When you shop through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. This educational content is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice.

Best Wood For Electric Guitar (2024 Updated)

If you’re looking for a high-quality electric guitar, it’s important to consider the type of wood used in its construction. The wood in an electric guitar can greatly impact its tone, sustain, and overall sound quality. With so many options available, it can be difficult to know which type of wood is right for you.

Some factors to consider when choosing wood for your electric guitar include density, resonance, and durability. Certain types of wood, such as mahogany and maple, are known for their warmth and sustain, while others, like alder and ash, provide a bright and punchy sound. It’s important to choose a wood that matches your playing style and musical preferences.

Do you want a guitar with a deeper, more resonant sound or a brighter, more articulate tone? Are you looking for a guitar that can handle heavier, more aggressive playing or one that’s better suited for softer, more melodic tunes? Whatever your preferences, choosing the right wood for your electric guitar is essential to achieving the sound you want. Keep reading to learn more about the different types of wood available and how to choose the perfect one for your needs.

10 Best Wood For Electric Guitar

# Product Image Product Name Product Notes Check Price
1
The product is ideal for protecting and transporting standard electric guitars, including Fender Stratocaster and Telecaster models.
2
Ideal for creating guitar bodies out of exotic wood with precise measurements and a quality finish.
3
It is an ideal starter set for beginners who want to learn acoustic-electric guitar, complete with essential accessories.
4
Ideal for various tasks such as engraving, sanding, polishing, grinding, cutting, and wood carving with multiple attachments and accessories.
5
This product is ideal for musicians who want a high-quality acoustic-electric guitar with a natural wood finish.
6
The product is ideal for musicians who want an acoustic-electric guitar with high-performance features and a durable construction.
7
This woodworking tool is ideal for trimming and shaping wood and laminates with precision using a set of carbide router bits.
8
The product is ideal for use as a workstation with power outlets and lighting.
9
Ideal for professional level flamenco guitar performances and recordings, with an emphasis on quality construction and sound.
10
This product is ideal for maintaining and repairing the bridge of electric, acoustic, or bass guitars.
The product is ideal for protecting and transporting standard electric guitars, including Fender Stratocaster and Telecaster models.
Ideal for creating guitar bodies out of exotic wood with precise measurements and a quality finish.
It is an ideal starter set for beginners who want to learn acoustic-electric guitar, complete with essential accessories.
Ideal for various tasks such as engraving, sanding, polishing, grinding, cutting, and wood carving with multiple attachments and accessories.
This product is ideal for musicians who want a high-quality acoustic-electric guitar with a natural wood finish.
The product is ideal for musicians who want an acoustic-electric guitar with high-performance features and a durable construction.
This woodworking tool is ideal for trimming and shaping wood and laminates with precision using a set of carbide router bits.
The product is ideal for use as a workstation with power outlets and lighting.
Ideal for professional level flamenco guitar performances and recordings, with an emphasis on quality construction and sound.
This product is ideal for maintaining and repairing the bridge of electric, acoustic, or bass guitars.

1. Gator Wood Case For Electric Guitars

Protect your guitar with the ultra-durable plywood construction and Black Tolex PVC covering of this guitar case. The moisture-resistant and rugged exterior ensures that your guitar stays safe and secure. The case's ergonomic handle offers a comfortable grip, perfectly balancing the weight of your instrument. The thick plush lining provides ample cushioning to keep your guitar protected against impact.

The spacious interior of the case features an accessory compartment that keeps all your favorite guitar accessories organized, while also providing additional neck support. The case's interior dimensions are as follows: Body Length: 19", Body Height: 3", Lower Bout Width: 13", Middle Bout Width: 13", Upper Bout Width: 13", Overall Length: 40.5". This ensures that your guitar fits snugly and securely in the case, while also providing enough room for your accessories.

Pros

  • Ultra-durable plywood construction and Black Tolex PVC covering provide a moisture-resistant and rugged exterior, keeping your guitar safe and secure.
  • Ergonomic handle offers a comfortable grip, perfectly balancing the weight of your instrument.
  • Thick plush lining provides ample cushioning to keep your guitar protected against impact.
  • Spacious interior accessory compartment keeps all your favorite guitar accessories organized, while providing additional neck support.

