A lot goes into the creation of a musical instrument, and one of the most basic and common materials needed for production is wood. Particularly in creating stringed instruments, wood is an important consideration in order for the instrument to produce the proper tone. Wood that has consistent and quality musical acoustics is called tonewood. Since sound is produced through vibration, the type of tonewood chosen for a particular instrument is dependent on its vibration qualities. Tonewood is most often used in making acoustic guitars.
Guitars are not usually made with the same type of wood throughout. Tonewood is usually only a consideration for the parts of a guitar that produce sound through vibration, namely, the back, sides, and topwood (also called the soundboard).
Some common tonewoods used to make the backs and sides of guitars include Rosewoods which produce deep bass tones and Mahoganies which produce round, more midrange tones. Maple, Walnut, Cherry, Alder, and Ash are other popular types of tonewood that create tonal qualities that vary slightly in resonance, warmth, and sustainability.
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Martin LXM Little Martin Acoustic Guitar KOA $279 Martin LXM Little Martin Acoustic Guitar KOA |
The Sitka Spruce is a type of tonewood most often found in Alaska and is popular in making the topwood of a guitar. Martin and Gibson guitars usually use Sitka Spruce in creating their guitars because the wood is vibrant and transmits sound well. Other types of Spruces and Cedars are also used to create topwoods.
By considering the type of tonewood a guitar is made of, musicians can more easily predict the qualities of sound and tone that a guitar will make and choose to play the guitar that best suits their musical needs.
Alaska Specialty Woods (http://www.alaskawoods.com) has the finest supply for all kinds of tonewood ranging in all different grades and sizes. Billings Farnsworth is a freelance writer.
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In Store Vintage VINTAGE 1975-75 GIBSON J45 ACOUSTIC CHERRY BURST Standard $1199.99 VINTAGE 1975-75 GIBSON J45 ACOUSTIC CHERRY BURST |
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Wood sculpture, ‘Acoustic Melody’ $67.99 Celebrating music and dance, Nyoman Sudiana depicts a voluptuous musician playing the acoustic guitar. The portrait is carved by hand from Balinese suar wood and reveals a marked Cubist influence. |
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Martin 000CE AL Cherry Acoustic-Electric Guitar Natural $1849.99 Martin 000CE AL Cherry Acoustic-Electric Guitar Natural |
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Yamaha FG735S Folk Acoustic Guitar Vintage Cherry Sunburst $349.99 Yamaha FG735S Folk Acoustic Guitar Vintage Cherry Sunburst |
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Cherry Lane 101 Tips and Tricks for Acoustic Guitar Book Standard $12.95 Cherry Lane 101 Tips and Tricks for Acoustic Guitar Book Standard |
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Wood Cherry Magazine Table $74.99 This innovate side table features a swinging double tabletop that is great for storage and expanding this table's uses. A rich cherry finish completes the look of the magazine table. The two shelves are ideal for holding reading materials and decorative items Colors: CherryFrame materials: Wood, wood compositeFinish: CherryDimensions: 24.5 inches high x 24 inches wide x 15.5 inches deep |
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Cherry Wood Plant Stand $49.99 Featuring a rich cherry finish, this wood plant stand also works as a great phone stand. This furniture features a small top drawer and a shelf on the bottom.Materials: Wood, wood compositeFinish: CherryOne drawer, one bottom shelfMeasures 32.5 inches high x 11.5 inches square |
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Wood Cherry Phone Table $37.49 This living room piece can be used as a plant stand or telephone table. A rich cherry finish completes the look of the phone table. Colors: RedFrame materials: Wood, wood compositeFinish: CherryDimensions: 30 inches high x 12 inches wide x 12 inches deep |
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Martin Martin SWOMGT Sustainable Wood Series Orchestra Acoustic Guitar Sustainable Cherry $1217.13 An environment ‘conscious” guitar, made in keeping with ecological responsibility. |
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Cherry Wood Round End Table $38.49 Dress up a hall or entryway with this classic round end table. This end table features a rich cherry finish.Frame materials: Wood and wood compositeFinish: CherryDimensions: 23 inches high x 19 inches in diameter |
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Cherry 3-tier Wood Phone Table $37.99 This 3-tier phone table will be an enhancement to any home decor. The single-drawer wood stand features a rich cherry finish. Colors: CherryFrame materials: Wood, wood compositeFinish: CherryOne drawerDimensions: 15.5 inches wide x 11.5 inches deep x 28 inches high |
