The "sound" of Sycamore?

[Artie]

I may have asked this a long time ago. But a google search isn't showing anything.

I like the "feel" of my Daisy Rock, in my lap, more than my Cort. I'm thinking about moving the Jazz set over to the DR. The DR is Sycamore, while the Cort is all Mahogany, (Maple top). Would there be any significant tonal change? The Jazz in the Cort is sweet. I don't want to lose that sound.

 

[Mincer]

I'd be interested in this as well. I am all for 'alternative woods' (and even non-woods) in guitar construction.

 

[Chistopher]

I don't imagine the wood is the only difference between these two instruments?

 

[jeremy]

yeah, id guess there may be significant other differences as well? scale length, bridge, neck mass, body shape? and we all know a bad strap will kill your tone!

 

[Artie]

I don't imagine the wood is the only difference between these two instruments?

I'll get my measuring tape out. I think the only difference is wood. I could be wrong. :9:

 

[zionstrat]

When I think sycamore I think kind of bright... Not as much as maple but definitely could be an impact.

Let's us know what u do!

 

[Artie]

When I think sycamore I think kind of bright...

That's what I'm thinking. Sycamore is hard. I'll report back.

 

[Securb]

This might give you an idea by comparing it to other similar woods.

Common Name(s): Sycamore, American Plane

Scientific Name: Platanus occidentalis

Distribution: Eastern United States

Janka Hardness: 770 lbf (3,430 N)

 

[Artie]

Cool chart. Thanks.

 

[GuitarDoc]

That IS a very cool chart. I'm not so sure about its accuracy though. I've got some Brazilian Blackwood that puts Jatoba, Bubinga and Putpleheart to shame. It even seams to be much harder than all of the Ebony that I have.

I guess that only means that there may be a LOT of variation within each of the different woods listed. Just like there may be a lot of tonal differences with the same type of wood and even with two pieces from the same tree.

 

[GuitarDoc]

I may have asked this a long time ago. But a google search isn't showing anything.

I like the "feel" of my Daisy Rock, in my lap, more than my Cort. I'm thinking about moving the Jazz set over to the DR. The DR is Sycamore, while the Cort is all Mahogany, (Maple top). Would there be any significant tonal change? The Jazz in the Cort is sweet. I don't want to lose that sound.

There will most likely be some difference in tone (there can't help but be some difference). But the biggest tone generators are: pickup, speaker, amp, fretboard, and neck. The body and cap woods do make a difference but compared to those other things, it is small.

It's also noteworthy to consider the AMOUNT of wood involved. The different types of wood in a 335 will have less effect on tone than will different types of wood in a Les Paul (solid, not chambered).

 

[Artie]

It's also noteworthy to consider the AMOUNT of wood involved.

The DR is probably 10% to 15% larger than the Cort. I could see that making a difference.

 

[GuitarDoc]

Yes. The final effect will probably be a brighter tone. But you won't know for sure until you actually try it. It may sound amazing and if you like the DR better it makes sense to do it and see.

 

[GuitarDoc]

You may end up with brighter highs, more solid/distinct bass, and more sustain.

 

[GuitarDoc]

If you decide to make the change, let us know how it turns out - for better or worse. I'd be very interested in your results.

 

[Artie]

If you decide to make the change, let us know how it turns out - for better or worse. I'd be very interested in your results.

I will. Probably do the swap early this coming week.

 

[Securb]

That IS a very cool chart. I'm not so sure about its accuracy though. I've got some Brazilian Blackwood that puts Jatoba, Bubinga and Putpleheart to shame. It even seams to be much harder than all of the Ebony that I have.

I guess that only means that there may be a LOT of variation within each of the different woods listed. Just like there may be a lot of tonal differences with the same type of wood and even with two pieces from the same tree.

There will be differences even among the same species of wood depending on where the tree is grown, access to water, minerals in the ground, and the amount of sunlight the tree gets. However, I think the chart is a good baseline.

 

[JB_From_Hell]

and we all know a bad strap will kill your tone!

I had a Dunlop Straplock do it's best to kill my tone by letting my guitar drop to the floor.

 

[GuitarStv]

I had a Dunlop Straplock do it's best to kill my tone by letting my guitar drop to the floor.

I always thought that Schaller had a more sensible design. When they're working they both are about as good, but if the mechanism fails the Schaller still holds on to your guitar . . . whereas the Dunlop just kinda explodes.

 

[GuitarDoc]

^ +1.