Moonsorrow
New member
Just curious......i`ve heard from somewhere before that they are pretty much the same as far as tone,quality,ect... Any opinions? Thanks!
Is Poplar and Alder similar in tone?
- Thread starter Moonsorrow
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Re: Is Poplar and Alder similar in tone?
I wouldn't say the same tone but I've heard it described as the poor mans alder. I think it's a bit more funky if that makes any sense. It's also described as a tone wood but that is subjective, I bet some won't consider anything other than maple and mahogany was a tonewood and a lot of companies consider plywood a tonewood...
As far as quality... well, it's better than plywood, but then again what isn't? that's about the only think that won't usually be the best "wood".
Some else will give you a better description.
I wouldn't say the same tone but I've heard it described as the poor mans alder. I think it's a bit more funky if that makes any sense. It's also described as a tone wood but that is subjective, I bet some won't consider anything other than maple and mahogany was a tonewood and a lot of companies consider plywood a tonewood...
As far as quality... well, it's better than plywood, but then again what isn't? that's about the only think that won't usually be the best "wood".
Some else will give you a better description.
Low_fidelity2100
New member
Re: Is Poplar and Alder similar in tone?
Personally I think they sound nothing alike, BUT... I've heard people say the sound nearly identical. Mostly those are people with Poplar bodied guitars that they wish were alder bodied(people with older MIM teles and strats mostly). And I think they're trying to convince themselves it sounds like alder. Not that Poplar sounds HORRIBLE or anything, and theres nothing wrong with poplar bodied guitars (one of my favorite teles has a poplar body). It just doesn't sound like alder.
Theres also people that say Agathis sounds like alder (or swamp ash depending on who ya talk to), and people who say Theres no tonal difference between maple and rosewood fretboards. Maybe some people just can't hear the difference. Or maybe they don't want to hear the difference. I dunno.
Personally I think they sound nothing alike, BUT... I've heard people say the sound nearly identical. Mostly those are people with Poplar bodied guitars that they wish were alder bodied(people with older MIM teles and strats mostly). And I think they're trying to convince themselves it sounds like alder. Not that Poplar sounds HORRIBLE or anything, and theres nothing wrong with poplar bodied guitars (one of my favorite teles has a poplar body). It just doesn't sound like alder.
Theres also people that say Agathis sounds like alder (or swamp ash depending on who ya talk to), and people who say Theres no tonal difference between maple and rosewood fretboards. Maybe some people just can't hear the difference. Or maybe they don't want to hear the difference. I dunno.
danglybanger
ReelItInologist
Re: Is Poplar and Alder similar in tone?
my Mustang is poplar and insanely resonant.
I'd say it's darker than alder.
I made my Jazzmaster from poplar. I like it.
my Mustang is poplar and insanely resonant.
I'd say it's darker than alder.
I made my Jazzmaster from poplar. I like it.
Lake Placid Blues
New member
Re: Is Poplar and Alder similar in tone?
Would you describe how they differ to you please? I don't doubt that they do not sound the same. They may have the same brightness, but there's more to it than just how bright or warm they sound. Ofton it's the attack that can be very different. This is what I find with basswood as an example. It's the attack and how that's precieved. Basswood doesn't have a boomy bass in it's attack, so some think it lacks bass.
I've got an old poplar tree in my front yard that's coming down soon. It has to, before it falls over! It will be a sad day, but it's unavoidable. I might put some planks up to cure for a few years.
Would you describe how they differ to you please? I don't doubt that they do not sound the same. They may have the same brightness, but there's more to it than just how bright or warm they sound. Ofton it's the attack that can be very different. This is what I find with basswood as an example. It's the attack and how that's precieved. Basswood doesn't have a boomy bass in it's attack, so some think it lacks bass.
I've got an old poplar tree in my front yard that's coming down soon. It has to, before it falls over! It will be a sad day, but it's unavoidable. I might put some planks up to cure for a few years.
ratherdashing
Kablamminator
Re: Is Poplar and Alder similar in tone?
They're definitely very close. Since there is so much variability in wood, you could potentially get a great piece of alder and think that poplar sucks, or vise versa.
They're definitely very close. Since there is so much variability in wood, you could potentially get a great piece of alder and think that poplar sucks, or vise versa.
pstarove
New member
Re: Is Poplar and Alder similar in tone?
I have a Parker Fly Deluxe that has a poplar body and a basswood neck. And this "poor man's" instrument costs $2399 new, so I doubt that poor men really can afford it
I also own an alder-bodied Shamray custom shop guitar, so I can only comment on the sound differences between those two.
The Fly has less low end (but this can be due to the super-lightweight construction of the guitar), and its midrange is a bit more "in your face". I wouldn't say there is a spike, it is just more agressive sounding. The high end I find rather the same.
The Shamray guitar has more lows and has a more balanced sound, but can be a bit dull at times. After all, it is not at the same level as the Fly, because it has a MIK B.C.Rich neck and cost me around $600. Also it uses a Russian "black alder" that was not kiln-dried, it was dried "under the bed". The guitar builder told me that that kind of alder has a sound more reminiscent of american basswood, so I don't really know if I have the right to judge alder basing my opinion only on my guitar.
