• Zurf
  • Zurf
  • Blunt but well meaning moderator
  • Offline
  • From: Virginia, USA
  • Registered: 2007-06-27
  • Posts: 7,522

Topic: Exotic Woods

There've been a lot of exotic wood acoustic guitars being built by some of the mass-producers lately.  Koa seems popular, as does maple.  Yeah, I know maple isn't exotic, but it is an unusual choice for an acoustic guitar considering how hard it is relative to the standard spruce wood.  Anyway, I've played a few of these guitars and was surprised by the quality of the tone.  I particularly liked the guitars with koa top and mahogany sides and back. 

Anyone have any thoughts on this.  Ibanez has a koa top model that I'm considering if and when I ever get together a few hundred dollars.  I'd like to step up to an acoustic electric so I can start recording a bit and would like something with a crisp but round tone.  It seems that the harder woods used as the top give that result. 

- Zurf

Granted B chord amnesty by King of the Mutants (Long live the king).
If it comes from the heart and you add a few beers... it'll be awesome! - Mekidsmom
When in doubt ... hats. - B.G. Dude
  • MJH
  • Junior Member
  • Offline
  • Registered: 2007-10-02
  • Posts: 5

Re: Exotic Woods

I just recently was fortunate enough to get a Taylor GSK with a koa top.  It is as you described it, a very crisp sound.  Do not look for a lot of volume when you play it acoustically, but it is quite loud enough.  The sustain isn't as great as a rosewood/spruce or actually anything with a spruce or cedar top, but it is just fine.

I love Taylor guitars, so I was pretty sure it would be a great guitar.  I am not disappointed.

Mark
  • From: Bellevue, WA
  • Registered: 2006-06-15
  • Posts: 3,336

Re: Exotic Woods

Every wood resonates differently.  It matters.

Someday we'll win this thing...

[url=http://www.aclosesecond.com]www.aclosesecond.com[/url]

jerome.oneil's Website

  • Registered: 2008-02-18
  • Posts: 2

Re: Exotic Woods

But why should we assume that cheap wood makes a cheap sound? Spruce is cheap. Why no oak guitars? Don't the strings make just as much difference to the tone as the wood?