whats nato

[scottop1972]

[Hudman]

Originally posted by scottop1972

 

It's an inexpensive alternative to mahogany. The favored mahogany alternative tends to be sapele. Mahogany is becoming hard to get.

 

Here's a couple definitions I found:

 

"Nato wood, also known as Eastern Mahogany, is a reliable, strong wood used on guitar necks. It is a value-priced wood used more for beginner instruments. However, it still embodies all of the properties of more commonly used mahogany."

 

Here's another one:

 

Family: Leguminosa

 

"Other Common Names: Nato, Nato rojo (Colombia), Mora de Guyana (Venezuela), Marobukea, Mora (Guyana), Mora Moraboekea (Surinam), Pracuuba (Brazil)."

 

"Distribution: M. excelsa: Widely distributed in the Guianas and less so in the Orinoco Delta of Venezuela; dominant on river levees and flood plains forming dense stands. M. gonggrijpii: Restricted to Guyana and Surinam, a dominant species best adapted to hillsides on heavy clay soils."

 

"The Tree Usually 100 to 120 ft high and 2 to 3 ft in diameter with clear boles 60 ft and more above very large buttresses that may extend 15 ft up the trunk. Trees of M. excelsa 160 to 200 ft high and 4 ft in diameter are reported."

 

"The Wood General Characteristics: Heartwood yellowish red brown, reddish brown or dark red with paler streaks; sapwood 2 to 6 in. wide, distinct, yellowish to pale brown. Texture moderately fine to rather coarse, rather harsh to the feel; luster medium to high; grain is straight to commonly interlocked, very variable; astringent taste and slightly sour odor."

 

Please note: Don't eat the nato guitars. That would be bad -

[Gretsch Fan]

I always wondered that myself. I guessed it was an alternative of some sort.

 

Hey Hudman I love your current Esteban sig.

[studyscoot]

Narth Atlantic Treaty Organization

[Kap'n]

Not A Tree Orignally.

 

 

Works OK for back and sides on mid line acoustics.

[scottop1972]

thanks guys!

 

so it is still solid sides and back:thu:

[Kap'n]

Can be, but not necessarily.

 

If it dosn't say 'solid' you can bet it isn't.