2. Exotic Wood Zone Guitar Body Blank 21" X 14" X 2"- 3 Piece Glued (Planed, Hard Maple)

Exotic Wood Zone offers premium electric guitar body blanks that are perfect for guitar enthusiasts. Each blank is made of three glued pieces, with a size of 21” x 14” x 2”. For the planed option, the thickness will be approximately 1-3/4”, while the unplaned option has a thickness of 2”. These guitar body blanks are made of perfectly kiln-dried wood, with moisture levels that are around 7-8%. With over 20 domestic and exotic varieties to choose from, you can create a guitar body that perfectly fits your preferences. Exotic Wood Zone also offers free shipping in the contiguous USA, and free 60-day returns. With these guitar body blanks, you can create a guitar that is truly unique and high-quality.

Pros

  • Made of three glued pieces for added durability
  • Perfectly kiln-dried with moisture levels around 7-8%
  • Comes in 20+ domestic and exotic varieties for customization
  • Offers both planed and unplaned options for flexibility
  • Free shipping in the contiguous USA
  • Free 60-day returns

3. Acoustic Electric Guitar Starter Set – Black

The All-In-One Acoustic-Electric Guitar Kit is perfect for beginners and intermediate players alike. This kit includes everything you need to get started, including an amplifier, carrying case, strap, pick set, tuner, and more. With 11 accessories included, you can easily experiment with the sound settings to better fit your genre and style. The guitar's body and amplifier allow you to adjust the treble, bass, middle, tone, and volume to your liking. You can play this classic guitar as an acoustic or plug it into an amplifier for a customizable electric tone. The amplifier also has a headphone jack, so you can practice privately without disturbing those around you. The guitar is comfortable to hold and play, with a cutaway shape that allows you to comfortably reach past the neck and hit higher notes on the fretboard. The pick-guard also helps keep your guitar body scratch-free. Overall, this all-inclusive kit is a great value and perfect for players of all ages.

Pros

  • All-inclusive kit with 11 accessories included
  • Customizable sound settings
  • Can be played as an acoustic or plugged in for an electric tone
  • Amplifier has a headphone jack for private practice
  • Comfortable to hold and play with a cutaway shape
  • Pick-guard helps keep guitar body scratch-free
  • Suitable for players of all ages

Cons

  • – None found

4. Dremel 4300 Ultimate Rotary Tool Kit

The Premium Rotary Tool Kit is the perfect addition to any DIY enthusiast's toolkit. This kit includes the powerful 4300 high-performance rotary tool, 5 essential attachments, and 40 high-quality Dremel accessories, all stored in a durable plastic case. With its most powerful motor, this tool delivers maximum performance even in the most demanding applications. Its variable speed of 5,000 – 35,000 RPM with electronic feedback ensures consistent performance and accurate tool control.

The Universal 3-jaw chuck allows the use of all Dremel accessory shank sizes, making it compatible with the entire line of high-quality accessories. The Pivot light rotates to illuminate your projects, even in difficult-to-reach spaces. The air flow system is innovatively designed to help prevent heat build-up, resulting in smoother, cooler, and quieter operation. The motor brushes can be replaced, extending the tool's life. The slim and ergonomic body design provides added comfort and grip during extended use.

The separate on/off switch and speed dial add convenience and control to your work. The cool-running ball bearing construction ensures smooth and quiet operation. This tool accommodates all Dremel rotary accessories and attachments for thousands of applications. The kit includes pivot light, 675 lawn mower and garden tool sharpener, A550 shield rotary attachment, 565 multipurpose cutting kit, and A576 sanding and grinding guide.

With all these features, the Premium Rotary Tool Kit is perfect for engraving, carving, cutting, grinding, cleaning, polishing, sanding, and more. Get your hands on this powerful and versatile tool today and take your DIY projects to the next level!

Pros

  • Powerful motor for maximum performance
  • Variable speed with electronic feedback for consistent performance and accurate tool control
  • Universal 3-jaw chuck for compatibility with all Dremel accessory shank sizes
  • Pivot light for illumination in difficult-to-reach spaces
  • Innovative air flow system for smoother, cooler, and quieter operation
  • Replaceable motor brushes for extended tool life
  • Slim and ergonomic body design for added comfort and grip during extended use
  • Separate on/off switch and speed dial for convenience and control
  • Cool-running ball bearing construction for smooth and quiet operation
  • Accessory and attachment compatible for thousands of applications

Cons

  • – May not be suitable for heavy-duty industrial applications

5. Taylor Academy Series Academy 12e Grand Concert Acoustic-Electric Guitar, Wood, Natural

The Taylor Academy 12e Grand Concert is a high-quality acoustic guitar designed for entry-level guitar players. It features a concert/0 body type with a solid Sitka spruce top and layered Sapele back and sides. The body is finished with a matte 2 coating that provides a smooth surface and protects the wood from scratches and dings. The guitar has a standard Taylor profile neck made of Sapele wood and a genuine African ebony fingerboard with 20 frets. The nut width is 1.687 inches (42.8 mm) and the scale length is 24.87 inches.

