Basswood vs poplar guitar. Basswood in Modern Guitar Design.
Basswood vs poplar guitar. I wouldn't hesitate to use basswood on even the most expensive bass one bit. The mahogany vs basswood guitar body debate often comes down to tonal preference, but objectively, mahogany edges out with its superior sustain properties. The combo makes it perfect for blues and jazz. Mahogany is known for its rich, warm tones and is often used in high-end guitars and other musical instruments. That's about double what common board "pine" costs. The reason more expensive guitars are not made out of cheap woods like basswood is because people transfer their understanding of acoustic guitars to electrics. Tonally, it is similar to Alder as well. And, of course, that means that it's everywhere, including the cheap bass guitars as wellThere's a "B" word that when mentioned puts the thought of "Eww!" into many Comparison between a basswood and alder body in a Seymour Duncan loaded Stratocaster. Play it first -then decide. But can you tell the differ May 14, 2008 · nope. I've assembled lots of custom guitars and found I also like mahogany and ash. The differing descriptions for basswood were the most surprising, as Oct 19, 2021 · Also, poplar is not an expensive or "rare" wood, so guitar companies may be drawn to that aspect of poplar, or basswood, much as Leo Fender was drawn to ash and alder. Oct 27, 2021 · Like electric guitars, solid bass guitar bodies can be successfully made of white sassafras tonewood. basswood guitars are easy to work with and produce a sound that is different than most other types of wood it is often compared to. Feb 11, 2023 · The question comes from a MIJ ST57 Strat I found with a basswood body, but I've always had Strat with a alder or swamp ash body. You can also choose, of course, to have two completely different guitars. There are currently no major manufacturers that mass-produce bass guitars with white sassafras bodies, though it certainly is used in custom designs and smaller shops. Poplar Wood Vs Mahogany Weight Comparison: When we compare these two timber types in their average dry weight form, Poplar wood weighs 31 lb/ft³ (510 kg/m³), and Mahogany wood weighs 40 lb/ft³ (640 kg/m³) Is Poplar A Good Wood For Guitars? Aug 22, 2019 · Then figure out what style of music the guitar should play. (Parenthood + music gigs = not a lot of spare time. Basswood makes terrible acoustic guitar tonewood, so people assume that electric guitars will transfer this property through their pickups, but that’s not how electromagnetic pickups Nov 25, 2001 · Because it grows so fast, the would is quite soft and light, compared to other, slower growing trees. the manufacturers of guitars, and similar folks), and was surprised to find a whole range of differing descriptions as to the fundamental tonal properties of poplar and basswood. This tonewood gives you rich basses with warm lows and highs. That doesn’t mean that basswood lacks the ability to push your sound. Ultimately the thing you have to remember is that every bass (and instrument) is individual. Oct 12, 2007 · The CA glue thing is probably useful, and any water-thin CA glue (I buy mine at the local hobby shop, the model plane and train set guys use it a lot, I guess?) should work, but considering the amount you'd need to do an entire guitar (especially as with a wood like poplar or basswood, I see it soaking into the wood quite a bit) seems like it would make it cost-prohibitive. Both deliver a warm tone. It's probably a coincidence. Poplar - Jul 22, 2010 · Technically, poplar is not a softwood since it is a deciduous tree. The use of basswood in modern guitar design has been marked by significant innovations that leverage its unique properties. Guys who fight for a living would have a handle on what to use. I absolutely do NOT like alder. In my country we used poplar a lot to make these wooden shoes, as the wood is cheap. Basswood is a good body wood, used by a number of top end manufacturers and guitarists (EVH, Vai, Satriani, among others). There is certainly no shortage of intriguing options with different tonal characteristics and aesthetic appeal. I heard someone once mention that basswood guitars are cheap and suck but all the guitars I see that aren't like over $1000 and I It’s used to make many mid-range guitars, and can even be used to make high-end guitars if used right. Even generic whitewood/pine 2x4s from HD can be made to look nicer than basswood. Otherwise it is a fine wood to use for making guitars. 506 lbs, it’s very close to Basswood in terms of lightness. If you’re not rough with it though it should be fine. Poplar with extremely dense mineral staining can be heavier than normal. Jul 19, 2004 · Basswood has gotten kind of a bad rep as a 'cheap' wood mostly because of speculators and bull-crap-talkers. I always think you drop a cheap bass you blame the wood but blame yourself if it's an expensive one. A guitar made from Poplar isn’t guaranteed to be a bad a guitar and a guitar made from Honduran Mahogany and Brazilian Rosewood isn’t guaranteed to be amazing. Basswood has mainly straight grains and is a very light and soft wood. I would say that basswood tends to accentuate the high frequencies more so than Alder. The wood choice for a guitar’s body has an impact of about a third of the resulting sound of the instrument. If