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Martin Certified Wood Series OMCE Mahogany Acoustic-Electric Guitar Standard $2299 Martin Certified Wood Series OMCE Mahogany Acoustic-Electric Guitar Standard |
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Ibanez EW20AS 12-String Exotic Wood Acoustic-Electric Guitar Natural Gloss $449.99 Ibanez EW20AS 12-String Exotic Wood Acoustic-Electric Guitar Natural Gloss |
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Ibanez Exotic Wood EW20QMEBBD Cutaway Acoustic-Electric Guitar Natural $449.99 Ibanez Exotic Wood EW20QMEBBD Cutaway Acoustic-Electric Guitar Natural |
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Small Wood Cherry Coffee Table $45.99 This coffee table features a rich cherry finish. Add a touch of style and function to your home decor with this small table.Colors: CherryFrame materials: Wood, wood compositeFinish: CherryDimensions: 20.5 inches high x 15.5 inches in diameter |
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Mirrored Cherry Wood Jewelry Box $15.99 This elegant Mirrored Cherry Wood Jewelry Box makes a lovely gift for someone special on your list. Handmade of woodStylish lacquered cherry finishFeatures a mirror under the lidElegant white interior liningJewelry compartmentRing barsMeasures 1.37 inches high x 5.16 inches wide x 3.16 inches long |
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Cherry Wood Square End Table $38.99 Dress up a hall or entryway with this classic square end table. This end table features a rich cherry finish.Frame materials: Wood and wood compositeFinish: CherryDimensions: 26 inches high x 11.5 inches wide x 11.5 inches deep |
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Round Cherry Wood End Table $69.04 A crescent shape highlights this elegant end table. This furniture features a cherry finish and turned legs.Materials: Wood, wood compositeFinish: CherryOne drawerTurned legsMortise and tenon joint reinforcementMeasures 27.5 inches high x 20.5 inches in diameter |
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Large Cherry Wood Jewelry Box $133.99 Store your jewelry and valuables in this handsome jewelry box. This box features a cherry finish and a felt-lined interior.Materials: WoodFinish: CherryBurl wood veneerBrass-finish hardwareFelt-lined interiorCompartments for easy organizationMeasures 10.12 inches high x 15.63 inches long x 11.3 inches wide |
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Taylor T5 Standard Acoustic-Electric Guitar with Spruce Top Cherry Sunburst $1739.13 A totally unique tonal range between acoustic and electric. |
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Taylor T5 Custom Acoustic-Electric Guitar with Spruce Top Cherry Sunburst $2299 A master-crafted instrument with full acoustic and electric capabilities. |
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Martin Special Edition OMC Cherry Cutaway Acoustic-Electric Guitar with Case Natural $2699 Martin Special Edition OMC Cherry Cutaway Acoustic-Electric Guitar with Case Natural |
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In Store Used USED GIBSON J185EC CHERRY ACOUSTIC WC 031711 621 Standard $1599.99 In Store Used USED GIBSON J185EC CHERRY ACOUSTIC WC 031711 621 Standard |
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Taylor T5 Standard Acoustic-Electric Guitar with Maple Top Cherry Sunburst $2399 Stunning acoustic-electric tones and the bright punch of a maple top. |
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Kevin Cherry Wood Microwave Cart $169.99 Add the finishing touch to your kitchen decor with this microwave cartDining room furniture features a cherry wood finishMicrowave cart has a pull-out drawer on metal glides Storage area with two doorsUnit comes on coasters for ease of mobilityMeasures 30.8 inches wide x 16.5 inches deep x 51.1 inches high |
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Cherry Wood Glass Top Humidor $87.99 Cherry Wood Glass Top HumidorEasily store your favorite cigars in style with our Two Tone Cherry/Maple Glass Top Humidor. The attention to detail and fine construction is only matched by its outer beauty.Humidor holds up to 100 cigarsSpanish Cedar Interior, with an outside Hygrometer and a Humidification SystemFelt lined bottom to protect surfacesHigh Gloss piano finishBeveled glass top window Removable tray, removable divider and brass finish lock and keyOutside dimensions: 13.5 inches wide x 9.5 inches deep x 6.5 inches high |
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Dark Cherry Wood Coffee Table $255.99 Rectangular coffee table has a bold look that's great for your living roomCoffee table is a highly versatile piece of furnitureEnd table is great for the display of photos or collectiblesFeatures a top framed with cherry wood and four glass panesSlatted bottom shelf provides excellent storage spaceTable measures 50 inches wide x 28 inches deep x 20 inches highFeatures a dark walnut finish Assembly required |
