Wood between Alder and Mahogany

[MattPete]

OK, I've built a couple of killer Warmoth guitars with mahogany bodies. Recently, I dusted off my old alder Kramer. While I like my mahogany guitars better, there is something about the alder Kramer that I miss. Is there a wood, or wood combo, that's between alder and mahogany for tone? How about korina?

[Curly]

Re: Wood between Alder and Mahogany

I love the look of koa, and it's supposed to be like mahogany but a little brighter

[Hot _Grits]

Re: Wood between Alder and Mahogany

Basswood, sounds about perfect for what you're talking about. Similar to Alder with a bit of top rolled off and an extended bottom.

And don't believe what some people say about basswood. Being cheap and readily available in the far east doesn't make it a bad tonewood. Tom Anderson, Suhr, Tyler and Ernie Ball wouldn't touch the stuff if it wasn't a good wood.

Speaking of Anderson, you could go for a mahogany back/alder top or an alder back/mahogany top for a really nice, complex tone. Anderson does this with alder back/swamp ash strats.

[Jonny R]

Re: Wood between Alder and Mahogany

You normally aim for a wood like mahogany for the body for sustain and something lighter for the top to bring out the best tone right?

[kill your scene]

Re: Wood between Alder and Mahogany

Basswood, sounds about perfect for what you're talking about. Similar to Alder with a bit of top rolled off and an extended bottom.

And don't believe what some people say about basswood. Being cheap and readily available in the far east doesn't make it a bad tonewood. Tom Anderson, Suhr, Tyler and Ernie Ball wouldn't touch the stuff if it wasn't a good wood.

Speaking of Anderson, you could go for a mahogany back/alder top or an alder back/mahogany top for a really nice, complex tone. Anderson does this with alder back/swamp ash strats.

I was just wondering about basswood. Thanks for your review.

[fusion101]

Re: Wood between Alder and Mahogany

I would have to agree with curly, koa is a better mix in between wood. Korina, is a just as warm as mahogany and well personally i think basswood is a little to bland. Plus by the way, big company's would use a cheap wood on there guitars because they now many people buy there guitars on brand name not the tone of the wood.

[XXX-FACTOR]

Re: Wood between Alder and Mahogany

I like basswood as well for the tone that you're descibing, also if you use mahogany with a maple top, that should also put you in that tonal area. Neck wood also makes a difference, a mahogany neck will add to the warmth/darkness, while a maple one will add to the brightness.

[big_black]

Re: Wood between Alder and Mahogany

My Kramer is black walnut. It sounds kind of like mahogany, but with a little more brightness to it.

[chcjunior]

Re: Wood between Alder and Mahogany

My biggest complaint with basswood is the fact that it doesn't stand up well to any abuse (i.e. barely knocking it into something). I also thought it was pretty dead sounding...but keep in mind I only owned/played one guitar with that wood.

[\m/(00)\m/]

Re: Wood between Alder and Mahogany

that sounds like Koa, i always liked koa for the look, fell, and sound.
maybe thats what your looking for?