Alternate Woods

Most often I have used CSA or East Indian rosewoods for backs and sides on my classical guitars. In 1982 I made a steel string guitar of African blackwood rosewood, and soon after, the first concert classical guitar of African blackwood, with my partner, Cyndy Burton. Since then, it has become a popular wood for classical guitars, being generally denser and more brilliant-sounding than CSA rosewood, but difficult to obtain in any quantity. European maple was a common wood for classical guitars in the 19th century. Although much less common today, I have found it to be a wonderful tonewood, imparting a warm, clear, bright sound that projects well. Cocobolo, another extremely dense rosewood, is similar in tonal qualities to other CSA rosewoods, although it can be waxy and difficult to work with. Mediterranean cypress is traditionally used for flamenco guitars, being light and stiff, but can also make bright, loud, clear, and sustaining classical guitars as well. Many other back and side woods can be used successfully to make classical guitars. In general, the stiffer, denser woods are most appropriate for classical guitars, but all the below-mentioned work well for steel strings. I have used many of the following, although they are not depicted in the Gallery: Honduran rosewood, bubinga, purpleheart, myrtlewood, padauk, American maples, mahogany, koa, and walnut. (This list is by no means exhaustive.)

Alternate top woods, not depicted, include redwood, various firs, and red and blue spruces.

Many woods can be used in combination as multi-piece backs, and several examples can be viewed under Multi-Piece Backs.