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Best Wood For Guitar Body (2024 Updated)

If you’re looking for a new guitar or planning to upgrade your existing one, you must have come across the importance of the guitar body in determining its sound quality. Choosing the right wood for your guitar body can make all the difference in the tone and volume of your instrument. However, with so many types of woods available in the market, it can be confusing and overwhelming to know which one to pick.

Before making a decision, factors such as the cost, durability, weight, and aesthetics of the wood should be considered. Some types of woods are more expensive than others, while some may be prone to damage or warping. Additionally, lighter woods tend to produce brighter and more resonant tones, whereas heavier woods tend to have a warmer, deeper sound. The look and feel of the wood may also be a consideration for some players, as it can affect the aesthetic value of the instrument.

Do you want to elevate the sound quality of your guitar? Are you unsure of which type of wood to choose for the body? Have you considered the impact that different woods have on the sound of your instrument? Is durability a factor that is essential to you? Keep reading to learn more about the top woods recommended by guitar experts and how to choose the right fit for your needs.

10 Best Wood For Guitar Body

# Product Image Product Name Product Notes Check Price
1
Building and customizing electric guitars for DIY enthusiasts or experienced luthiers using high-quality, unfinished mahogany wood.
2
This product is ideal for creating custom electric guitar bodies using a variety of exotic luthier wood options.
3
The product is ideal for DIY electric guitar enthusiasts looking to replace or customize the body of their Fender Strat style guitar.
4
Ideal for replacing electric guitar bodies with mahogany and maple wood, specifically for Telecaster models.
5
TransTint Dyes in green are ideal for dyeing wood and adding vibrant, translucent color without obscuring the grain.
6
Ideal for musicians seeking a high-quality acoustic nylon-string guitar with all-solid woods and a luthier series design.
7
Ideal for guitar enthusiasts who want to customize their instrument with a high-quality flame maple and mahogany wood body and HH pickups.
8
The product is ideal for creating high-quality guitar bodies from a variety of exotic woods.
9
Ideal for musicians seeking a high-quality, versatile classical guitar with a thin body and the ability to be played acoustically or electrically.
10
The product is ideal for DIY enthusiasts looking to build their own electric guitar body using high-quality Okoume wood.
Building and customizing electric guitars for DIY enthusiasts or experienced luthiers using high-quality, unfinished mahogany wood.
This product is ideal for creating custom electric guitar bodies using a variety of exotic luthier wood options.
The product is ideal for DIY electric guitar enthusiasts looking to replace or customize the body of their Fender Strat style guitar.
Ideal for replacing electric guitar bodies with mahogany and maple wood, specifically for Telecaster models.
TransTint Dyes in green are ideal for dyeing wood and adding vibrant, translucent color without obscuring the grain.
Ideal for musicians seeking a high-quality acoustic nylon-string guitar with all-solid woods and a luthier series design.
Ideal for guitar enthusiasts who want to customize their instrument with a high-quality flame maple and mahogany wood body and HH pickups.
The product is ideal for creating high-quality guitar bodies from a variety of exotic woods.
Ideal for musicians seeking a high-quality, versatile classical guitar with a thin body and the ability to be played acoustically or electrically.
The product is ideal for DIY enthusiasts looking to build their own electric guitar body using high-quality Okoume wood.

1. Unfinished Guitar Body Mahogany Wood Electric Guitar Replacement Diy Guitar St Style

The Unfinished Guitar Body is a perfect choice for those who want to customize their electric guitar. It is made of one piece of high-quality mahogany wood, ensuring that it is durable and can withstand frequent use. This DIY guitar body replacement is easy to install and comes with a bolt-on heel pocket that ensures a secure fit.

The body is unfinished, allowing you to personalize it to your liking. You can paint it, stain it, or add any design or graphics you want. The unfinished body also allows the wood to breathe, improving the tone of your guitar.

The Unfinished Guitar Body is compatible with most standard electric guitar necks, so you won't have to worry about compatibility issues. It also has standard routing for pickups and electronics, making it easy to install them.

Overall, the Unfinished Guitar Body is a great option for those who want to build their own custom electric guitar. It is made of high-quality wood, easy to install, and customizable, allowing you to create a unique instrument that reflects your personal style and preferences.

