How differently are basswood and mahogany?

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dreadguard268

New member
Just at it's very basic. I'm pretty sure I've seen somewhere that basswood is a bit brighter. But what I'm curious about is how much so. Is it a glaring difference or just a small almost unnoticeable thing? Or somewhere in between?
 
Re: How differently are basswood and mahogany?

Basswood is not bright like Maple, More midrangy and warm IMO. Make a search a similar thread was started just about a week back.
:opcorn:
 
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Re: How differently are basswood and mahogany?

From what I understand and from reading what ppl say, they are supposed to be a similar toned wood and both are super commonly used for body woods, and both are commonly used with maple tops
 
Re: How differently are basswood and mahogany?

Basswood is this tree:
basswood-02.jpg
Mahogany is this one:
mahog-tree.jpg

I'd say the difference is obvious.
 
Re: How differently are basswood and mahogany?

I think that mahogany can be heavier and is darker sounding while basswood is pretty neutral and light. Supposing both guitars in question are made of high quality pieces, there will be a difference, but how big it is will also be determined by other parts of the guitar too. Both of my guitars are basswood and can cover a wide range of sounds without any compromise.
 
Re: How differently are basswood and mahogany?

not even remotely similar. basswood is so soft and light you can carve it with a pocket knife.
 
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Re: How differently are basswood and mahogany?

I've come to understand that quality Basswood is used in some very expensive guitars, and is a outstanding tonewood for more or less a specific style of guitar and player. I was confused about it, cause so many very low end, and to be honest, bad guitars,are associated with Basswood. I'm sure lots of low end instruments are sold branded as "Mahogany", but are as bad or even worse than good Basswood though. You tend to associate Mahogany with high end guitars though, cause of Gibson. Just generalizing.
 
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Re: How differently are basswood and mahogany?

dreadguard268 said:
Just at it's very basic. I'm pretty sure I've seen somewhere that basswood is a bit brighter. But what I'm curious about is how much so. Is it a glaring difference or just a small almost unnoticeable thing? Or somewhere in between?
Click to expand...

Jocelyn said:
Basswood is not bright like Maple, More midrangy and warm IMO. Make a search a similar thread was started just about a week back.
:opcorn:
Click to expand...

YUP, here it is . . . i started it - because i was looking into one of these;

http://www.tokaiguitars.co.za/traditionalseries.htm . . . the FB53 (made from Basswood)

https://forum.seymourduncan.com/showthread.php?266842-Basswood-vs-Mahogany

Hope this can contribute !
 
Re: How differently are basswood and mahogany?

Tone wise I don't really care. It's basswood softness that I'm concerned about.
 
Re: How differently are basswood and mahogany?

elelpe said:
Tone wise I don't really care. It's basswood softness that I'm concerned about.
Click to expand...

In Soviet Russia, basswood have persistent concerns about your softness.
 
Re: How differently are basswood and mahogany?

MetalManiac said:
I've come to understand that quality Basswood is used in some very expensive guitars, and is a outstanding tonewood for more or less a specific style of guitar and player. I was confused about it, cause so many very low end, and to be honest, bad guitars,are associated with Basswood. I'm sure lots of low end instruments are sold branded as "Mahogany", but are as bad or even worse than good Basswood though. You tend to associate Mahogany with high end guitars though, cause of Gibson. Just generalizing.
Click to expand...

Yep. And getting a desirable word on a spec sheet doesn't mean the product is going to have a full serving of the qualities people want to associate with it. Play a recording of a sizzling grille in the dining room of a restaurant. Does that mean hot, juicy, delicious steaks are about to be served? Sure… why not…
 
Re: How differently are basswood and mahogany?

Little Pigbacon said:
Yep. And getting a desirable word on a spec sheet doesn't mean the product is going to have a full serving of the qualities people want to associate with it. Play a recording of a sizzling grille in the dining room of a restaurant. Does that mean hot, juicy, delicious steaks are about to be served? Sure… why not…
Click to expand...

L.P., did you see who you were replying to? Don't waste your time...
 
Re: How differently are basswood and mahogany?

I have both and Mahagany and basswood guitar with different output pickups so it's hard for me to tell you what the body difference is. Overall the basswood guitar feels more solid though to be honest and resonates really well in comparison to the Mahagony guitar
 
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