The Academy Series is Taylor's commitment to improving the guitar-playing experience for beginners. The Academy 12e Grand Concert is a testament to this commitment, featuring excellent playability and sound quality that's unmatched in its price range.

Pros

  • Solid Sitka spruce top delivers excellent sound quality
  • Layered Sapele back and sides provide durability and resilience to changes in temperature and humidity
  • Matte 2 finish protects the wood and provides a smooth surface
  • Standard Taylor profile neck with genuine African ebony fingerboard offers comfortable playability

6. Martin D-10e Acoustic-Electric Guitar With Gig Bag

The Martin D-10E Road Series Guitar is a premium handmade guitar with exceptional sound quality and playability. Constructed with sapele wood, this guitar offers versatility in its sound, making it suitable for midrange or light and bright performances. The dreadnought guitar body style adds a rich and exceptional-sounding bass to the overall sound. The guitar is complete with Fishman MX-T electronics with a built-in auto-mute option for the audio output.

The Martin D-10E acoustic-electric guitars have a superior appearance with a full sapele construction and satin finish. The guitar features a mortise and tenon neck joint, scalloped X-brace, mother-of-pearl pattern fingerboard inlay, high-performance tapered neck, and chrome enclosed gear tuners, making it look as captivating as it sounds.

Crafted with the highest-quality wood, Martin’s Road Series of guitars are built to stand up to late-night jams, long studio sessions, and plenty of strumming or picking. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, these solid wood acoustic-electric guitars deliver unique designs, professional sounds, and enjoyable playing.

Martin’s iconic tone known worldwide is just one aspect of the enhanced playability that makes playing a pleasure. Whether you’re playing rock, country, folk, bluegrass, or jazz, these guitars deliver a natural playing experience that you will love.

Martin guitars are the real deal—not an imitation. Martin’s superior guitar and string products remain the choice of musicians around the world for their unrivaled quality, craftsmanship, and tone. Still handmade. Still the standard.

Pros

  • Exceptional sound quality with sapele wood construction
  • Versatile sound suitable for midrange or light and bright performances
  • Superior appearance with a full sapele construction and satin finish
  • High-quality craftsmanship and design
  • Enhanced playability suitable for beginners and experienced players

7. Compact Woodworking Set With Palm Router & Bits

The Power Design router tool motor is an excellent choice for routing and trimming applications. With an input power of 800W and 30000RPM speed, it provides abundant power for all woodworking projects, whether you are a professional carpenter or a hobbyist. The motor is made with high-quality materials that ensure durability and longevity.

The router comes with a set of Tungsten Carbide Router Bits that are perfect for edging, trimming, veining, and grooving. The bits are organized in a wooden index case that makes storage and organization easy. The transparent base of the router allows for a clear view of the trimming edge, which makes it easy to operate. The transparent base design is also great for accuracy and ensures that the processing is easily recognizable.

The trimming guide of the router has a roller that runs along the curve, ensuring that cutting is exact and curve processing is fine. The straight guides are stable and not deformed, which makes it easy to achieve high accuracy. The wood trimmer is made with high-quality aluminum and plastic, which makes it durable and not easily deformed. The lift knob allows you to adjust the scale as you want, which provides greater control over the finished product.

This compact router is widely used in wood processing, cabinet processing, handicraft production, plastic sheeting, wood veneer, and other similar materials. It is perfect for chamfering, grooving, surface finishing, curve cutting, planing wood edge, pattern processing operations, and DIY projects. The versatile nature of this router makes it an indispensable tool for any woodworker.