So, treat my post only as a comparison of two different guitars and do not generalize it.
I have a Parker Fly Deluxe that has a poplar body and a basswood neck. And this "poor man's" instrument costs $2399 new, so I doubt that poor men really can afford it
I also own an alder-bodied Shamray custom shop guitar, so I can only comment on the sound differences between those two.
The Fly has less low end (but this can be due to the super-lightweight construction of the guitar), and its midrange is a bit more "in your face". I wouldn't say there is a spike, it is just more agressive sounding. The high end I find rather the same.
The Shamray guitar has more lows and has a more balanced sound, but can be a bit dull at times. After all, it is not at the same level as the Fly, because it has a MIK B.C.Rich neck and cost me around $600. Also it uses a Russian "black alder" that was not kiln-dried, it was dried "under the bed". The guitar builder told me that that kind of alder has a sound more reminiscent of american basswood, so I don't really know if I have the right to judge alder basing my opinion only on my guitar.
So, treat my post only as a comparison of two different guitars and do not generalize it.
daemon barbeque
Zuhahahaologist
Re: Is Poplar and Alder similar in tone?
Many "endorsement" Jacksons made for Friedman etc..they where Poplar!So they are not poorman's Alder.Maybe there is more avergae poplar for better price as the alder ,but this is not a fair statement i think!
a big +1I have a Parker Fly Deluxe that has a poplar body and a basswood neck. And this "poor man's" instrument costs $2399 new, so I doubt that poor men really can afford it
I also own an alder-bodied Shamray custom shop guitar, so I can only comment on the sound differences between those two.
The Fly has less low end (but this can be due to the super-lightweight construction of the guitar), and its midrange is a bit more "in your face". I wouldn't say there is a spike, it is just more agressive sounding. The high end I find rather the same.
The Shamray guitar has more lows and has a more balanced sound, but can be a bit dull at times. After all, it is not at the same level as the Fly, because it has a MIK B.C.Rich neck and cost me around $600. Also it uses a Russian "black alder" that was not kiln-dried, it was dried "under the bed". The guitar builder told me that that kind of alder has a sound more reminiscent of american basswood, so I don't really know if I have the right to judge alder basing my opinion only on my guitar.
So, treat my post only as a comparison of two different guitars and do not generalize it.
Many "endorsement" Jacksons made for Friedman etc..they where Poplar!So they are not poorman's Alder.Maybe there is more avergae poplar for better price as the alder ,but this is not a fair statement i think!
Re: Is Poplar and Alder similar in tone?
i don't mind my MIM Fenders that claim to be poplar... mind you i sold some as i didn't like their tone but the ones i have kept sound great for the buck.... i like denser heavier wood and my 1999 MIM Standard Strat is a heavy peice and i like it.. It should be poplar but you never know what Fender has under the paint sometimes..
Even if i prefer Alder Mahogany's and hard Ash's as well as Maples for body woods a quality poplar body is OK by me.... I'd buy an Ernie Ball Steve Morse in a second and it's a poplar body....
i don't mind my MIM Fenders that claim to be poplar... mind you i sold some as i didn't like their tone but the ones i have kept sound great for the buck.... i like denser heavier wood and my 1999 MIM Standard Strat is a heavy peice and i like it.. It should be poplar but you never know what Fender has under the paint sometimes..
Even if i prefer Alder Mahogany's and hard Ash's as well as Maples for body woods a quality poplar body is OK by me.... I'd buy an Ernie Ball Steve Morse in a second and it's a poplar body....
JohnnyGuitar
New member
Re: Is Poplar and Alder similar in tone?
All poplar guitar I played so far were MIM Strats. They all had tone that to my ears was pretty dead.
Then again - it could've been the cheaper hardware.
All poplar guitar I played so far were MIM Strats. They all had tone that to my ears was pretty dead.
Then again - it could've been the cheaper hardware.
frankfalbo
In Fluence Y'all
Re: Is Poplar and Alder similar in tone?
http://www.jemsite.com/jem/wood.htm
I've got a wood description here, that might help characterize the woods for you, and quantify the differences. Maybe at some point we'll copy it here on our site somewhere.
http://www.jemsite.com/jem/wood.htm
I've got a wood description here, that might help characterize the woods for you, and quantify the differences. Maybe at some point we'll copy it here on our site somewhere.
tubeman87
New member
Re: Is Poplar and Alder similar in tone?
Cool website, it goes into more detail than warmoth does.
Cool website, it goes into more detail than warmoth does.
daemon barbeque
Zuhahahaologist
Re: Is Poplar and Alder similar in tone?
Man that's a really great document!I appreciate it!
Thanx alot!
Man that's a really great document!I appreciate it!
Thanx alot!
Moonsorrow
New member
Re: Is Poplar and Alder similar in tone?
