About Wood for Backs and Sides
The above photograph shows my progress cutting maple
into
1/8" slices for the back and sides of a guitar. My son Jan is
in
the background working on a project of his own at my workbench.
Don
Antonio de
Torres--essentially the inventor of modern classical and flamenco
guitars--once built a guitar with back and sides made of papier mȃché,
to prove that the material of the back and sides has little importance
to the sound of the guitar.
There is a widespread myth that Rosewood, especially Brazillian Rosewood (now an endangered species and essentially unavailable), is the best wood for classical guitar backs and sides. I hope more and more people are realizing that this is only a myth. Many other woods make great-sounding guitars. What counts most is how the luthier uses the wood: For example, a denser wood might be made thinner than a less-dense wood. Also, the internal bracing can be varied--and should be to suit each circumstance.
One of my favorite woods for classical and flamenco guitars is Hard Maple from the eastern United States. Please note that all violin family instruments are made with maple backs and sides, and spruce soundboards. I like maple because it is good sounding, good looking, and nice to work with. And because it is sustainable and I know that it is harvested without abusing indigenous people.
There is a widespread myth that Rosewood, especially Brazillian Rosewood (now an endangered species and essentially unavailable), is the best wood for classical guitar backs and sides. I hope more and more people are realizing that this is only a myth. Many other woods make great-sounding guitars. What counts most is how the luthier uses the wood: For example, a denser wood might be made thinner than a less-dense wood. Also, the internal bracing can be varied--and should be to suit each circumstance.
One of my favorite woods for classical and flamenco guitars is Hard Maple from the eastern United States. Please note that all violin family instruments are made with maple backs and sides, and spruce soundboards. I like maple because it is good sounding, good looking, and nice to work with. And because it is sustainable and I know that it is harvested without abusing indigenous people.
Please
try one of my maple gutars. I think you will be delighted
with it.