Bluegrass Tone Woods

One question we get asked here at the store a lot is,”What should I look for in a bluegrass guitar?”  The answer can be complex so let’s break it down.  First, you have to think what makes a guitar a bluegrass guitar?  The look and the sound are what make it bluegrass.  Bluegrass musicians generally select an acoustic dreadnought body style with traditional finishes.  But what's most important is the sound. It’s that booming bluegrass sound that you can feel and hear in traditional songs.  How do you get that?  It’s in the wood. 

These are some general guidelines in looking for a good bluegrass guitar.  Of course the most important thing is how it sounds to you.  Everyone is going to hear something a little different so play it for yourself and listen to the sound quality. 

We will start with the top or soundboard of the guitar.  In most cases this will be some sort of Spruce.  Spruce is a good choice because it’s lightweight yet durable and it delivers a punchy loud sound that resonates well.  With solid wood the sound improves with age.  There are several different types of Spruce available however; the most popular are Adirondack and Sitka.  Adirondack, also known as Appalachian or Red Spruce is getting more difficult to obtain because of limited supply so the price is higher.  Sitka Spruce comes from the western coast of the United States and Canada and is more plentiful.  The trees are also large in size so it’s easier to get many beautiful pieces of Sitka Spruce to use for the tops of the guitars. 

 

The back and sides are also extremely important.  Most bluegrass style guitars will have Rosewood or Mahogany back and sides.  Both of these woods provide a rich warm penetrating sound with that deep boom that bluegrass demands.  Rosewood tends to be a little more expensive because it is not as readily available as Mahogany, and carries a bit more overtones.  Brazilian Rosewood has the reputation of being the best but it is in very limited supply and difficult to obtain so the price is very high.  Indian Rosewood is now more popular because it’s easier to obtain and still has a similar Rosewood tone that makes Brazilian Rosewood popular.  Mahogany is a good choice and very popular.  Its tone is warm and bright and lends itself well to lead playing.  It is often used in the necks of guitars. Often singers will choose a Rosewood constructed guitar as the tone is darker and is a smoother accompaniment to vocals.

Do some research about what style of guitar will fit your playing style.  Laminate tops may be attractive because of the price tag but they aren’t going to deliver the sound or quality you will get from a solid wood instrument.   Laminate guitars will not “open up” like solid wood guitars.  The laminate guitar you purchase today will sound the same in two years’ time.  The solid wood instrument when played regularly will open up, resound richer and fuller and will be ultimately a better sounding instrument and more pleasurable for the player to perform with. Play the guitar yourself and see how it fits you and sounds to your ear.  If you have any questions about tonewoods or guitars please feel free to contact us we would be happy to help.  www.caposmusicstore.com  or  276-525-1880 .