Pros

  • Made of high-quality mahogany wood for durability and longevity
  • Unfinished body allows for personalization and improved tone
  • Easy to install with bolt-on heel pocket and standard routing for pickups and electronics
  • Compatible with most standard electric guitar necks

Cons

  • – Requires additional work to finish and customize to personal preference

2. Exotic Luthier Wood Guitar Body Blank

Create your own customized electric guitar with this Exotic Electric Guitar Body Blank. This high-quality body blank measures 21" x 14" x 2", making it perfect for crafting unique and stunning guitar bodies. The wood used in this body blank is kiln-dried and ready to use, ensuring that your guitar will be both durable and long-lasting.

You have the option to choose between a planed or unplaned body blank. If you choose the planed option, the thickness will be 1-3/4". If you choose the unplaned option, the thickness will be 2". The body will be made up of three glued pieces, ensuring that it is sturdy and reliable.

This Exotic Electric Guitar Body Blank is the perfect choice for both amateur and professional guitar builders alike. With free shipping in the contiguous USA and a free 60-day return policy, you can have peace of mind knowing that you are getting a great product at a great value.

Pros

  • High-quality wood for durability and longevity
  • Option to choose planed or unplaned body blank
  • Sturdy and reliable body made up of three glued pieces
  • Suitable for both amateur and professional guitar builders

Cons

  • – Limited size options

3. Electric Guitar Body For Fender Strat Guitar Accessory Diy Poplar Wood Hsh Guitar Body Black Glossy

Upgrade your electric guitar with this solid basswood guitar body that features a sleek gloss polyester finish in black. The body is designed with HSH routing fit for Fender Strat or similar style electric guitar, making it a versatile replacement for electric guitar parts or a DIY project for your own guitar. The neck mounting holes and wire path are already drilled, with a neck pocket size of 5.7cm that fits 5.6cm-5.7cm necks. The body measures approximately 45x32x4cm (17.72×12.59×1.571inch) and is sure to enhance the look and sound of your guitar.

Crafted from solid basswood and finished with gloss polyester, this guitar body is a top-quality replacement for electric guitar parts. It features HSH routing fit for Fender Strat or similar style electric guitar, making it a versatile choice for guitar enthusiasts. The neck mounting holes and wire path are already drilled, with a neck pocket size of 5.7cm that fits 5.6cm-5.7cm necks. The sleek black finish adds a touch of elegance to the body, which measures approximately 45x32x4cm (17.72×12.59×1.571inch). Transform your guitar into a work of art with this high-quality guitar body.

Looking for a replacement for your electric guitar parts or a DIY project? Look no further than this solid basswood guitar body, finished with a sleek gloss polyester in black. Designed with HSH routing fit for Fender Strat or similar style electric guitar, the body is versatile and easy to install. The neck mounting holes and wire path are already drilled, with a neck pocket size of 5.7cm that fits 5.6cm-5.7cm necks. Measuring approximately 45x32x4cm (17.72×12.59×1.571inch), this guitar body is a top-quality choice for guitar enthusiasts.

Pros

  • Solid basswood material for durability and high-quality sound
  • Sleek black finish adds a touch of elegance to the guitar body
  • HSH routing fit for Fender Strat or similar style electric guitar
  • Neck mounting holes and wire path are already drilled for easy installation
  • Versatile replacement for electric guitar parts, or a great DIY project for your own guitar

Cons

  • – May not fit all guitar neck sizes
  • – Some additional customization may be required for a perfect fit

4. Tele Mahogany Maple Guitar Body By Yinfente

Introducing the Yinfente Brand Electric Guitar Body, a high-quality guitar body made from a combination of mahogany wood and maple wood. The top of the body is adorned with a beautiful flame maple wood veneer, adding a touch of elegance and sophistication to the overall design.

The body is equipped with humbuckers style pickup, which provides a powerful and dynamic sound. The 56mm heel pocket width and 19-20mm heel depth of the body are specifically designed to fit a 25.5 inch electric guitar neck, ensuring a perfect fit and optimal performance. This guitar body is the perfect choice for guitar enthusiasts and professionals looking to upgrade their instruments.

