I've heard people calling it "the new basswood" but in my opinion the grain is fairly attractive and apparently it has similar tonal properties to mahogany (if there even are any to any type of wood) so why does it get so much hate? Quite a few high end ibanez and Jackson use it I believe
Is Agathis really that bad?
- Thread starter Xandeeno
- Start date
Chris Pile
Well-known member
Re: Is Agathis really that bad?
Personally, I hate sanding it. And I find the tone trebly and harsh.
Personally, I hate sanding it. And I find the tone trebly and harsh.
Chistopher
malapterurus electricus tonewood instigator
Re: Is Agathis really that bad?
I had a Tele I used almost exclusively for Jazz with an Agathis body. It worked fine and I eventually sold it for quite a bit. The guy made an initial offer about 25% more than I planned on selling it for, so he must have thought Agatha was okay.
I had a Tele I used almost exclusively for Jazz with an Agathis body. It worked fine and I eventually sold it for quite a bit. The guy made an initial offer about 25% more than I planned on selling it for, so he must have thought Agatha was okay.
Re: Is Agathis really that bad?
Many new wood types that are of Asian origin do have a hard time being taken seriously. Of course growing conditions can be a bit different its true, but its not like tropical woods are unheard of in guitar making.
Its just that the new timber is most likely used in guitars where there is not some established and expected standard.....hence they are either in newer brands or low-end models.
And then some of the issue then becomes it being compared to the 'real' tone of the high end instrument.
Many new wood types that are of Asian origin do have a hard time being taken seriously. Of course growing conditions can be a bit different its true, but its not like tropical woods are unheard of in guitar making.
Its just that the new timber is most likely used in guitars where there is not some established and expected standard.....hence they are either in newer brands or low-end models.
And then some of the issue then becomes it being compared to the 'real' tone of the high end instrument.
Discharged
New member
Re: Is Agathis really that bad?
In my personal case, I bought an agathis-made std Squire strat for a recording project.
It was simply *not* possible to get that instrument to sound acceptable, not even after four p'up changes, including an EMG SA set, which normally make any guitar sound OK.
I ended up using a Yamaha Pacifica 112J with StewMac Vintage Vibe p'ups. That sounded more than alright from the minute i plug it in. And losing a chunk of cash getting rid of THAT Squire. I've modded several Squire Bullets that ended up sounding quite well.
Of course, most probably that particular instrument was a dog with fleas to start with, but, somehow, never ever again bought or recommended any agathis-made instrument.
I though it could useful to hear about my experience.
/Peter
In my personal case, I bought an agathis-made std Squire strat for a recording project.
It was simply *not* possible to get that instrument to sound acceptable, not even after four p'up changes, including an EMG SA set, which normally make any guitar sound OK.
I ended up using a Yamaha Pacifica 112J with StewMac Vintage Vibe p'ups. That sounded more than alright from the minute i plug it in. And losing a chunk of cash getting rid of THAT Squire. I've modded several Squire Bullets that ended up sounding quite well.
Of course, most probably that particular instrument was a dog with fleas to start with, but, somehow, never ever again bought or recommended any agathis-made instrument.
I though it could useful to hear about my experience.
/Peter
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Chistopher
malapterurus electricus tonewood instigator
Re: Is Agathis really that bad?
It could also be possible that the combination of bright wood, 25.5" scale, and single coils was not the best match up.
It could also be possible that the combination of bright wood, 25.5" scale, and single coils was not the best match up.
RorySquier
Well-known member
Re: Is Agathis really that bad?
I have an Agathis body Squier Standard Strat in sunburst and it sounds real good to me. I find it has good resonation to it. It is also very heavy...more than my American Standard Strat.
;>)/
I have an Agathis body Squier Standard Strat in sunburst and it sounds real good to me. I find it has good resonation to it. It is also very heavy...more than my American Standard Strat.
;>)/
Kamanda~SD
New member
Re: Is Agathis really that bad?
My Squier standard Fat Strat has served me well. It IS bright (also maple fretboard) but it does the job just fine alot of the time. Actually loaded with a C8/59 humbucker in it I got more convincing Angus tones out of it than the SG I had...too bad a purple strat wouldn't fly onstage in a tribute band.
My Squier standard Fat Strat has served me well. It IS bright (also maple fretboard) but it does the job just fine alot of the time. Actually loaded with a C8/59 humbucker in it I got more convincing Angus tones out of it than the SG I had...too bad a purple strat wouldn't fly onstage in a tribute band.
StoRMiE
New member
Re: Is Agathis really that bad?
Same as all these guys, have a Squier strat sitting around made of the stuff. Weighs 10lbs, resonant, loud unplugged, mine sounds dark as hell though. In my experience I had to shove a 59/C into it to brighten it up and it's the best metal tone I've gotten out of anything.
My only real complaint with agathis is that it's soft and dents really easily, if you happen to sneeze 2 rooms over it will find an excuse to dent.
Same as all these guys, have a Squier strat sitting around made of the stuff. Weighs 10lbs, resonant, loud unplugged, mine sounds dark as hell though. In my experience I had to shove a 59/C into it to brighten it up and it's the best metal tone I've gotten out of anything.
My only real complaint with agathis is that it's soft and dents really easily, if you happen to sneeze 2 rooms over it will find an excuse to dent.
Re: Is Agathis really that bad?
I dont have any personal experience with it, but my perception isnt good for the reasons Mincer stated. They guitars Ive always seen made from it have been low and imports.
I dont have any personal experience with it, but my perception isnt good for the reasons Mincer stated. They guitars Ive always seen made from it have been low and imports.
