Rosewood vs Maple for Guitars
Guitars are stringed musical instruments that produce sound based on the type of wood used in constructing the body and neck. Often, the same wood is used for both parts, but sometimes different woods are employed. The wood used in a guitar can significantly impact the tonal quality of the sound it produces. Many guitarists prioritize the wood quality of their guitar’s body, and to a lesser extent, the neck. This article examines the differences between rosewood and maple woods in relation to the sound quality of guitars.
Key Takeaways
- Rosewood is an oily, heavy wood that creates high-quality sustain and chokes high-frequency tones.
- Maple is a strong, durable wood that produces bright tones with decent sustain and requires a finish.
- Maple guitars often look dirty after a few years of use, and rosewood is harder to source, making rosewood guitars more expensive.
Rosewood Guitar
Rosewood is an oily and heavy wood, known for suppressing high tones while creating high-quality sustain. Some people believe that good sustain leads to a bright top end, but this is not the case with rosewood. It chokes high-frequency tones while producing strong fundamental sounds. Due to its oily nature, rosewood does not necessitate a finish, which is good news for players who find maple wood sticky when playing their guitars.
Maple Guitar
Maple wood is commonly used to make guitar necks, particularly for electric guitars. It is a strong and durable wood, with minimal wear and tear due to environmental and weather factors. Maple produces bright tones with decent sustain and a lot of bite. The sound produced is crisp and well defined. However, maple requires a finish, and some players find the guitar too sticky when given a glossy finish. Maple also has a light appearance, making it look dirty after a few months of use. If you prefer warm and bright tones, a guitar made from maple wood may be suitable for you.
Difference between Rosewood and Maple Guitars
• Maple requires a finish but can feel sticky to some players. On the other hand, rosewood is naturally oily, eliminating the need for a finish.
• Maple has a lighter appearance than rosewood, making the guitar look dirty after a few years of use.
• Maple is soft and smooth, whereas rosewood is harder, and some players find it less smooth to play the guitar.
• Rosewood guitars are more expensive than maple wood guitars due to the difficulty in sourcing the wood.
• Ultimately, any difference in the wood matters only if you notice a difference in the tonal quality of the sound.