you’re looking for a specific type of wood for your project, it’s important to know where each kind of tree grows. If you have one or two guitars and you play many styles, it makes sense to get the two guitars to be kind of similar in tone, so one can be a backup for the other. A well-made basswood guitar can have great dynamics with a very Jan 10, 2009 · Basswood had some issues in that situation because it’s softer. Basswood vs Mahogany: Conclusion. Pros of Basswood: Aug 5, 2023 · Mark Vinciguerra Luthier @ VCS Guitars, does a tap tone test between Alder, Basswood & Poplar! Let your ears decide!www. These unique characteristics reveal how subtly the essence of a guitar can shift based solely on the tonewood. Sure, it's relatively inexpensive, but so is alder and ash too for that matter. Not only does it resonate better, but it is much harder and stable. Jun 25, 2024 · In my quest for the perfect alder replacement guitar body, I’ve experimented with several promising options. Whereas, as basswood is too soft, it is vulnerable to breakage. The body would get dents more easily, screw holes for strap buttons and pickup screws would wear out. Some basswood guitar owners have said that hardware has become loose over a few years due to the softness of the wood. Mahogany offers a warmer, fuller sound than Basswood. And making one would not make much sense. I hope this article has helped you understand basswood vs mahogany tonewoods and which might be best for your situation. honduran mahogany - 800. 506 lbs. Oct 22, 2021 · Poplar is a relatively common electric guitar body material, up there with basswood and swamp ash, though not as popular as mahogany and alder. What makes basswood extremely popular for use as a tonewood is that there is very little natural graining and is also completely odourless. Poplar usually has dark streaks in it, and this guitar is clear. The tone of basswood is fairly fat with emphasis on the mids, while remaining quite soft and warm. Wood types such as Basswood guitars are even lighter than Poplar. Sep 28, 2006 · I think the only basswood guitar I have right now is a Squier 51 which sounds plenty bright to my ears. For this reason, many basswood guitars have a thick lacquer applied to them for protection. swamp ash - 850. The Janka hardness of poplar is much higher, giving it sufficient strength. if you played both poplar and basswood mustangs and they sounded like crap, it's probably because you played like crap or you had a crappy effect setting. Hope that helps. It got a bad rap because it was cheap, easy to machine and light weight, and ended up in a lot of poorly made budget guitars, but that was a while ago. yellow poplar - 540. Poplar is a pretty neutral wood, much like alder, in term of resonance. I am actually a guitarist that has recently started playing bass, but have owned many basswood guitars. However, it’s not a one-size-fits-all scenario. Basswood and alder guitar wood types will make a small difference in tone. Mahogany. Many guitar manufacturers as a substitute for alder are using this wood, as it is quite similar in tone. Apr 14, 2015 · American Tulipwood (Poplar), Wenge, Phoenix, Paulownia, and Agathis are other woods often used in guitar bodies, each with its own specific tonal qualities. Conclusion. Aug 12, 2023 · Lighter than other woods such as alder and poplar, basswood is one of the softest hardwoods used to make guitar bodies. How NATO Guitar Wood Compares to Other Wood Varieties . Alder is the most abundant hardwood in the pacific northwest and one reason why it was chosen by Leo Fender over other choices. May 16, 2023 · In summary, NATO guitar wood has a unique combination of properties that has made it a game-changer in the guitar-making industry and a favorite among guitarists worldwide. Basswood in Modern Guitar Design. arty07: I have only one experience with poplar I can remember. NATO guitar wood has been used by guitar makers for years, but its popularity has risen in recent times. On the other hand, I have three Alder strats and this is the wood I prefer. More expensive shoes were made from the willow tree. Jun 30, 2015 · With our last wood hardness chart, several noted that there were certain woods missing that should be in the list, so we've expanded the list to 224 different species. May 10, 2010 · As Lo-E mentioned, Basswood is a softer wood and dents a lot easier than Alder. Jul 10, 2024 · Classical guitars: Sometimes used as an alternative to cedar or spruce tops 4. The price difference between something like poplar or basswood body blanks versus a sapele body blank at my local supplier is and if poplar is also a failure, why did Fender use poplar for 65~78 mustang production? in 70s, there were some ash mustangs, but still, poplar was the main body wood for mustang. Poplar grows in warmer, drier regions, like North America through North Africa. 