Hello viewers, before I get into the actual content or topic of this post I would like to take the time to mention that in my last post, I had forgotten to state that my blog would focus mostly on electric guitars. I took the time to mention that now because acoustic and electric guitars do not have the same components. My previous post had indicated that I would be discussing the types of wood that are used to make guitars. There are many types of wood that can be used to make a guitar and the choice that is selected will affect the guitar in some ways. Some examples of wood types are maple, mahogany, basswood, alder, walnut and the list goes on. The type of wood that is used can alter the weight of the guitar, the price of a guitar, but most importantly, the tone of a guitar.
Fender, which is one of the most successful guitar retailers still selling instruments, likes to use a variety of woods but they all vary from prices to looks and the sound that is produced. A guitar can have any sound the guitar luthier, one who makes and or fixes the stringed instruments, desires. When Leo Fender, the founder of Fender, began drafting his first designs, he chose many woods but felt comfortable with the look and sound of a particular wood. “ Leo Fender chose swamp ash for his first Esquire, Broadcaster and Telecaster guitars... swamp ash is lighter... that makes it remarkably resonant and sweet sounding, with clearly chiming highs, defined midrange and strong low end. Higher overtones are more clearly defined in lower registers, improving harmonic content. Further, the wood has a beautiful grain and color that make for gorgeous transparent finishes”. As you can see, all of these things are to be considered when making or purchasing a guitar because they go a long way when you actually play the instrument. Leo’s decision of using swamp ash wood was very particular for the set of guitars it was intended to be used for. That being said, it can be applied or used to make other guitar styles or types but the end product will always be different. Wood is a very important component of the guitar making process and the wood that is used will affect the guitar in specific ways. Stick around for my next post where I will be discussing some of the electrical components of the instrument.
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