guitar body woods?

Nicholas-L

Been wondering for a while now, what wood would sound close, but not that close to a mahogany body? For example red ceder?

MikeM

Sapele and korina might sound too close to mahogany for your tastes. Ash might sound too far.

I vote alder.

Nicholas-L

Alder is still a bit too bright for my liking though ??? even though it's s Strat wood.

Gearhead

First question is, what would you want to achieve not using Mahogany? Mahogany is actually over half a dozen different species already. If you're after local availability, Khaya and Sapeli are local woods close to the American Mahoganies and should be easily available. In the fifties and sixties, guitars were made of Honduras Mahogany while it was available. If you're interested in weight, Red Cedar is very light but does not sound the same as Mahogany.

MikeM

Nicholas L wrote: Alder is still a bit too bright for my liking though ??? even though it's s Strat wood.

I was pulling your leg chum. Your first post was extremely vague.

Gearhead is correct. Don't know why you want to go for something outlandish when there are a good half dozen or so mahoganies and alternatives easily available locally.

Nicholas-L

Sorry guys I'm not actually looking into getting any wood, I've just been wondering about different alternatives to mahogany for that warm tone. Lets say I wanted to build a strat but not go down the typical Alder or Swamp ash route, but wanted something a bit more warm sounding yet still use single coil pups.

AlanRatcliffe

So, why not build a mahogany Strat?

Basswood, Korina and Koa are other options. Rosewood if you don't mind the weight. Chamber it and it relieves some weight and gets a bit warmer and more resonant still.

Nicholas-L

Alan Ratcliffe wrote: So, why not build a mahogany Strat?

most likely if I ever get to building a Strat I'll use mahogany, but was just wondering what else is out there to use.

Ian

If you are in South Africa try Kiaat ,generally has a really warm tone .Obviously you will need to check through to find exactly what you are wanting ,but Kiaat is good looking ,sounds great and also not ttoo heavy ,oh and it smells great to work with

Zulublues

Agreed, Kiaat looks great but is hell on cutting edges. It actually raises small flints in the timber as it grows. I've seen sparks from a sanding disc!! Just keep your tools nice and sharp.