51 a foot at Homedepot. Besides the type of wood, individual pieces or blanks each have their own unique characteristics in terms of feel and tone. Jul 23, 2016 · Poplar is a closed grain wood that accepts finish well. Basswood Vs Poplar – Color Basswood vs. Another alternative I’ve found intriguing is roasted poplar. They both boast an array of sound dynamics and finishing styles but don’t miss these key differences: Apr 28, 2018 · What is better poplar or basswood? If you're looking for a warm wood that plays well with a lot of gain and aids heavier playing, my money is on basswood. All parts identical, only the body changes. Poplar: 7. red alder - 590. Dec 18, 2022 · As I stated above, I have many guitars, have had 50+ for nearly 30 years (had 68 until a couple years ago). Its biggest drawbacks are green streaks and mineral staining in the grain. spanish cedar - 610. com #vcs Jul 23, 2016 · Basswood is lighter than AlderPoplar is a bit heavier than Alder. janka hardness (dry): basswood - 410. As for myself, I wouldn't prefer poplar to ash, as poplar gets easily damaged if your bass gets hit by Nov 6, 2008 · Well im still learning and dont have much experiance with guitars. Comparing basswood to mahogany, basswood is significantly lighter, with mahogany having a specific gravity of around 0. Travel guitars: Ideal due to its light weight and durability Okoume is particularly popular in entry to mid-level instruments where cost-effectiveness is important without sacrificing quality. I have "builds" where I got to pick, with the luthier, out the boards the guitars would be built fromincluding a pair of sister guitars with one piece bodies cut from the same blank of wood. I got plenty ash,alder,poplar and maghogany basses here,all dinged to heck,basswood ones are in good shape. The lows and highs are softer. With an average weight of 7. I really like the guitar, but the basswood body together with the the Texas Special pickups, hold me back. its actually roughly the same hardness as alder and quite alot harder than basswood. The materials a guitar is built with, take away from the string’s primordial tone some frequencies in varying intensity. Basswood: the principal wood used on many Japanese made instruments. Its abundance and rapid growth make it an environmentally friendly choice. Because of these qualities, it’s very easy to work with and a really popular wood, especially with budget guitars. The color is white, but often has nasty green mineral streaks in it. Jun 9, 2024 · Availability of Basswood: Great. Guitar builders seem to like that it’s a bit softer though. I would't say that it lacks sparkle or that it sounds dead. Aug 14, 2021 · Different tonewoods affect a guitar’s tone in a subtractive way. its a little softer than the honduran mahogany one next to it. agathis - 870 Mar 31, 2023 · Learn more about guitar body types and good wood choices here (what to look for when buying a guitar) Basswood electric guitars: a list of notable players. Basswood grows in areas where the climate is cool and moist, like North America. Apr 1, 2022 · Basswood can make a good alternative for any musician that wants to try something new and different without spending an insane amount of money. Despite its reputation as a more budget-friendly tonewood, basswood has been used by numerous famous guitarists who love its tonal qualities and playability. Basswood is my favorite guitar tonewood by far. Certain pieces of basswood sound great, and other pieces can sound really bad. Basswood has emerged as a strong contender, offering a similar lightweight feel and balanced tone. Life is busy. Aug 14, 2024 · 3. I 1x12 board costs $5. Jul 1, 2013 · There's a "B" word that when mentioned puts the thought of "Eww!" into many bass player's heads, and that word is basswood. So if you want or have a guitar made of basswood that has a solid finish, then the wood itself shouldn't deter you at all. Exotic woods I believe that 75% of all guitars are made with a combination of the woods I described above. Nov 15, 2014 · Hi All: I haven't been around much these days. Basswood Vs Poplar – Location. Poplar is another wood that strikes a good balance between weight and tonal quality. However, white sassafras is not nearly as common in basses as it is in guitars. May 1, 2024 · Like alder, poplar is a type of wood that’s commonly used to manufacture many things. Basswood necks simply aren’t a thing due to the tonewood’s softer properties. Poplar has a bit of a wider range tonally and if you're looking for a decent sounding beginner guitar without breaking the bank, then look no further. Its weight generally runs about one half pound more than Alder. com #vcustomshop. Some of these players include: Jul 15, 2024 · In my controlled tests, I’ve found that mahogany consistently produces a fuller midrange and smoother high-end compared to basswood. Basswood is quite a soft hardwood, and guitar bodies are easily dented if they take a knock. This is due both to its tonal response, (once again, very similar to Alder) as well as the fact that Mar 25, 2023 · Here we have delivered a comprehensive comparison between poplar vs basswood. And, it looks just like the Vintage Modified bodies that were basswood. Since the invention of the electric guitar, many different types of wood have been used across the instrument’s anatomy, with favorites being settled on for bodies, necks, and fingerboards. . Its lightweight and neutral tone make it a well-rounded wood, tone-wise. Poplar is often used as a cost-effective alternative to Alder, offering a similar tonal response with a bit more brightness and clarity. e. Examples of electric guitars with nyatoh bodies/tops: Ibanez Axion Label RGD71ALMS: solidbody with nyatoh body; Ibanez QX527PB: solidbody with nyatoh body (poplar burl top) Nov 4, 2006 · We use a lot of poplar at the guitar