Wood Test: Ash vs Alder (Strat)

[dr.barlo]

I swapped the pickguard, so apart from the body neck and strings everything else (height, pickups, electronics ...) are the same.

BOth are american strats, one 90 alder, the other 02 ash. Both have maple necks and rosewood fretboards. BTW the pickup recorded is a van zandt vintage + in the neck.

So this is a controlled expriment of how the wood affects the tone. I know it is not perfect, but I hopethat at least it provides a good starting point.

Here they are:

2002 ash strat neck position

1990 alder strat neck position

BTW the 90 is the guitar that is seen in my signature, and the 02 ash is the one in my avatar.

B

 

[dr.barlo]

BTW I am lucky to have them both. The alder is really good for the SRV stuff, and the ash gets a little on the wild side (with all the harmonics it pocesses) when played with some gain. But clean, the ash cannot be beaten, the definition is to die for.

I was hearing those with different pickups as well. But did this test to see if I am imagining things or not, because afterall comparing wood (pickups) with different pickups (wood resp.) is not fair.

B

 

[dr.barlo]

you gonna have to repost all of this on the new boards! all your tests! they sweet! or make like a test page on your site,that would be cool.

Guess what!

B

 

[59paul]

Thanks, Doc. This was a great idea you had. I love clips like this, people can actually listen and learn. A+ !!!!

 

[shred-dog]

hey DR tester!!!!!! i dig the ash myself!

 

[dr.barlo]

59paul and shred-dog, really glad to see you've liked comparison.

8)

 

[Fresh_Start]

Thanks Doc - it's great to have a clean comparison of the wood. So much for the argument that wood doesn't make any difference

I like both tones for different things... I'd really like to try an ash strat/rosewood fingerboard with alnico 2 pups in the neck & middle and a hotter A3 or A4 pup in the bridge myself.

Chip

 

[FenderBoy]

Re: Wood Test: Ash vs Alder (Strat)

I like 'em both. I prefer the ASH 2002 clip to the 1990 clips. Its sounds a little bit more lively to me, almost like there is just a bit more going on with the sound!

These are 2 great post for those of us who like to hear a comparison. This would help to make a decision for someone looking at buying an Ash or Alder....

Cheers!

 

[shred-dog]

Re: Wood Test: Ash vs Alder (Strat)

the ash does sound more lively

 

[korinastratkyle]

Re: Wood Test: Ash vs Alder (Strat)

I find the Ash more defined. Is that Hard Ash or Swamp Ash?

 

[Stratman]

Re: Wood Test: Ash vs Alder (Strat)

Let's Strat's Live on!

Give me a piece of ASH anyday!

Les Paul and Tele owner's eat your hearts out

 

[yes-fan]

Re: Wood Test: Ash vs Alder (Strat)

yes what kind of ash is it

 

[JumpMarine]

Re: Wood Test: Ash vs Alder (Strat)

No question that the Ash is more defined, but both have their place. Thanks Doc!

 

[take2]

Re: Wood Test: Ash vs Alder (Strat)

Wow I like the Alder better - Warmer or darker or something - I especially like it during the riff notes vs. the rythem boogie woogie thing - sorry thats about as technical as I get - but Alder for me.

 

[dr.barlo]

Re: Wood Test: Ash vs Alder (Strat)

It is all about preferences. I consider myself lucky to own both of them.

BTW it's swamp ash!

B

 

[benji657]

Re: Wood Test: Ash vs Alder (Strat)

alder for me.
ash sounds too snappy.
alder is a tad more smooth.

benji

 

[kevlar3000]

Re: Wood Test: Ash vs Alder (Strat)

I am digging the Ash, but I too own both guitars and love them for what they do.

Nice clips

 

[ishmun]

Re: Wood Test: Ash vs Alder (Strat)

to my ears, the ash sounds a little sharp
i prefer the darker/thicker alder sound

just my opinion!

 

[Duncan]

Re: Wood Test: Ash vs Alder (Strat)

Alder for me. Not as 'bright' as the ash, but still classic strat tone...

 

[telerifik]

Re: Wood Test: Ash vs Alder (Strat)

Imma go with the ash, feels far more melodic and full of life, the alder seems a bit dense.