[Acoustic Guitars] About materials used in acoustic guitar

I'm Yoshitaka, a guys who loves acoustic guitars.

Today I will write about the materials used in guitars. I know that there is a lot of information already, but I would like to write about guitar materials from a slightly musical instrument geek's point of view.

Rosewood can no longer be used due to the Washington Convention. Brazilian rosewood (Hakalanda), which was used in Martin D-28 and D-45 until 1969, is no longer used as a guitar material because its handling is regulated at the same level as giant pandas. I think that it is now quite rare.

Even musical instrument manufacturers have the impression that the transition from rosewood has begun. Pau ferro (also known as Santos Rosewood), Wenge, etc.

→ Staff blog "Rosewood Alternative Material Problem"
→ Staff blog "Continued, Rosewood Alternative Material Problem"

However, I have the impression that the evaluation of new materials has not yet been exhausted, and the reality is that expressions such as "the warm tone of mahogany" have not yet reached the level at which they are used frequently. In the future, I think that development that makes use of the acoustic characteristics of new materials will flourish.

Rosewood and mahogany are well known for being used on the sides and backs of guitars, so I once got some advice from a manufacturer about purchasing. As is often said,

1.Rosewood is heavier than mahogany
2.Rosewood is more suitable for players who place importance on bass and treble.
3.Mahogany is suitable for players who value the mid-range.

In simple words only, you have the "High-Low type” or the “mid-range type", but in reality, there are many elements that cannot be expressed simply in words, such as the appearance of overtones and the fresh feeling. I think, and ultimately, everything is based on how individuals perceive the sounds of individual instruments.

Of course, the above is a comparison of products that are from the same manufacturer, have the same body, and use the same top material, and if the body size is different, such as OM or dreadnaught, a simple comparison cannot be made, so in the end, various factors are taken into consideration when judging.

I used to own guitars from the same manufacturer, with the same body size, almost the same grade, but with different side and back materials.
At this time, one was mahogany and the other was maple, but I personally liked maple because it had richer overtones and was more gorgeous, but the calm tone of mahogany was better. I think there are many people who like this.

Even so, since it is an instrument made of natural wood, there are individual differences, and I think that the sound will change as you play it, so I don't think these things can be said unconditionally. Also, since the materials of expensive guitars are more carefully selected, I think that the "sound of selected materials" that you cannot show in the catalog specifications is a big point.

To be honest, I'm not confident of hearing the difference in the sound and just hitting the material, but if you are particular about it, you may want to buy a single rosewood board while you still can.
(For example, the YAMAHA LL-16, LJ-16 and LS-16 use a single sheet of rosewood, but considering the preciousness of wood, I sometimes think that these are a bargain now.)

YAMAHA / LL16 ARE

YAMAHA / LJ16 ARE

YAMAHA / LS16 ARE

Speaking only of the materials used, it seems that in the old days there was an abundance of good materials, but when considering processing technology such as bracing and pickup in electric acoustic guitar comprehensively, the latest products also have their merits. I think it's fun to consider such points, and I think it's good to play the acoustic guitar you have now and enjoy the maturation of the sound.