I have a Musicman SUB 1 guitar with a Poplar body and the thing resonates better then any guitar i`ve had! And yes,the Steve Morse guitar body is Poplar and that`s an amazing guitar and not cheap by any means!!! So what i`ve learned is Poplar isn`t as close to Alder as i had heard....i guess? :boggled:
I have a Musicman SUB 1 guitar with a Poplar body and the thing resonates better then any guitar i`ve had! And yes,the Steve Morse guitar body is Poplar and that`s an amazing guitar and not cheap by any means!!! So what i`ve learned is Poplar isn`t as close to Alder as i had heard....i guess? :boggled:
jmh151
Active member
Re: Is Poplar and Alder similar in tone?
I have an old Poplar bodied Squire Strat. Poplar has a good 80's shredder tone. I like it...I think it's denser and harder than Alder
Alder is more expensive than Poplar. Poplar was used as a substitute in the 80's and 90's since it was getting harder to get quality alder.
I have an old Poplar bodied Squire Strat. Poplar has a good 80's shredder tone. I like it...I think it's denser and harder than Alder
Alder is more expensive than Poplar. Poplar was used as a substitute in the 80's and 90's since it was getting harder to get quality alder.
Zerberus
Baron Von Shred
Re: Is Poplar and Alder similar in tone?
+100
I´d say poplar is in general a hint darker in tone, but they´re so close that a bright piece of poplar would still "scream" rings around an even or even medium bright piece of alder. IMO the main reason that most don´t use poplar (anymore, esp on trans finishes and bursts) is that it´s much easier to find a good looking piece of alder than it is to find a similarly clean piece of poplar due to the greenish mineral streaks that poplar and basswood love to have, and as a result it´s more expensive to make poplar guitars due to the labor costs involved in selecting it, even thopugh alder in general is more expensive.
Poplar is also usually a hint heavier, and with everyone wanting light, light , light it´s kind of a no brainer to use alder instead with all the similarities
+100
I´d say poplar is in general a hint darker in tone, but they´re so close that a bright piece of poplar would still "scream" rings around an even or even medium bright piece of alder. IMO the main reason that most don´t use poplar (anymore, esp on trans finishes and bursts) is that it´s much easier to find a good looking piece of alder than it is to find a similarly clean piece of poplar due to the greenish mineral streaks that poplar and basswood love to have, and as a result it´s more expensive to make poplar guitars due to the labor costs involved in selecting it, even thopugh alder in general is more expensive.
Poplar is also usually a hint heavier, and with everyone wanting light, light , light it´s kind of a no brainer to use alder instead with all the similarities
the guy who invented fire
Fuzzy. Guitars
Re: Is Poplar and Alder similar in tone?
People always say they sound VERY similar...howeer when I was Strat shopping last time I was able to play 2 jimmy Vaughan Strats...both dead stock so the pickups, hardware, neck were all the same however one (black) was an alder body while the other one (white) was poplar...I really wanted the white one but it sounded very thin and lacked punch compared to the black one...needless to say I bought the alder one!
People always say they sound VERY similar...howeer when I was Strat shopping last time I was able to play 2 jimmy Vaughan Strats...both dead stock so the pickups, hardware, neck were all the same however one (black) was an alder body while the other one (white) was poplar...I really wanted the white one but it sounded very thin and lacked punch compared to the black one...needless to say I bought the alder one!
ErikH
Well-known member
Re: Is Poplar and Alder similar in tone?
Funny, the word "poplar" appears once on that jemsite page, and under the Basswood description to boot.
At least the Warmoth site has it actually mentioned.
http://www.warmoth.com/guitar/options/options_bodywoods.cfm
They can be "similar" in tone. All depends on the pick. I read something from one of the Fender Execs explaining that they went to poplar on some models because of the rising cost of alder and poplar was the closest alternative out there without drastically changing the overall tone of the instrument. Once the cost of alder came back down, the switched back. It was something to that effect.
Funny, the word "poplar" appears once on that jemsite page, and under the Basswood description to boot.
At least the Warmoth site has it actually mentioned.
http://www.warmoth.com/guitar/options/options_bodywoods.cfm
They can be "similar" in tone. All depends on the pick. I read something from one of the Fender Execs explaining that they went to poplar on some models because of the rising cost of alder and poplar was the closest alternative out there without drastically changing the overall tone of the instrument. Once the cost of alder came back down, the switched back. It was something to that effect.
Dangerine49
New member
Re: Is Poplar and Alder similar in tone?
Actually, the only reason that Fender switched from poplar to alder after 2001 on the MIM Fenders was because alder became consistently cheaper than poplar. Poplar is a very sought after wood in the furniture industry. Before then Fender would use primarily poplar, but routinely substituted alder when they found some less expensive. Fender didn't view one any "better" than the other from a tone perspective. Tonally they seem to be considered equivalent but quality control and batch selection will make one "better" than the other, or visa versa.
Actually, the only reason that Fender switched from poplar to alder after 2001 on the MIM Fenders was because alder became consistently cheaper than poplar. Poplar is a very sought after wood in the furniture industry. Before then Fender would use primarily poplar, but routinely substituted alder when they found some less expensive. Fender didn't view one any "better" than the other from a tone perspective. Tonally they seem to be considered equivalent but quality control and batch selection will make one "better" than the other, or visa versa.
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