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Natural Maple Wood Acoustic Violin $46.99 This full size violin set includes a maple wood violin, a bow made of ebony and white horse hair, and complimentary rosin. A soft, interlined case protects and allows you to carry your violin from destination to destination safely. Set includes: Violin, bow, case and rosinMaterials: Maple wood, pear woodSoft case liningBow made of ebony and white horse hairFull 4/4 sizeWeight: 1366g / 48.18oz |
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Cherry $7.94 Cherry |
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Handmade Mirrored Cherry Wood Musical Jewelry Box $18.99 This elegant Mirrored Cherry Wood Musical Jewelry Box makes a lovely gift for someone special on your list. Handmade of wood Stylish lacquered cherry finish Features a mirror under the lid Elegant white interior lining Jewelry compartment Plays music Measures 1.05 inches high x 6 inches wide x 4.25 inches long |
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Cedar Wood Cherry Slatted Storage Box $19.99 Use this slatted box as a stylish storage solution for just about anything. The cedar wood storage box features two slatted sides and two solid sides with handle cutouts, and comes in a cherry finish. Finish: Cherry Materials: Cedar wood Dimensions: 13 inches wide x 7 inches high x 12.5 inches deepAssembly required |
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Cherry Wood Veneer Audio Rack $219.99 Extra deep audio rack accommodates latest high-end componentsEntertainment center holds up to 234 pounds of electronics, DVDs and CDs (not included)Sound system stand features four (4) shelves, including three (3) adjustablesNatural cherry wood veneers accented with silver-tone metal moldingContoured tempered glass shelves with locking safety pinsWires can be concealed behind rear metal railMeasures 48 inches high x 25.75 inches wide (front); 22.25 inches wide (back) x 23.5 inches deep |
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Image Flooring 4×12-inch American Cherry Wood Vent $22.99 Image wood vent is designed to enhance the beauty and character of any environmentHardwood flooring flush mount wood vent comes ready to finishVent has self-rimming air register with all-metal damper to moderate air flow from 0 to 100-percentWood vent allows you to direct air where you need itMetal baffles open and close smoothly as they glide easily from side to side in perfectly engineered tracksWe recommend that you lightly sand the wood surface before applying a finish so that you (or your contractor) can match the finish of your flooring or interior design color requirementsImage wood vents will add class and distinction to your interior environment for many yearsAbout American Cherry:Like all fruit trees, cherry belongs to the rose family. American Colonists used the cherry tree for its fruit, medicinal properties and home furnishings. They mixed cherry juice with rum to create Cherry Bounce, a bitter but highly favored cordial. They used bark in production of drugs to treat bronchitis, and cherry stalks were used to make tonics. American Cherry is found throughout the mid-western and Eastern U.S. Average tree height is 60-80 feet. Cherry trees can live to the extreme ages of 150-200 years. Frequently used for fine furniture and cabinet making, moldings and millwork, kitchen cabinets, paneling, flooring, doors, boat interiors, musical instruments, turnings and carvings. Cherry heartwood varies from rich red to reddish brown and darkens with age and exposure to light. In contrast, the sapwood is creamy white. Wood has a fine uniform, straight grain, satiny, smooth texture.Manufacturing Process:Our manufacturing process exceeds all CE European manufacturing standards, which are designed to help ensure quality, safety and environmental protection. All raw materials used to manufacture our vents have been harvested from certified forests |
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Epiphone EJ-160E John Lennon Acoustic-Electric Vintage Cherry Sunburst $599 If you’ve listened to early Beatles recordings, you’ve heard what this acoustic-electric can do. |
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J.K. Adams Cherry Wood Ceiling Pot Rack $216.99 Give your kitchen some extra storage space with this J.K. Adams cherry wood ceiling pot rack. With six pot hooks and four utensil hooks, this storage grid features cast metal details and hooks. Materials: Cherry wood, cast metalFinish: Cherry woodThis rack hangs up to six (6) pots and four (4) utensils with extra storage space on topDimensions: 39 inches long x 13.5 inches wide and hangs at 12 inches from the ceiling |
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Cherry Finish Wood Accent Table $188.99 With an elegant pedestal base, this accent table features cherry veneers that add a touch of traditional style and will be a treasured addition to any room in your home. Solid hardwood and MDF(medium density fiberboard)Table color: Brown Table dimensions: 25 inches high x 17 inches wide x 17 inches deep |