In addition to its impressive sound and design, the Yinfente Brand Electric Guitar Body is also durable and built to last. It comes with a package list that includes 1 guitar body, making it easy to install and use right out of the box.

Pros

  • High-quality mahogany and maple wood construction
  • Beautiful flame maple wood veneer
  • Powerful and dynamic humbuckers style pickup
  • Optimal fit for 25.5 inch electric guitar neck
  • Durable and built to last

5. Transtint Dyes, Green

The dye stain offered by this product is an economical and non-flammable option that can be mixed with water for a non-grain raising effect. For faster drying, the dye can be mixed with alcohol. It is also possible to add the dye directly into water-based finishes and solvents. Please note that this product is not suitable for exterior use.Each 2 oz. bottle of this product can provide about 2 quarts of dye-stain. Please keep in mind that delivery of this product requires a street address and cannot be shipped to a PO box.

Pros

  • Economical and nonflammable dye stain
  • Can be mixed with water or alcohol for different results
  • Can be added directly to water-based finishes and solvents
  • 2 oz. bottle can produce about 2 quarts of dye-stain

Cons

  • – Not suitable for exterior use
  • – Cannot be shipped to a PO box

6. Cordoba Luthier Parlor Nylon Guitar With Case

The Cordoba Esteso CD-7 Limited Edition Classical Guitar is an excellent choice for musicians who seek a high-quality instrument at a reasonable price. The guitar features a solid Canadian cedar top and solid Indian rosewood back and sides, which produce a warm and rich tone that is ideal for classical music. The smaller 7/8 body size is perfect for musicians with smaller hands and for those who prefer a more comfortable playing experience. The hand-inlaid Mother-of-Pearl "Esteso" rosette adds an elegant touch to the guitar's appearance.

The guitar's fingerboard is made of ebony, which is a high-quality and durable material that offers a smooth playing experience. The Indian rosewood bridge enhances the guitar's tonal quality and provides excellent sustain. The guitar comes with a Cordoba polyfoam case, which offers excellent protection during transportation and storage.

Pros

  • Solid Canadian cedar top and solid Indian rosewood back and sides produce a warm and rich tone
  • Smaller 7/8 body size is perfect for musicians with smaller hands
  • Hand-inlaid Mother-of-Pearl "Esteso" rosette adds an elegant touch to the guitar's appearance
  • Ebony fingerboard offers a smooth playing experience
  • Indian rosewood bridge enhances the guitar's tonal quality and provides excellent sustain
  • Cordoba polyfoam case offers excellent protection during transportation and storage

7. New Guitar Body Flame Maple Mahogany Wood Diy Electric Guitar Replacement Set In Heel Hh Pickups

The Advance Mahogany Bottom & Solid wood Maple Cap with Flame Maple Veneer is an excellent choice for those who want to build their own electric guitar. This DIY kit features hand-selected wood with nice grain patterns that have been set in style to give you the best possible outcome.

The mahogany bottom provides a solid foundation for your guitar while the maple cap and flame maple veneer add a touch of elegance and beauty to your instrument. This combination of woods also helps to provide a balanced tone with excellent sustain and resonance.

Whether you're an experienced guitar builder or new to the craft, this DIY electric guitar kit is easy to work with and provides everything you need to create a high-quality instrument that looks and sounds great. So why not try your hand at building your own guitar with the Advance Mahogany Bottom & Solid wood Maple Cap with Flame Maple Veneer.

Pros

  • Hand-selected nice grain wood for an elegant look
  • Provides a balanced tone with excellent sustain and resonance
  • Easy to work with for both experienced and new guitar builders

8. African Mahogany Exotic Guitar Body Blank

Upgrade your guitar with this exotic American Mahogany electric guitar body blank. Measuring 21" x 14" x 2", this perfectly air-dried blank is ready to use for your guitar-building project. The wood is free from defects, pin holes, and cracks, ensuring that you get the best quality for your instrument. With a sleek and smooth finish, this body blank will give your guitar a professional and polished look. Whether you're a professional guitar builder or a DIY enthusiast, this body blank is perfect for your next project.

