Mahogany vs.Rosewood vs. Sapele vs. Ovangkol

[Iwasonlyhuman]

I know that the tone woods can even vary within their own same type (as in no two Rosewood bodies will sound the exact same), but I was trying to understand the major differences in these woods. I have a DN3, so its a sapele body, and I could definitely hear a difference next to a D-18 (Mahogany I believe). However, I don't know the real differences or benefits of each. And I know almost nothing about ovangkol, which is Taylor's rosewood I guess. Obviously I am mainly comparing Taylors and Martins, but any input would be appreciated.

 

On a similar note, for the top wood, I noticed the majority are spruce but a few have cedar, like the Taylor GS5 and the Seagull S6. What is the major benefits of that?

 

Also, this is a really stupid question, but I forget what (000) and (00) mean for martins... It denotes the body size right? My friend's dad has a 000-18 from the 1940s, so we were discussing it and I couldn't recall if that meant it was smaller than a dreadnought or not. I didn't want to look like a moron, so I didn't say anything then, but I would like to know now.

[thankyou]

If you've ever played a Rainsong, it could add to the confusion, as there's no wood at all (sorry Viagra). I think a lot of the discussion is not necessarily better or worse, but apples, oranges and bananas. The top wood seems to be the most critical.

 

As I understand it, the Martin models numbers indicate size/style with the first part - 00's and 000's being smaller "parlor" models and D being dreadnoughts. Gibson uses "J" for their jumbos. The second number for Martins is a quality standard, the higher the number, the more precious the tonewoods and ornamentation.

 

So, a D18 is kind of the original base model big guitar, and the 000-18 is a smaller bodied model with similar woods. The D-28 is probably the most sought after model, but the D-35 and 45 are more expensive when new.

[Gary Palmer]

Follow this link for a little detail covering the various timbers used.

 

http://www.taylorguitars.com/guitars/features/woods/

[Guitar_stringer]

I cringe every time I see a A vs B, post. Take women for example: Blondes, Brunettes, and Redheads. It's not a case of "vs" but in preferences.

Or take dessert: A Banana Split, Chocolate Sundae, or Pecan Pie. It's not a "vs" thing either.

 

Tonewoods are like flavors, as are guitars. Let your preference be your guide.

 

Now, this made me hungry...

[Samilyn]

I know that the tone woods can even vary within their own same type (as in no two Rosewood bodies will sound the exact same), but I was trying to understand the major differences in these woods. I have a DN3, so its a sapele body, and I could definitely hear a difference next to a D-18 (Mahogany I believe). However, I don't know the real differences or benefits of each. And I know almost nothing about ovangkol, which is Taylor's rosewood I guess. Obviously I am mainly comparing Taylors and Martins, but any input would be appreciated. On a similar note, for the top wood, I noticed the majority are spruce but a few have cedar, like the Taylor GS5 and the Seagull S6. What is the major benefits of that? Also, this is a really stupid question, but I forget what (000) and (00) mean for martins... It denotes the body size right? My friend's dad has a 000-18 from the 1940s, so we were discussing it and I couldn't recall if that meant it was smaller than a dreadnought or not. I didn't want to look like a moron, so I didn't say anything then, but I would like to know now.

 

Hi, and Welcome to HCAG.

 

Looks like you've gotten some good answers here, so far, so I'll just add this:

 

Cedar has its pros and cons. It's biggest pro is its warm, woody sound. The most notable con is that it's a soft wood, so is easily dinged and/or scratched than spruce.

 

Some guitars also have mahogany tops, which is tougher than cedar, but imparts a very deep, woody, mellow tone.

[seagullplayer77]

Welcome to the forum !

 

A few months ago, someone (maybe Frets99?) posted a video of a guy from a guitar shop comparing three tonewoods---rosewood, sapele, and mahogany, I believe. It was actually a pretty interesting video because you could actually hear the tonal differences quite clearly. Unfortunately, I don't remember the URL of the post or of the video .

[Queequeg]

I cringe every time I see a A vs B, post. Take women for example: Blondes, Brunettes, and Redheads. It's not a case of "vs" but in preferences. Or take dessert: A Banana Split, Chocolate Sundae, or Pecan Pie. It's not a "vs" thing either. Tonewoods are like flavors, as are guitars. Let your preference be your guide. Now, this made me hungry...

0 = Parlor

00 is a little bigger

000 bigger yet, just about the same size as an OM.

0000 next up in size

Dreadnought is the biggest, ordinarily, although about the same size as a Jumbo, but the Jumbo has a tighter waist.

(And I'll take the redhead and a slice of Pecan Pie)