Question about top woods

[TexasRocks]

Can any wood be used as a top wood? I am talking about the top wood in like a SLATQH, which is 3/4 inch quilted maple.

Does the type of top wood affect the sound much, or is it more for looks?


I just watched a program on History Channel about lumber, and they had a segment on Ancient Kauri wood. Found in New Zealand that has been buried in peat for upwards of 50,000 years. Might be the most unique wood I have ever seen, and would love to use it as a top wood, but I don't have any clues as to the sound quality or density.

[jtr]

They already make a guitar,I think it's called a Langcaster out of that wood.

[HiOctane]

Question about top woods

The top wood selected does affect the tone. Another important factor is the back wood, because the top wood generally "borrows" from the mids of the back wood and adds to the top and bottom of the sound.

Maple (quilted, flamed, spalted, etc.) is the most common, and brings in some crispness and highs. Koa is another popular choice. The thicker the top, the more it colors the tone.

For some good discussions of this topic, visit http://www.warmoth.com,
http://www.suhrguitars.com and http://www.andersonguitars.com.