A little late today chaps, I’m sorry! Life got in the way. Good luck to those of you still awake.
I was examining custom guitar shops today, and dreaming about axes I cannot afford. I brought up the subject with a drummer friend of mine and he said he had no idea what woods would do what to the sound of the guitar in question. I asked around and this seems to be a popular idea, that this is some kind of witchcraft and only geeks can hear the difference!
I should say it’s fairly simple. If you want a bright, clear tone (classic Fender Telecaster for example) you want to find a wood that is light, supple and not very dense. Ash is commonly used. If however, and like me, you prefer your guitars with a lot of bottom end grunt (such as an ESP M-200) you should pick something dense, hard and heavy. Mahogany is a very popular choice here.
You cannot remove things like pick-ups, amps, strings and playing style from the equation but the single biggest factor is the make up of your neck and even more, your body.
Go buy a custom!
/gearhead out
