Tonewoods, the woods specifically chosen for the construction of musical instruments, are not just the skeleton of the guitar; they are the heart, shaping its sound, feel, and character. Among these, basswood has emerged as a notable, albeit sometimes controversial, choice in the world of electric guitar body construction.
In the following article, we’re going to take an in-depth look at the use of basswood in electric guitar body construction and discuss the pros and cons associated with it.
The Significance of Tonewoods in Electric Guitars
Even though the tone emanating from an electric guitar is mostly a result of the pickups and electronics, the wood still plays a small, yet crucial role. It affects the resonance, sustain, and overall tonal characteristics of the instrument. The density, grain, and composition of the wood can subtly alter the way the guitar’s strings vibrate and, consequently, how the sound is ultimately projected and perceived.
Popular Tonewoods and Their Sonic Footprints
I’ve written a fairly extensive article on the role of specific tonewoods, which you can find here, but for the sake of this article below is a brief overview of the 3 most common tonewoods used in the construction of electric guitar bodies.
| Tonewood | Description |
|---|---|
Mahogany | Revered for its richness and warmth, mahogany is a dense wood that enhances low-end frequencies and sustain. It’s a favorite for rock and blues guitars due to its thick, creamy tones. |
Alder | A staple in many classic electric guitars, alder is lighter than mahogany and offers a full-bodied, yet balanced tone. It has a pronounced mid-range, making it versatile for a range of styles from pop to rock. |
Ash | Especially Swamp Ash, is valued for its resonant, bright quality, striking a balance between brightness and warmth. This wood is also aesthetically pleasing, often chosen for its attractive grain. |
Basswood: An Understated Yet Effective Tonewood
Basswood began gaining popularity as a tonewood for electric guitar bodies in the 1980s. This rise in popularity was mostly due to its affordability, availability, and light weight making it comfortable for prolonged use.
Additionally, basswood’s tonal properties offer a balanced sound with a tempered mid-range. This neutrality allows the guitar’s electronics to have a more pronounced effect on the overall sound.
The 1980s saw a significant shift in the guitar manufacturing industry, with companies exploring different materials and construction techniques to produce cost-effective yet quality instruments. This period also witnessed the emergence of shred guitar, which demanded guitars designed for high-speed playability and often featuring thinner bodies and necks. Basswood, with its easy workability and balanced tonal characteristics, became a popular choice for this style of guitar.
Manufacturers like Ibanez and Fender started using basswood in some of their guitar models during this time, which helped popularize the wood among guitarists. The use of basswood by these major brands, along with its presence in the models used by prominent guitarists, contributed to its growing acceptance and popularity in the guitar community.
Physical Characteristics of Basswood
Basswood, scientifically known as Tilia Americana, is primarily known for its lightweight nature. It’s a softwood, softer than many other hardwoods traditionally used in guitar making, which contributes to its ease of use in manufacturing. It also grows much quicker than most traditional hardwoods and has a life expectancy of approx 200 years.
The grain of basswood is typically fine and even, which allows for a smooth finish when cut and sanded, making it ideal for detailed work.
One of the standout features of basswood is its relative homogeneity in terms of density and texture. This uniformity means that it has fewer tendencies to warp or react adversely to changes in humidity and temperature compared to some other tonewoods, and is more tonally consistent. This aspect of basswood adds to its durability and reliability as a material for guitar bodies.
Impact on Sound and Playability
The lightweight nature of basswood makes it a favorite for players who perform for long durations, as it reduces the strain on the shoulder and back. Its softness, while making it susceptible to dings and scratches, also contributes to a degree of dampening in the sound, which can be desirable for certain playing styles.
To accurately understand the influence of tonewoods on guitar sound, think of them as filters, each imparting unique characteristics. Harder woods like maple and alder, known for their density, tend to reflect sound waves, producing a brighter, more articulate tone. In contrast, although classified as hardwoods, materials like mahogany and basswood offer distinct tonal qualities; mahogany enriches sound with warmth and depth, while basswood provides a more balanced and neutral tone. Rather than merely absorbing sound, each type of wood shapes and colors the sound based on its inherent properties. This nuanced interaction between the wood and the guitar's sound is also influenced by other factors like construction, design, and electronics.
Basswood’s tonal properties are characterized by a balanced sound with a slightly subdued midrange. This neutrality in tone makes it an excellent candidate for shaping the guitar’s sound through pickups and effects, rather than the wood imposing a strong tonal coloration. This quality is particularly appreciated in genres where versatility and the ability to adapt the sound by choice of pickups are crucial.
Basswood V Mahogany
Compared to tonewoods like mahogany, which is known for its rich, warm tones, basswood is less resonant and has a more restrained sound profile. Where mahogany enhances lower frequencies, basswood offers a more balanced approach, not overly accentuating any particular range.
Basswood V Alder
Against alder, another popular choice for electric guitars, basswood holds its ground with a similar balance in tonal properties. However, alder is known for a slightly brighter and more pronounced midrange, whereas basswood tends towards a more even distribution across frequencies.
Basswood vs Ash
When compared to ash, a wood recognized for its balanced tone with a slight emphasis on brighter frequencies, basswood presents a warmer and more evenly rounded sound profile. Ash, particularly varieties like Swamp Ash, is valued for its resonant qualities, contributing both warmth and brightness to the guitar’s tone. This contrast with basswood’s softer, more neutral characteristics makes ash a popular choice among guitarists who seek a blend of clarity and warmth in their sound.
In summary, basswood stands out as a versatile and player-friendly option, offering a unique combination of physical ease and tonal adaptability. Its ability to provide a balanced frequency response makes it an ideal choice for a wide range of musical styles.
