Rosewood vs Maple for Guitars
Guitar is one musical instrument that is stringed and produces sound that is dependent upon the wood that is used to manufacture the board and the neck. Many a time, the body and the neck are made with the same wood but often there are different woods used to manufacture these parts. The woods used to assemble your guitar often have an effect on the overall tonal quality of the sound produced by the guitar. Most guitarists tend to ascertain the wood quality used to make the body of their guitars and to a lesser extent the neck of their guitars. This article attempts to take a look at the difference that rosewood and maple woods can make to the sound quality of the guitar.
Rosewood Guitar
Rosewood is an oily wood that is also heavy. This wood is known for suffocating highs while being able to create very high quality sustain. There are people who say that good sustain leads to a top end that is very bright. However, this is not the case with rosewood as it chokes high-frequency tones yet creating strong fundamental sounds. Being oily, rosewood does not require a finish that is good news for some players who find maple wood sticky while playing their guitars.
Maple Guitar
Maple is perhaps the most common variety of wood used to make guitar necks, especially electric guitars. Maple is a very strong and durable wood that has very little wear and tear because of environment and weather. It produces bright tones that have decent sustain having a lot of bites. The sound produced is felt as crisp and well defined. Maple however requires finish and if given a glossy finish many players find the guitar too sticky to handle. Maple also has a very light appearance making it look dirty after a few months of use. If you are a person desirous of warm and bright tones, you should go for a guitar made from maple wood.
What is the difference between Rosewood and Maple Guitars?
• Maple requires a finish but feels sticky to some layers. On the other hand, rosewood is oily in itself obliterating the need for a finish.
• Maple is lighter in appearance than rosewood that makes the guitar look dirty after a few years use.
• Maple is soft and smooth whereas rosewood is harder and players do not find it smooth to play the guitar.
• Rosewood guitars are more expensive than maple wood guitars as it is harder to source these days.
• In the end, any difference in the wood matters only as long as you feel any difference in the tonal quality of the sound.