Pros

  • Powerful motor that delivers abundant power for routing and trimming applications
  • Tungsten Carbide Router Bits are perfect for edging, trimming, veining, and grooving
  • Transparent base of the router allows for a clear view of the trimming edge, which makes it easy to operate and ensures accuracy
  • Stable and not deformed trimming guide and straight guides ensure high accuracy
  • Made with high-quality aluminum and plastic, which makes it durable and not easily deformed
  • Versatile tool that can be used in a wide range of woodworking projects

8. Wen Wb4723t 48-Inch Workbench With Power Outlets And Light

The workbench is a great addition to any workspace, from woodworkers to mechanics, as it provides reliable organization. The bench features an enamel-coated table top that can support up to 220 pounds without marring its surface. The table top is spacious and provides ample space to work on projects. The bench also has two drawers, upper and lower storage shelves, and a pegboard, which allows for easy organization of tools and materials. The pegboard can be used to hang frequently used tools for quick access.

The workbench also includes three built-in 13-amp power outlets and an overhead fluorescent light, which allows for easy access to power tools and good visibility while working on projects. The workbench measures 62 inches tall with a 25 by 48-inch footprint, which makes it a perfect size for any workspace. The steel frame provides durability and stability to the workbench.

Overall, this workbench is a great choice for anyone who needs a reliable and organized workspace. It provides ample space to work on projects, easy organization of tools and materials, and easy access to power and light. The steel frame ensures durability and stability, making it a great investment for any workspace.

Pros

  • Enamel-coated table top provides a spacious non-marring 220-pound capacity work surface
  • Includes three built-in 13-amp power outlets and an overhead fluorescent light for easy access to power and good visibility
  • Features two drawers, upper and lower storage shelves, and a pegboard for easy organization of tools and materials
  • Steel frame provides durability and stability to the workbench

9. Luthier Series Flamenco Guitar With Humidified Case

The Gipsy Kings Flamenco Model is a signature guitar that boasts of solid European spruce top and solid Indian Rosewood back and sides. This combination of tonewoods delivers a rich, balanced, and resonant sound that is perfect for flamenco music.

Equipped with Fishman Prefix ProBlend electronics, this guitar can be amplified with ease, allowing for seamless integration with any sound system. The electronics produce a natural tone that stays true to the guitar's acoustic sound.

This flamenco guitar comes with Savarez Cristal Corum strings in High Tension, 500CJ. These strings are designed specifically for flamenco players, producing a bright and percussive sound that is perfect for this genre of music.

The Gipsy Kings Flamenco Model also comes with a HumiCase Protégé, which provides protection for the guitar against temperature changes and humidity. This case is made of high-quality materials and is designed to keep the guitar in pristine condition.

Overall, the Gipsy Kings Flamenco Model is a top-of-the-line guitar that boasts of premium construction, exceptional sound quality, and reliable electronics. It is a great choice for professional flamenco players and enthusiasts alike.

Pros

  • Solid European spruce top and solid Indian Rosewood back and sides deliver a rich, balanced, and resonant sound
  • Fishman Prefix ProBlend electronics produce a natural tone that stays true to the guitar's acoustic sound
  • Savarez Cristal Corum strings in High Tension, 500CJ produce a bright and percussive sound perfect for flamenco music
  • Comes with a HumiCase Protégé that provides protection against temperature changes and humidity

10. Exceart Guitar Bridge Maintenance Kit.

The guitar bridge clamp repair tool is an essential product for any guitar enthusiast. It comes with a cork gasket that allows for easy installation and connection. The inner groove has a length range of 14mm to 62mm, providing flexibility to fit different types of bridges. Its multiple external threaded holes make it easy to install and operate, making it a convenient and quick solution for guitarists. This kit includes all the necessary accessories, making it a complete package for guitar repair and maintenance.

The versatile design of this tool makes it suitable for different types of bridges. It is a guitar bridge replacement and installation tool that can be used for various guitar models. With its simple and easy-to-understand instructions, even beginners can use it with ease. This high-quality guitar repair and maintenance kit is a must-have for every guitarist.

Pros

  • Includes cork gasket for easy installation and connection
  • Flexible inner groove with a range of 14mm to 62mm
  • Multiple external threaded holes for easy installation and operation
  • Suitable for different types of bridges and guitar models
  • Complete package with all necessary accessories
  • High-quality guitar repair and maintenance kit

Best Wood For Electric Guitar FAQs

How does the choice of wood affect the tone and sound of an electric guitar?

The choice of wood used in the construction of an electric guitar is critical to its overall tone and sound quality. The type of wood used in the body of the guitar, as well as the neck and fretboard, can significantly impact the instrument's sonic characteristics.

