Does wood make a difference?

[Chistopher]

So I decided I'd build a guitar with as much done in house as possible. I'm still in the planning stages, but this guitar is going to be a firebird style neck-through guitar with three low wind A4 P90s.

The issue i'm stuck on is what wood to use for the stand. I know this topic has been beaten to death already, but does the type of wood used make a major difference? Usually I'd leave it up to someone else to make a metal stand or something, but I want to make a wooden one.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of Mahogany vs Maple? Does one have better stability than another or is it a weight difference that sets them apart? I'm worried that I'll make it too light and it won't be stable enough, but I also don't want it to be too heavy and difficult to move.

What are y'all thoughts on the age old "wood making a difference debate"?

[BriGuy1968]

Does wood make a difference?

Mahogany and maple are for children. For the best tone I am partial to an oak stand with pine inlays along the edges. If you REALLY want something special, try using a little leather on the top… It tends to soften the highs.

Oh yes, and don’t forget to make each of the two forward legs at least 6 feet long. I know that may seem like overkill, but your guitar will for sure not fall over and besides, there’s always plenty of room on the stage.

[dave74]

Re: Does wood make a difference?

Build the guitar first then choose pickups after evaluating it's inherent tone.

[blueman335]

Re: Does wood make a difference?

Build the guitar first then choose pickups after evaluating it's inherent tone.

Right, even within a the same tree there large differences in grain, density, water content, mineral content, etc due to where on the tree that piece of wood was growing. Lower down it's going to be more compressed, and there's differences in grain and knots depending on proximity to branches. Then look at the climates and habitats that species of tree is grown in; temps, rainfall, soils, elevation, nutrition, etc will change how individual trees will grow.

[dave74]

Re: Does wood make a difference?

My two prestiges are only different cosmetically and tonally,,,,,,but have the exact same physical specs aside from one having slightly deeper pickup-routes.
The older one has a warmer, darker and somewhat heavier sounding tone than the 08 which is bright and snappy in comparison.

[Demanic]

Re: Does wood make a difference?

I always have wanted to use ironwood for the core of a neck thru guitar. I'd settle for roasted maple with an ebony board. Or even just the roasted maple. Which makes me wonder if any company makes roasted mahogany?

Sent from my MotoE2(4G-LTE) using Tapatalk

[eclecticsynergy]

Re: Does wood make a difference?

Totally depends on what kind of music you'll be playing.

For the heavy stuff, you want a stand made of hard rock maple. Of course.

For bluesier material, nice mellow mahogany OR for true vintage ambiance, wood reclaimed from old 1930s furniture.

Doing Christian music? Go with acacia wood, like the Ark Of The Covenant- gold leaf coating optional depending on how prosperous the ministry is.

For New Age, either ancient petrified wood or modern Tibetan lumber would be acceptable, but it needs to be harvested during the waning of the moon, and the chi should be cleansed thoroughly with chanting & incense before assembly.

If playing roots music, rustic unfinished Appalachian pine is best.

For modern or futuristic music, metal (preferably rhodinium) or even lucite would be appropriate.

But whatever you use, watch out for standing waves!

[Securb]

Re: Does wood make a difference?

Build the guitar first then choose pickups after evaluating it's inherent tone.

Right, even within a the same tree there large differences in grain, density, water content, mineral content, etc due to where on the tree that piece of wood was growing. Lower down it's going to be more compressed, and there's differences in grain and knots depending on proximity to branches. Then look at the climates and habitats that species of tree is grown in; temps, rainfall, soils, elevation, nutrition, etc will change how individual trees will grow.

Well played Chris. Just more proof some people never read the posts they just regurgitate the same drivel we have been reading for years.

[kramersteen]

Re: Does wood make a difference?

I only use wood that was grown on the south facing side of the tree.

[LesStrat]

Re: Does wood make a difference?

Whatever you do, avoid laminates.

I wouldn't stand for that.

[Chistopher]

Re: Does wood make a difference?

I only use wood that was grown on the south facing side of the tree.

I feel that the moss that grows on the north side gives an unwanted wooliness to the tone. I also don't care much for the color.

[ehdwuld]

Re: Does wood make a difference?

I like the sound of glue
Elmers glue is more country twang
Titebond for rock
Gorilla for metal

[PS412]

Re: Does wood make a difference?

I like the sound of glue
Elmers glue is more country twang
Titebond for rock
Gorilla for metal

Are you sure... I thought PL Premium was for metal

[PS412]

Re: Does wood make a difference?

I feel that the moss that grows on the north side gives an unwanted wooliness to the tone. I also don't care much for the color.

You trunkers, everybody knows laminated branch wood is where it's at

[Aceman]

Re: Does wood make a difference?

I have heard from Blueman, which means he heard it somewhere and repeated it because he has decided it must be true, that a JB loaded guitar is often problematic on mahogany stands.

And if you are putting a a 59 in the neck of a guitar, be very very careful not to knock the stand over. They can be boomy when they fall down. Or sometimes muddy, if they are placed in puddles outdoors.