shop I work at, and some basswood. Basswood is light as a feather on one hand and alder packs some weight on the other. vcustomshop. i have a canadian poplar blank here. Building a guitar is a lot of effort and time so build something worth keeping. Poplar tonewoods are understated and minimalistic in appearance. May 29, 2023 · It’s been a long-time favourite for lower-priced guitars, but is poplar a good guitar wood? In this article, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about the wood, including its audio characteristics, durability, and sustainability. And I have no explanation as to why. It provides more sustainability and durability as well. Why the "Eww"? Mainly because it's such a common wood material used for guitar body building these days. Jul 23, 2016 · Basswood or Linden. If you’re a guitar enthusiast figuring out which wood type suits your vibe, let’s dive into the battle of basswood vs alder. No complaints at all in terms of tone. Oct 27, 2021 · However, with electric guitars, the tonewoods used are arguably less important compared to the pickups (which isn't the case with acoustics). But I live with the easier denting cause they are such damn good guitars. Let . Apr 19, 2024 · Alder, largely used in Stratocasters, gives a balanced, full-bodied tone, whereas poplar provides a resonant voice, firmly bridging the gap between the softer basswood and harder ash. Feb 7, 2008 · I have seen two guitars around the same price, similar quality except one is basswood with a maple neck and fretboard, and the other is poplar with a maple top and a maple neck with a rosewood Poplar: one of the softer hardwoods, nicely resonant with a meaty tone. Basswood is an incredibly good wood to use as a body (name calling aside!). Alder is harder than poplar. We've tried in our best effort to get this list as complete as possible, but of courseWith our last wood hardness chart, several noted that there were certain woods missing that Jul 23, 2016 · I don't know the price of basswood, but judging by the local lumber store (which don't have much selection) poplar is expensive. (Perhaps the most common guitar and bass tonewood used When it comes to cost, then basswood guitars are normally more affordable. for body balance I prefer Poplar and Alder over Basswood, my Basswood bass is a bit neck dive-y while sitting. This is a fight between warm and warm. Is this list complete? That's where you come in. In guitars, poplar comes with a similar tone to alder as well. I googled a bit and various sources say that basswood sounds darker than alder, and boosts the mids. Dec 9, 2019 · A lot of controversy surrounding basswood stems from the fact that it varies in quality. Tonewood means nothing in an electric guitar. I'm not saying that I could necessarily pick out what wood a guitar is built with in a blind test, but while playing a guitar, I have my own personal likes and dislikes as to what I am not only hearing, but feeling. Basswood produces a very full(fat) and deep sound and can smoothen the bright tones. They will be a lot more common. Every iconic solid-body guitar begins its life the same way—as a simple slab of wood. Aug 7, 2013 · But they just don't "speak" to me like my basswood bodied guitars. The sound is better, however, when it comes to the upper mid-range. Jan 19, 2023 · In fact, basswood is grown at twice the pace that it’s harvested in the United States! Are Basswood Guitars Good? Many cheaper electric guitars and basses feature basswood bodies, and while cost isn’t always an indication of quality, it is true that some of the budget options out there aren’t the best. Commonly used by Norse warriors for their shields. Stuff like that. Basswood Vs. Pine is softer than poplar. Bass guitars: Used in body construction for its lightweight properties 5. And even though you're on a budget, it's not much more to just get the wood that you want. ) I'd like to hear thoughts on how basswood compares to poplar tonally. Poplar provides a much better finish and workability than basswood. This makes it the perfect base for making instruments such as guitars. If you compare the weight of less expensive guitars to more high-end models made of basswood, you will find that most high-end guitars weigh less and normally sound better. It was a MIJ Fender Sambora guitar which had a real nice sound to it. Basswood is about the lamest looking wood you can find. 55 and weighing about 37 pounds per cubic foot. Sep 29, 2007 · I wanted to get opinions from "experts" (i. Basswood is a lighter weight wood normally producing Strat bodies under 4 lbs. Luthiers and manufacturers have experimented with basswood to create guitars that are not only lightweight and comfortable but also aesthetically pleasing and sonically versatile. Meanwhile, basswood offers a mellow tone and thick basses. But this also depends on the brand and make of the guitar. Sep 27, 2023 · Comparing Basswood Vs Alder. If you have a little more to spend, then guitars made with alder bodies are not too far off. Sep 17, 2019 · Poplar is used on many inexpensive guitars, often as ‘body wings’ for neck-thru Vs and the like, but there are also much finer, higher-quality, higher-priced examples. I could be wrong, but if this Classic Vibe JM is poplar, it's not the same poplar we get. kvyxpuhy newuesu klrzzz dopm vbjjambd gei tfyjq gehcduf fzts lwmkr