An age old question relates to types of woods used in an electric guitar. Should it be hardwoods? What about “old” woods.

Well, my feeling is hardwoods may make an electric guitar have more sustain, however, a specific hardwood doesn’t matter except for desire. If you want to say your guitar is made of some rare exotic hardwood, that’s fine. If you want to spend a lot more money on those rare hardwoods, it’s your money. 

Electric guitar high quality pickups, neck materials, pots, amps and effects pedals actually make the sound of the guitar. Changes of electronic effects, amp settings, volume and tone make up the majority of the sound characteristics.

With all of that under consideration, I don’t feel that the various types of hardwoods make that much difference for sound. 

If you are adding a clear finish and stain to wood without painting it, specific hardwoods with some type of figure, will determine the type of wood you want for your guitar for the visual aspect.

Let me know your thoughts.

Evan M.