Panel Print
Upgrade the look of your walls with this stunning 5 piece canvas wall art set. Each panel measures 12x16inchx2pieces,12x24inchx2pieces,12x32inchx1piece, making it a perfect choice for various wall sizes. The high definition giclee modern art work ensures that the vivid colors of the art will brighten up your walls.
These canvas prints are made with high-quality materials that guarantee long-lasting durability. The picture photo printing is done on high-quality canvas that gives the paintings a modern look. The canvas is gallery wrapped, making it ready to hang for home decoration wall decor. Each panel has a black hook already mounted on the wooden bar, making it easy to hang out of the box.
It is a perfect choice for various wall spaces such as Kitchen Wall, Bathroom Wall, Girl and Boy Bed Room Wall, Living Room. It is also a great gift idea for your relatives and friends. Each canvas panel that is shipped is handled with utmost care, packed well in a solid cardboard box, and wrapped with plastic bag to hold it stable and avoid shipment damage.
- High definition giclee modern art work ensures vivid colors of the art
- Gallery wrapped canvas makes it ready to hang out of the box
- Suitable for various wall spaces
- Made with high-quality materials for long-lasting durability
- Each canvas panel is handled with care to avoid shipment damage
6. Guild Om-120: All-Solid Natural Acoustic, Premium Gig Bag.
The Guild OM-120 Acoustic Guitar is a versatile instrument that is equally suited for strumming and fingerpicking. It produces a sweet and balanced tone that will appeal to a wide range of musicians. This mid-sized orchestra shaped acoustic comes with a solid African mahogany top and solid African mahogany back and sides. The guitar's premium features include a bone nut and saddle, mother-of-pearl rosette, and a period-correct tortoiseshell pickguard.
The Guild OM-120 Acoustic Guitar has a 1¾” nut width on a vintage shaped Guild neck, which is comfortable to play, and it also features an iconic Chesterfield headstock emblem reminiscent of 1960s Guilds. The guitar comes with Guild’s new lightweight polyfoam case, which provides excellent protection during transportation.
The natural gloss finish of this guitar complements its classic design, and the unique spirit of natural wood ensures that each guitar has its own distinctive appearance. Due to the natural variation in color richness and wood grain, the product shipped may appear lighter or darker in color than the product shown here.
- Produces a sweet and balanced tone that will appeal to a wide range of musicians
- Solid African mahogany top and back provide excellent sound quality
- Vintage shaped Guild neck with a 1¾” nut width is comfortable to play
- Comes with a lightweight polyfoam case for protection during transportation
- Period-correct tortoiseshell pickguard adds to the guitar's classic design
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7. Martin Guitar Standard Series Acoustic Guitars, Hand-Built Martin Guitars With Authentic Wood 0-18
Martin's Standard Series guitars are known for their professional sound that comes from authentic wood like sitka spruce, mahogany, ebony, rosewood, and more. The innovative bracing, variety of body styles, and handmade detailing deliver rich resonance, classic tones, and a professional sound. These premium handmade guitars are built with the highest-quality materials to stand up to late-night jams, long studio sessions, and plenty of picking. The solid-wood acoustic guitars deliver classic designs, professional sounds, and enjoyable playing.
The Martin Guitar Standard Series offers a guitar for any type of player with many body sizes and designs. Choose from acoustic, acoustic-electric, and many different body types like dreadnought, concert, grand concert, auditorium, orchestra model, jumbo, or grand performance cutaway. Whether you are a beginner, intermediate guitar player, or working musician, you can find the instrument that works for you. Martin's iconic tone is known worldwide and the guitars deliver enhanced playability that makes playing a pleasure, no matter your experience or skill level. These guitars deliver a natural playing experience that you will love.
Martin's superior guitar and string products remain the choice for musicians around the world for their unrivaled quality, craftsmanship, and tone. The Martin Standard Series is still handmade and considered the standard. Martin guitars are the real deal and not an imitation. Add these premium guitars to your touring lineup, studio gear, or instrument collection.