The American Mahogany wood used for this body blank is known for its exceptional tonal qualities, making it a popular choice among guitarists. It produces a warm and full-bodied sound, perfect for any type of music genre. The wood is also durable and can withstand the rigors of frequent use, ensuring that your guitar will last for years to come.

Overall, this electric guitar body blank is a great investment for anyone who wants to upgrade their guitar's look and sound. With its high-quality wood and perfect dimensions, you can be sure that your guitar will look and sound amazing. Plus, with the 100% product satisfaction guarantee and free 60-day returns, you can buy with confidence knowing that you're getting the best value for your money.

Pros

  • Exotic American Mahogany wood for exceptional tonal qualities
  • Sleek and smooth finish for a professional look
  • Perfect dimensions with no defects, pin holes, or cracks
  • Durable and can withstand frequent use
  • 100% product satisfaction guarantee and free 60-day returns

9. Spalted Maple Cutaway Acoustic-Electric Guitar.

The C5-CET Limited is a handcrafted guitar that features a solid spruce top with spalted maple back and sides, resulting in a well-balanced tone with strong lows and soaring highs. Its thin body style is designed to reduce on-stage feedback and the Fishman Presys II pickup helps amplify its warm acoustic tone, making it perfect for both stage and studio performances. This guitar is handmade in traditional Spanish style with a carved headstock, hand-inlaid wood rosette, rosewood binding, Savarez strings, and a glossy PU finish, all of which set it apart from other entry-level options. Additionally, it boasts a lightweight adjustable truss rod built into the neck for stability. The natural wood used in this guitar has a unique spirit and varies greatly in color richness and wood grain, so the product shipped may appear lighter or darker than the one shown here.

The C5-CET Limited is a great choice for both beginners and experienced guitarists alike who are looking for a high-quality instrument with a stunning design and excellent sound quality.

Overall, the C5-CET Limited is a stage-ready guitar with a unique design and a warm, well-balanced tone that will impress any musician.

Pros

  • Solid spruce top with spalted maple back and sides for a well-balanced tone
  • Thin body style reduces on-stage feedback
  • Fishman Presys II pickup amplifies warm acoustic tone for stage and studio performances
  • Handmade in traditional Spanish style with a carved headstock, hand-inlaid wood rosette, rosewood binding, Savarez strings, and a glossy PU finish
  • Lightweight adjustable truss rod built into the neck for stability

Cons

  • – Natural wood color and grain may vary from product shown

10. Bexgears Diy Electric Guitar Body Okoume Wood

The DIY Unfinished Guitar Body for ST Electric Guitar is the perfect choice for guitar enthusiasts who love building and customizing their own instruments. This unpolished body has a classic design that will fit most ST electric guitar necks. The item dimensions are 18 inches in length, 12 3/4 inches in width, and 1 5/8 inches in thickness, making it a standard size that is easy to work with. The item weight is only 3lbs, which is lightweight enough to reduce the overall weight of your guitar.

Made from high-quality materials, this guitar body is durable and long-lasting. The unpolished finish allows you to customize the body to your liking, whether you want to stain it, paint it, or add any other finishing touches. It is perfect for both novice and experienced guitar builders.

This DIY Unfinished Guitar Body for ST Electric Guitar is an affordable and easy way to build your own custom guitar. With its classic design, high-quality materials, and easy-to-work-with dimensions, it is sure to be a great addition to your guitar-building toolkit.

Pros

  • High-quality materials ensure durability and longevity.
  • Unpolished finish allows for easy customization.
  • Standard dimensions make it easy to work with.
  • Lightweight design reduces overall guitar weight.
  • Affordable option for building a custom guitar.

Cons

  • – Requires additional work to finish and customize to personal preference.

Best Wood For Guitar Body FAQs

Are there any sustainable or environmentally-friendly options for guitar body wood?

Yes, there are sustainable and environmentally-friendly options for guitar body wood. One such option is bamboo, which is fast-growing and renewable. Bamboo has a similar density and tonal quality to mahogany, which is commonly used for guitar bodies. Another option is reclaimed wood, which is salvaged from old buildings, furniture, or other sources. This not only reduces the demand for new wood but also gives new life to old materials that might otherwise be discarded. Some guitar manufacturers also use alternative materials such as recycled plastic or composite materials made from natural fibers. These options not only reduce the environmental impact of guitar production but also offer unique and innovative designs. However, it's important to note that the choice of wood for a guitar body is a personal preference and can greatly affect the sound and feel of the instrument. Therefore, it's important to do research and try out different options before making a decision.

