Alternate Woods
Most often I have used CSA or East Indian rosewoods for backs and sides. In 1982 I made a fingerstyle 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 both classical and steel string guitars, being generally denser and more brilliant-sounding than other CSA rosewoods, 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 Brazilian, although it can be waxy and difficult to work with. Honduran mahogany contributes a rich, warm quality to the sound of any guitar, and projects surprisingly well.
Many other back and side woods can be used successfully to make steel string guitars. In general, the stiffer, denser woods produce louder guitars that project well with good sustain, but all the below-mentioned woods also work well for steel strings. I have used many of the following (although not necessarily depicted in the Gallery): Honduran rosewood, bubinga, purpleheart, myrtlewood, padauk, American maples, koa, and walnut. (This list is by no means exhaustive.)
In recent years I have made several guitars with multi-piece backs. This is as much an aesthetic choice as an effort to conserve precious materials, and by combining different woods, explore different subtle tonal results. Many combinations of woods remain untried. (See examples under Multi-Piece Backs.)
Alternate top woods, not depicted, include redwood, various firs, red and blue spruces, and some recently discovered hybrid spruces.
Many other back and side woods can be used successfully to make steel string guitars. In general, the stiffer, denser woods produce louder guitars that project well with good sustain, but all the below-mentioned woods also work well for steel strings. I have used many of the following (although not necessarily depicted in the Gallery): Honduran rosewood, bubinga, purpleheart, myrtlewood, padauk, American maples, koa, and walnut. (This list is by no means exhaustive.)
In recent years I have made several guitars with multi-piece backs. This is as much an aesthetic choice as an effort to conserve precious materials, and by combining different woods, explore different subtle tonal results. Many combinations of woods remain untried. (See examples under Multi-Piece Backs.)
Alternate top woods, not depicted, include redwood, various firs, red and blue spruces, and some recently discovered hybrid spruces.