- Professional sound with authentic wood and innovative bracing
- Premium handmade guitars built with highest-quality materials
- Variety of body sizes and designs for any type of player
- Enhanced playability for a natural playing experience
- Martin's superior quality, craftsmanship, and tone
8. Branson's Birch Guitar Shop Rustic Wall Art.
Looking for a rustic home decor that will add some charm to your living space? Check out this Birch Wood Wall Sign featuring an acoustic guitar music shop design from Branson, Missouri. Measuring 10 x 15 inches and 1/8 inches thick, this sign is made from sustainable wood and printed with Greenguard Gold Certified eco-friendly inks in the USA.
Aside from its eco-friendly features, this decor sign is also easy to install. It comes with a hole in each corner, so you can easily hang it up on your wall. Whether you're looking for a wall accent for your music room or just want to add a touch of rustic appeal to your home decor, this Branson, Missouri, Birch Wood Wall Sign is definitely worth considering.
- Made from sustainable wood
- Printed with eco-friendly inks
- Easy to install with holes in each corner
- Adds rustic charm to any living space
9. Guild Om-150ce Acoustic Guitar – Premium Natural Sound!
The Guild OM-150CE is a medium-sized orchestra shaped acoustic guitar that is perfect for both strumming and fingerpicking, producing a sweet and balanced tone. This guitar is an ideal choice for versatile musicians who want to achieve the best sound quality.
Crafted with a solid Sitka spruce top and rosewood back and sides, the Guild OM-150CE features an elegant cutaway, providing access to higher frets. This guitar is equipped with a hidden Guild/Fishman AP1 with Sonicore pickup, which gives it a perfectly amplified boost for live performances and gigs.
In addition to its premium features, the Guild OM-150CE also has a rosewood fingerboard and bridge, bone nut and saddle, and mother-of-pearl rosette. The guitar's vintage shaped Guild neck has a 1¾” nut width and an iconic Chesterfield headstock emblem reminiscent of 1960s Guilds. The period-correct tortoiseshell pickguard adds to the guitar's aesthetic appeal.
The Guild OM-150CE comes with Guild's new lightweight polyfoam case, ensuring that the guitar is well-protected and easy to carry. As natural wood has a unique spirit and varies greatly in color richness and wood grain, the product shipped may appear lighter or darker in color than the product shown here.
- Produces a sweet and balanced tone
- Perfectly amplified boost for live performances and gigs
- Has premium features such as solid Sitka spruce top, rosewood back and sides, and mother-of-pearl rosette
- Comes with Guild's new lightweight polyfoam case
10. Johnny Cash Signature Black Miniature Acoustic Guitar Replica Collectible
The FAN MERCH mini guitars boast exceptional quality and craftsmanship. Each guitar is meticulously handcrafted from solid wood, ensuring its durability and longevity. Its polished finish gives it a sleek and professional look, while the airbrushed detail adds to its overall aesthetic appeal.
Included with the guitar is a high-quality adjustable mini guitar stand, which allows for easy display and storage. The AXE HEAVEN Mini guitar gift box is also included, making it an ideal gift for any music enthusiast or collector.
The intricate artwork on the guitar is silk screened with incredible detail, adding to its authenticity and charm. Its compact size makes it a perfect addition to any collection or display, while its high-quality construction ensures that it will withstand the test of time.
- Exceptional quality and craftsmanship
- Meticulously handcrafted from solid wood
- Sleek and professional polished finish
- Intricate silk screened artwork with incredible detail
- Compact size makes it a perfect addition to any collection or display
- High-quality construction ensures durability and longevity
Best Wood For Acoustic Guitars FAQs
Are there any sustainable alternatives to traditional woods used in acoustic guitars?
Yes, there are sustainable alternatives to traditional woods used in acoustic guitars. In recent years, there has been a growing concern about deforestation and the impact it has on the environment. As a result, guitar manufacturers have started to explore alternative materials that are more sustainable.
