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Armando -> RE: Any thoughts on Macassar for back and sides? (May 21 2009 7:17:40)
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Hi Ramón
Yes, i know it is used not only for western style guitars but also for classical guitars by some luthiers. The reason why it is used is probably more due to it's visual atractiveness rather than for it's acoustical quality. As you know, backs and sides are not as much critical for the final tone of the guitar as it is the case with the soundboard. Nevertheless i don't want to use any wood, even if it is beautiful , if it has high damping properties. In deed i want to build a good sounding instrument and not a furniture, so the tonal quality of a certain piece of wood is more important than it's visual quality. That's my opinion, as always there are others as well.
If you are looking for wood to build your own guitar or if you are about to buy a new instrument its recommendable to make the test by yourself.
Just get a piece of macassar ebony and a piece of indian rosewood. cut the two pieces to the same size. Not much wood is needed for the test. Two small pieces will do. Throw the two pieces on the floor. Ceramic floor is best but others do as well as long as there is no carpet. If you have an ear just above average, you will immediately notice the difference in the sound. While the ebony will sound "clack", the indian rosewood will sound "pleng" and a piece brazilian would sound "pling".
So it is obvious, that such a difference in response will also have it's effect on any stringed instrument.
regards
Armando
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