Tonal qualities of mahogany versus basswood?

[sac]

What are the tonal differences of these two wood types as far as one being brighter than the other? Which wood type would better accomodate a JB versus a custom?

 

[the guy who invented fire]

Re: Tonal qualities of mahogany versus basswood?

http://www.warmoth.com/guitar/options/options_bodywoods.cfm

 

[sac]

Re: Tonal qualities of mahogany versus basswood?

Hey fire dude excellent link. From what I gather I't seems both wood types should have a warm tone, with the mahogany probably having better sustain. Thanks.

 

[Xeromus]

Re: Tonal qualities of mahogany versus basswood?

It's really hard to say, those are my two favorite tonewoods. Keep in mind all the shredders, satch, vai, petrucci, gilbert all use basswood body guitars. I love the tone it gives off. Mahogany is denser and harder, so sustain and vibration through the wood will be stronger. A little bit brighter tone too.

 

[big_black]

Re: Tonal qualities of mahogany versus basswood?

I deffinately prefer mahog over basswood. I'm not an expert on basswood, but I haven't found a wood I like better than mahog (ALUMINUM STILL SLAYS ALL!!). I can tell you the JB sounds great in just about anything but plywood. Plywood sounds like a$$ no matter what pickup you use, so there is no saving it.

 

[ex-250]

Re: Tonal qualities of mahogany versus basswood?

hmm......the side says basswood isnt very durable, but my first guitar is basswood and its taken a hell of a lotta abuse over the years and doesnt show it at all. weird.

 

[big_black]

Re: Tonal qualities of mahogany versus basswood?

hmm......the side says basswood isnt very durable, but my first guitar is basswood and its taken a hell of a lotta abuse over the years and doesnt show it at all. weird.

How thick is the poly? My Kramer has a bout 1/8" of poly and the stuff is like iron. It is a '77 with hardly a scratch on it. The wood is walnut though.

 

[sac]

Re: Tonal qualities of mahogany versus basswood?

So with mahogany being the brighter of the two, would it favor a custom rather than a JB. I understand the JB tends to be brite to begin with?