Typically, electric guitars are made from mahogany, alder, ash, or maple. Each of these woods has a unique tonal quality that can enhance the sound of the guitar in different ways. For example, mahogany is known for producing warm and rich tones, while alder has a brighter and more balanced sound.

The type of wood used in the neck and fretboard can also affect the guitar's sound. Maple is a popular choice for necks because of its stability and bright tone. On the other hand, rosewood is often used for fretboards because of its warm and rich sound.

Ultimately, the choice of wood used in an electric guitar is a matter of personal preference. Guitarists should experiment with different types of woods to find the sound that suits their playing style and musical genre.

How does the thickness and density of wood used in an electric guitar affect its sound and playability?

The thickness and density of wood used in an electric guitar play a significant role in determining the sound and playability of the instrument. The wood used for the body, neck, and fretboard of an electric guitar influences the overall resonance and sustain of the notes produced. For instance, denser woods such as maple, mahogany, and rosewood, are known to produce a warm and rich tone with a good sustain, while lighter woods such as alder and ash offer a brighter sound with a shorter sustain.

Moreover, the thickness of the wood affects the resonance and stability of the guitar. A thicker body produces a more robust sound with better sustain and a more significant emphasis on the low-end frequency. On the other hand, a thinner body provides a brighter sound with an emphasis on the mid and high-end frequencies. The density of the wood used for the neck also affects the playability of the guitar. A denser neck wood provides more stability and sustain, whereas a lighter wood allows for faster playing and more responsive fretting.

In conclusion, the thickness and density of wood used in an electric guitar have a considerable impact on its sound and playability. Therefore, guitar manufacturers carefully choose the wood type, thickness, and density to achieve the desired sound and playability characteristics for their instruments.

What are some considerations to keep in mind when selecting wood for an electric guitar build or purchase?

When selecting wood for an electric guitar build or purchase, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, the type of wood used can have a significant impact on the guitar's tone and overall sound. For example, a mahogany body will produce a warm and rich tone, whereas an ash body will provide a brighter and more articulate sound.

Secondly, the quality of the wood is important. It's essential to select wood that is free from defects such as knots or cracks, as these can affect the structural integrity of the guitar and impact its sound.

Thirdly, the weight of the wood can also affect the guitar's tone and playability. Heavy woods such as maple or ebony can provide sustain and clarity, but may be less comfortable to play for extended periods of time.

Finally, it's important to consider the aesthetics of the wood. Different woods have unique grain patterns and colors, so selecting a wood that is visually appealing can enhance the overall look of the guitar.

Overall, selecting the right wood for an electric guitar build or purchase requires careful consideration of factors such as tone, quality, weight, and aesthetics. By taking these factors into account, you can ensure that you end up with a guitar that not only sounds great but also looks and feels fantastic.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of using different types of wood for electric guitar construction?

The type of wood used in the construction of an electric guitar can significantly impact the instrument's sound, playability, and appearance. Some popular woods used in guitar construction include mahogany, ash, alder, maple, rosewood, and ebony.

One of the advantages of using different types of wood is that it can impart a unique tonal quality to the guitar. For example, mahogany is known for its warm and rich tone, while ash is often used for its bright and snappy sound. Additionally, certain types of wood can affect the sustain and resonance of the guitar.

However, there are also some disadvantages to consider when choosing the type of wood for an electric guitar. For instance, some woods may be more prone to warping or cracking over time. Additionally, certain types of wood may be more difficult to work with, which could increase production costs.

Ultimately, the choice of wood for an electric guitar comes down to personal preference and the desired sound and feel of the instrument. It's essential to consider both the advantages and disadvantages of each type of wood to make an informed decision.

What types of wood are commonly used for electric guitar bodies?

There are several types of wood that are commonly used for electric guitar bodies. The most popular ones include mahogany, ash, alder, maple, and basswood. Mahogany is known for its warm tone and is often used for heavy music genres. Ash has a bright tone and is often used for country and blues music. Alder is versatile and is commonly used for rock and pop genres. Maple is known for its bright and clear tone and is often used for jazz music. Basswood is lightweight and has a neutral tone, making it a popular choice for beginner guitarists. The choice of wood for the guitar body is crucial as it affects the tone and resonance of the instrument. Some guitars also feature a combination of different woods to create a unique and balanced sound.

Leave a Comment