How does the choice of wood for the guitar body affect the overall playability and feel of the instrument?

The choice of wood for the guitar body plays a crucial role in determining the overall playability and feel of the instrument. Different types of woods offer different tonal characteristics, resonance, and response to vibrations, which directly impact the sound quality and playing experience.

For instance, mahogany wood is known for producing warm and rich tones while maple wood offers bright and articulate sounds. Alder wood is commonly used for its balanced tonal qualities and lightweight, making it a popular choice for electric guitars. Rosewood is known for its deep and resonant tones and is used for fingerboards.

The weight and density of the wood also affect the guitar's sustain and resonance. Heavier woods tend to produce more sustain while lighter woods offer a more responsive and percussive sound. The grain pattern and quality of the wood can also impact the guitar's appearance and durability.

Therefore, selecting the right wood for the guitar body is crucial for achieving the desired sound and playing experience. Professional guitar makers carefully choose and combine various woods to create unique and high-quality instruments that meet the needs of different players and musical styles.

How does the thickness and density of the wood affect the sound of the guitar?

The thickness and density of the wood used in the construction of a guitar play a significant role in determining the sound produced by the instrument. Generally, the thicker and denser the wood, the more sustain and volume the guitar will produce. Thinner wood, on the other hand, tends to produce a brighter and more responsive tone.

The back and sides of the guitar are usually made of denser wood, such as rosewood or mahogany, which provides a warm and full-bodied sound. Meanwhile, the top of the guitar, also known as the soundboard, is typically made of a thinner and lighter wood, such as spruce or cedar. This allows the soundboard to vibrate more easily, producing a more responsive sound.

In addition, the density and thickness of the wood also affect the guitar's overall weight and balance. A heavier guitar can produce a more powerful sound, but may be more difficult to play for extended periods of time.

Overall, the wood used in a guitar's construction is a crucial factor in determining the instrument's tone and playability. It is important to choose the right wood based on the desired sound and playing style.

What are the tonal qualities of different types of wood used for guitar bodies?

The tonal qualities of different types of wood used for guitar bodies can greatly affect the sound of the instrument. Some woods are known for producing bright and snappy tones, while others are known for their warmth and depth.

For example, Maple is a dense and hard wood that is often used in guitar necks and bodies. It is known for its bright and articulate tone, with strong highs and mids. Mahogany, on the other hand, is a softer wood that is often used in guitar bodies. It produces a warm, rich and smooth tone with pronounced lows and mids.

Another popular wood for guitar bodies is Alder. It is known for its balanced tone, with a strong mid-range and clear highs. Ash is another popular choice, known for its bright and snappy tone with a strong attack.

Ultimately, the choice of wood for a guitar body depends on the desired sound and personal preference of the player. A skilled luthier can help guide the choice of wood to achieve the desired tone.

What types of wood are commonly used for guitar bodies?

There are several types of wood commonly used for guitar bodies, each with their own unique properties that affect the tone and overall sound of the instrument. Some of the most popular types of wood used for guitar bodies include mahogany, ash, alder, maple, and rosewood.

Mahogany is a dense, heavy wood that is prized for its warm, rich tone and excellent sustain. It is often used in guitars that are designed for blues, jazz, and other genres that require a lot of sustain and warmth.

Ash and alder are both lightweight woods that are known for their bright, clear tone and excellent sustain. They are often used in guitars that are designed for rock, pop, and other genres that require a lot of clarity and definition.

Maple is a hard, dense wood that is prized for its bright, snappy tone and excellent sustain. It is often used in guitars that are designed for country, bluegrass, and other genres that require a lot of definition and clarity.

Finally, rosewood is a dense, heavy wood that is prized for its warm, mellow tone and excellent sustain. It is often used in guitars that are designed for fingerstyle playing and other genres that require a lot of warmth and resonance.

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