Notable Guitars Built with Basswood
Several notable guitar models have employed basswood in their construction, contributing to the wood’s reputation among musicians. For example:
| Guitar | Description |
|---|---|
| Ibanez RG Series | Known for their sleek design and versatility, many models in this series feature basswood bodies, making them a favorite among rock and metal guitarists. |
| Fender Aerodyne Stratocaster | This unique model from Fender combines traditional Stratocaster attributes with a basswood body, offering a modern twist on a classic design. |
| Music Man Axis | Originally designed with Eddie Van Halen, the Music Man Axis showcases a basswood body, known for its superb balance and tone. |
| EVH Wolfgang | Another guitar associated with Eddie Van Halen, the Wolfgang series often uses basswood for its body, chosen for its lightweight and resonant qualities. |
These models exemplify the successful integration of basswood into high-quality guitars, demonstrating that this wood, once considered merely an economical option, is capable of delivering high-quality performance and sound.
Criticisms and Limitations of Basswood
Of course, it’s not all smooth sailing for basswood. Like all tonewoods it does have some limitations which may or may not be of importance to you, including:
Susceptibility to Dents and Scratches
One of the primary criticisms of basswood in guitar construction is its relative softness, which makes it more prone to dents, scratches, and other forms of physical damage. This vulnerability might be a concern if you travel frequently or perform live, where the risk of wear and tear is higher. The soft nature of the wood requires extra care and handling, which might not be ideal for every player.
Perception as a ‘Lesser’ Tonewood
Basswood often faces a perception challenge, being viewed as a ‘lesser’ tonewood compared to traditional choices like mahogany, alder, and ash. This perception is partly due to its widespread use in budget-friendly guitar models, which can lead to an association with lower quality. While basswood does offer excellent tonal qualities, its reputation as an economical option has sometimes overshadowed its musical capabilities, leading some to underestimate its potential.
Potential Limitations in Sound Dynamics and Sustain
While basswood is praised for its balanced tone, it may lack the dynamic range and sustain offered by denser woods. Its softer composition can lead to a quicker decay of notes and a less pronounced sustain, which might not be suitable for certain musical styles that rely heavily on long, sustained notes. Additionally, basswood’s even tonal response, while versatile, might not provide the same level of brightness or warmth as some of its hardwood counterparts, potentially limiting its appeal to guitarists seeking a more distinct tonal character.
These criticisms and limitations highlight that while basswood is a versatile and accessible choice for many, it may not meet the specific needs or preferences of all guitarists, particularly those looking for durability and a more pronounced tonal signature.
Basswood in Modern Guitar Design
The use of basswood in modern guitar design has been marked by significant innovations that leverage its unique properties. Luthiers and manufacturers have experimented with basswood to create guitars that are not only lightweight and comfortable but also aesthetically pleasing and sonically versatile.
For example, the integration of basswood in multi-layered body designs, where it is combined with other woods, has allowed for the creation of guitars with enhanced tonal characteristics. The softness of basswood also makes it ideal for intricate carving and custom shaping, leading to ergonomic designs that cater to the comfort of the player.
Some modern guitars also feature basswood bodies with specialized finishes and coatings, which help to mitigate its susceptibility to damage while enhancing its natural resonance. These design choices demonstrate how basswood’s perceived limitations can be turned into strengths in the right hands.
Complementing Basswood Bodies with Modern Electronics
The neutral tonal palette of basswood makes it an excellent foundation for the advanced electronics and hardware found in some contemporary guitars. This wood’s natural sound doesn’t overpower the electronics, allowing for clearer articulation of effects and pickups.
In models equipped with high-output pickups or sophisticated preamp systems, basswood bodies ensure that the electronic enhancements are front and center in the guitar’s sound profile.
Additionally, the light weight of basswood is a perfect match for modern hardware innovations, such as tremolo systems and locking tuners, which can add a small amount of weight to the guitar. The balance achieved with a basswood body ensures that these features enhance playability and performance without causing discomfort to the player.
What is a good pickup for basswood body?
Selecting the right pickup for a basswood guitar body largely depends on the desired sound and playing style, as basswood’s neutral tonal qualities make it a versatile foundation for various pickup types. For players seeking a bright, clear sound, especially for genres like rock or metal, high-output humbuckers are a great choice.
They complement basswood’s even tone by adding richness and depth, while also effectively handling distortion. Single-coil pickups are also an excellent match for basswood if you’re aiming for a crisper, more articulate sound, suitable for genres like pop, blues, or jazz.
These pickups accentuate the natural clarity and balance of basswood, providing a smooth, clean tone. Additionally, active pickups, known for their precise and clear output, can further enhance the guitar’s versatility, making basswood-bodied guitars suitable for a wide array of musical styles. Ultimately, the choice of pickup should align with your individual sound preferences and the specific demands of your musical genre.
Final Thoughts: Is Basswood Right for You?
Matching Tonewood to Playing Style and Genre
When considering a guitar, the choice of tonewood should align with your playing style and the genre of music you predominantly play. Basswood, with its balanced tonal profile, is an excellent all-rounder. It’s particularly well-suited for players who rely heavily on pedals and amplifiers to shape their sound, as its neutrality allows the electronics to take center stage. This makes it a great choice for genres that require versatility, such as rock, pop, or metal.
For those who prefer a more pronounced natural tone from their guitar, especially for genres like blues or jazz, where the intrinsic wood character is more noticeable, other tonewoods like mahogany or alder might be more suitable. Mahogany, for instance, adds warmth and depth, ideal for bluesy licks, while alder offers a brighter sound with a more pronounced mid-range, fitting for many styles of rock and pop.