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Copper Brown Upholstered Cherry Wood Ottoman $284.99 Carved pineapples and pinecones highlight this copper brown upholstered cocktail ottoman. This furniture features a cherry wood finish and slatted lower shelf. Materials: Wood, foam, fabricFinish: CherryUpholstery materials: Woven fabric Upholstery color: Copper brown Legs feature carved pineapple/pinecone design Slatted lower shelfThickly padded top Dimensions: 21 inches high x 47 inches wide x 30 inches deep Assembly required |
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Hendrix Cherry and Wheat Beech Wood Barstool $116.99 This Hendrix barstool offers fine European craftsmanship to update any decor. Crafted of solid beech wood, this stool offers a cherry finish and chenille upholstery in a wheat color. Materials: Solid beech woodFinish: Cherry Upholstery materials: ChenilleUpholstery color: WheatUpholstery fill: Foam Seat dimensions: 16 inches wide x 19 inches deep Dimensions: 42 inches high x 16.5 inches wide x 19 inches deep |
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Estrados Poplar Wood Cherry Finish TV Console $260.99 Enhance your living room with this elegant Estrados TV console. This TV console features a poplar wood frame with a cherry finish and a basswood veneer and three adjustable shelves.Materials: Poplar wood, glassFinish: CherryNumber of doors: Three (3)Number of shelves: Three (3)TV size: 37 to 42 inchesDimensions: 26.5 inches high x 48 inches wide x 20 inches deepAssembly required |
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Washburn WD 10S Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar Natural $199 A great looking, solid wood acoustic guitar at a super price. |
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See-through Top Cherry Wood Humidor $92.99 Keep your cigars fresh and flavorful in this richly colored wood humidor. This attractive storage box features a see-through top and is lockable.Materials: WoodFinish: CherryTwo-tone burl wood/maple wood veneerBrass-finish hardwareSee-through glass topHygrometer feature to ensure cigar freshnessLock and key includedMeasures 7 inches high x 15 inches long x 10 inches wide |
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Image Flooring 4×10-inch American Cherry Wood $22.99 Image wood vent is designed to enhance the beauty and character of any environmentHardwood flooring flush mount wood vent comes ready to finishVent has self-rimming air register with all-metal damper to moderate air flow from 0 to 100-percentWood vent allows you to direct air where you need itMetal baffles open and close smoothly as they glide easily from side to side in perfectly engineered tracksWe recommend that you lightly sand the wood surface before applying a finish so that you (or your contractor) can match the finish of your flooring or interior design color requirementsImage wood vents will add class and distinction to your interior environment for many yearsAbout American Cherry:Like all fruit trees, cherry belongs to the rose family. American Colonists used the cherry tree for its fruit, medicinal properties and home furnishings. They mixed cherry juice with rum to create Cherry Bounce, a bitter but highly favored cordial. They used bark in production of drugs to treat bronchitis, and cherry stalks were used to make tonics. American Cherry is found throughout the mid-western and Eastern U.S. Average tree height is 60-80 feet. Cherry trees can live to the extreme ages of 150-200 years. Frequently used for fine furniture and cabinet making, moldings and millwork, kitchen cabinets, paneling, flooring, doors, boat interiors, musical instruments, turnings and carvings. Cherry heartwood varies from rich red to reddish brown and darkens with age and exposure to light. In contrast, the sapwood is creamy white. Wood has a fine uniform, straight grain, satiny, smooth texture.Manufacturing Process:Our manufacturing process exceeds all CE European manufacturing standards, which are designed to help ensure quality, safety and environmental protection. All raw materials used to manufacture our vents have been harvested from certified forests |
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Petite 18-inch Wood Dark Cherry Bathroom Vanity $249.99 Update your bathroom decor with petite bathroom vanity. This vanity is highlighted with a beautiful dark cherry finish and features one drawer and one door for added storage space. Color: Vanity: Dark cherryColor: Sink: BiscuitType: Wall mount Materials: Wood/ceramic Wood finish: Dark cherryHardware finish: Copper Glass: YesFaucet: Not included Number of drawers: One Number of doors: OneVanity dimensions: 32.5 inches high x 16.5 inches wide x 12 inches deepSink dimensions: 18 width x 15 depth |
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Wood Cherry Blossom 2-piece Wall Art $95.99 Artist: Unknown Title: Wood Cherry Blossom Product type: Wood panels Style: Matching set Format: HorizontalSize: Medium Subject: FloralDimensions: 48 inches high x 16 inches wide x 1.2 inches deep |