One such material is bamboo, which is a fast-growing and renewable resource. Bamboo has a similar density and resonance to wood, making it an ideal alternative for guitar soundboards. Another alternative is reclaimed wood, which is wood that has been salvaged from old buildings, furniture, or other sources. Reclaimed wood has a unique character and can add a vintage feel to a guitar.
Another sustainable alternative is composite materials, which are made from a combination of natural fibers and resins. These materials can be molded to create a variety of shapes and sizes, making them ideal for guitar bodies and necks.
Overall, there are many sustainable alternatives to traditional woods used in acoustic guitars that offer similar tonal qualities and aesthetics. It's important for guitar manufacturers and consumers alike to consider these alternatives to help preserve the environment for future generations.
Can different types of wood be combined to create a unique sound in an acoustic guitar?
Yes, different types of wood can be combined to create a unique sound in an acoustic guitar. The sound of an acoustic guitar is largely influenced by the type of wood used for the top, back, sides, and neck. Different types of wood have different tonal properties, such as brightness, warmth, sustain, and projection. Therefore, combining different woods can result in a guitar that has a balanced and complex sound, with distinct overtones and harmonics. For example, a guitar with a spruce top and rosewood back and sides may have a bright and punchy sound with a strong midrange, while a guitar with a cedar top and mahogany back and sides may have a warm and mellow sound with a pronounced bass response. However, choosing the right combination of woods requires careful consideration of various factors, such as the player's style, the guitar's size and shape, and the intended use of the guitar.
How does the choice of wood affect the sound of an acoustic guitar?
The choice of wood used to build an acoustic guitar plays a crucial role in determining the sound of the instrument. The wood used for the top or soundboard is particularly important as it is responsible for projecting the sound. For example, spruce is a popular choice for the soundboard as it is stiff and lightweight, providing a crisp and bright tone. On the other hand, cedar is softer and warmer, producing a mellower tone.
The back and sides of the guitar also influence the sound. Mahogany is a common wood used for the back and sides, providing a warm and balanced tone, while rosewood offers a brighter and more complex sound.
The type of wood used for the neck and fingerboard can also impact the sound. Maple, for instance, is a popular choice for the neck as it is hard and dense, adding sustain and clarity to the tone.
Overall, the wood used in the construction of an acoustic guitar affects its timbre, tone, and resonance. Therefore, it is essential to choose the right wood to achieve the desired sound.
What are the differences between solid wood and laminate wood for acoustic guitars?
Solid wood and laminate wood are two popular materials used in the construction of acoustic guitars. Solid wood is made from a single piece of wood, while laminate wood is made by bonding several layers of wood together.
The main difference between these two materials is the way they affect the sound of the guitar. Solid wood produces a richer and more resonant tone due to its natural grain patterns and unique characteristics. It also tends to produce a better sound as it ages.
On the other hand, laminate wood is more affordable and durable, making it a popular choice for beginner or budget-friendly guitars. However, it doesn't produce the same level of resonance and depth in sound as solid wood does.
In terms of maintenance, solid wood requires more care as it is more susceptible to warping and cracking, whereas laminate wood is more resistant to moisture and temperature changes.
In conclusion, while both solid and laminate woods have their pros and cons, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and budget when choosing an acoustic guitar. Those who prioritize sound quality and are willing to invest more may prefer solid wood, while those who prioritize affordability and durability may opt for laminate wood.
What type of wood is commonly used for the top of an acoustic guitar?
The type of wood that is commonly used for the top of an acoustic guitar is spruce. Spruce is a popular choice because of its excellent sound resonance properties, which help to produce a bright, clear tone. The wood is also lightweight, which allows for better vibration and responsiveness. Other types of wood that are used for guitar tops include cedar, mahogany, and maple. Cedar has a warm, mellow tone, while mahogany has a rich, balanced sound. Maple is known for its bright, crisp tone and is often used for the back and sides of the guitar. Ultimately, the choice of wood for the top of a guitar will depend on the specific sound that the player is looking for, as well as other factors such as budget and personal preference.