Acoustic Tone Woods: Why it matters!

[@hansgauvin8076]

Now, that's how transition should always be made when comparing guitar tones! No talking, no pointing, no pause in between. Perfection.

[@LoganBriggs]

Paul's comparisons with guitars/amps are always top notch! Clearly recorded and compared directly enough to actually identify any differences.

[@hkguitar1984]

Ditto, well said Hans

[@MrHaggyy]

🙏 and Paul gave it the same attack every time. Many people hit there favorite wood a bit harder so it's louder and will sound "better" on YT.

[@sahil8119]

9:36 song ?????? 10:30

[@AshwaniKashyap1989]

Perfect statement

[@PatrickGFXDL23]

I’ve been playing guitar for almost 40 years, and this two-part series on the sound variables of acoustic guitars based on body shapes and wood types is one of the most comprehensive-and fascinating- dissertations I’ve ever seen. Bravo to you and Pepijn on this Master Class. We’re all smarter for having seen this. Thank you!!

[@sjazzp]

I can’t agree more! I learned so much and happy of having a couple of Eastman guitars at home

[@danepaulstewart8464]

YES! Your review is also PERFECTION! You have provided an exceptionally concise and useful description of an exceptionally concise and useful video. 😎👍👍

[@cooloutac]

They are basically repeating what Andy powers says which I completely disagree with. First of all the d-18 has always been a Pickers favorite. What the f*** is the blonde guy talkin about? He needs to get Andy Powers dick out of his mouth. Traditionally Rosewood is for strummers and Mahogany is for Pickers. Rosewood comes off muddy and muffled but deeper with alot of overtones. Mahogany has much better note separation and is louder..

[@markusanger]

I’m a long time subscriber and you asked for comments about tone-woods. Ok,I’m a 60 year old wood nerd working for the oldest American acoustic guitar manufacturer….Nazareth Pa. Wood is my life. I’ve tested so many variations including torrefied tops, hide glue, Adirondack, European spruce, Brazilian rosewood, etc. Too much to type so if you want to chat, I’d be honored. I’ve been watching your channel for a few years. Thanks, MJ

[@AverageWannabe]

Dude, please write here or do a video and link, I am most interested in your experience

[@Random-user-tu2ez]

Best combo?

[@danpechacek3855]

Paul, this video and the last are so useful and informative, but also a testament to your consistency as a player. That first rosewood to mahogany comparison sounded more like an EQ shift than a guitar change - incredible!

[@eddierabinovich779]

You're the Bob Ross of the guitar community Paul. Your videos are always such a joy to watch! And I've been watching for years, so that says a lot!

[@bryantherocker]

nope

[@brianfulda]

Man, I wish I had this video available when I was buying an acoustic guitar about two years ago. There were always comparisons, but rarely with the same body style and top. So well done Paul, you are helping thousands of guitarists around the world make one of the hardest decisions there is about buying an acoustic guitar!

[@Aviary-l7u]

1:55 Adirondack rosewood(DS) 2:01 Adirondack mahogany(DS) Harmony 2:45 Adirondack mahogany(00) 2:53 Adirondack rosewood(00) Strumming 3:10 Adirondack mahogany(DS) 3:22 Adirondack rosewood(DS) Strumming 6:14 European spruce mahogany(GA) 6:21 European spruce rosewood(GA) 6:28 European spruce maple(GA) 8:22 European spruce mahogany(GA) 8:30 8:18 European spruce rosewood(GA) 8:33 8:14 European spruce maple(GA) 8:26

[@Aviary-l7u]

How about European spruce What is the difference to Adirondack spruce?

[@adamant8501]

People that do what you do are special kind. I stand by it!

[@vhyles]

20 min video and literally zero footage and zero sound samples of Cedar or Mahogany top... No offense but for a more complete and informative video about tonewoods you'd want to watch the one by Alamo Music Center.

[@estoesmoira]

What a good serie of videos man!!! While almost everybody is thinking about big brands or good looking colors, here We are learning about the really important thing: WOODS!!! Because that is what a guitar is at last, pieces of wood that will conditionate your sound. Thanks a lot guys, its great to hear people that knows so much about the topic. ❤️✨

[@allosaurusfragilis7782]

Unless it's carbon, or hpl.....another video there

[@400_billion_suns]

@@allosaurusfragilis7782 Yeah, great suggestion! I’d love to see a comparison with non-traditional build materials against the classics. And also even some of the laminate bodies. I have a 2006 Canadian Norman B18 that is solid cedar-topped, and laminated cherry back and sides, finished in nitro, and it is one of the best-sounding and playing guitars I’ve ever encountered. It may have just been a lucky perfect guitar, but when I bought it I was looking to spend a lot more money. As soon as I took that one of the wall and heard it, I had to have it. It sounded better than the guitars 5x its price on the wall beside it, and the setup and intonation were utterly perfect straight from the factory.

[@allosaurusfragilis7782]

@@400_billion_suns that's funny, cos I recently decided to treat myself to a martin guitar for my bday. I went to a shop in Edinburgh and tried lots. Then I spotted a used x series which had laminate back and sides and although it didn't look as nice, it played and sounded better...to me at least. So I walked out with that one, at a fraction of what I was prepared to spend! I still like the idea of an all wood guitar that'll get better with age....but to be honest, I don't think I can really justify it, in terms of sound or playability. This one is just great for me. It still says martin on it, which does matter to me, cos I've always wanted one. It's probably the only time a brand name matters to me. I noticed my son wasnt happy till his guitar said fender, instead of squire . So it's young folk too. Snobbery? Reputation? Not sure haha

[@400_billion_suns]

Adirondack spruce top + rosewood back was my favorite sound. Really nice balance across the frequency spectrum to my ears.

[@glennkennedy9229]

Unbelievable how well these guys are speaking a second language. I'm born and raised in New Zealand and they're more fluent in English than I am! Great content!

[@400_billion_suns]

Agreed, kudos to them. I’m from the USA where most people only know English, and a disappointing number of folks here seem to view accents with disdain. I’ve always thought that accents are something to be admired and respected, because it tells you that the person you’re speaking with knows more than one language.

[@pefhra]

Great point, and agreed!

[@veeYTC]

For anyone also wondering, the song around 1:54 and 10:26 is from Paul, he made a video called "Turn those same old chords into something BEAUTIFUL!" where he teaches how to play it

[@hijmestoffels5171]

This is the best buyers guide for an acoustic guitar. You really need these seamless transitions to hear an understand the differences between the types of wood.

[@PsionicAudio]

What a rare opportunity! Thanks to you both for putting this together. A lot of work, a lot of planning, and executed so well.

[@colemanjennings7518]

Great video. Even two guitars built the exact same will sound different. This is the beauty of it! Knowing your guitar is the only one with a certain sound.

[@cal_rib]

Love how you go so in depth with this!

[@emmanuelfraniiii2550]

Summary: Based on the 2 videos you made about finding the perfect guitar for me and my finger picking playstyle, I can now clearly say that the best guitar for me is: Body shape: Grand Auditorium (Primary) or Parlor (Secondary) Tonewood (Back & sides): Mahogany Top: European Spruce Fingerboard: Ebony THANK YOU SO MUCH!!! 🔥

[@emmanuelfraniiii2550]

@@barnett25 thank you for this additional info! 🤜🏼🤛🏼

[@alandenton2973]

I have a Taylor 514ce which is a Grand Auditorium with mahogany back and sides and a cedar top. It's perfect for fingerpicking, I would recommend you try one if you can

[@emmanuelfraniiii2550]

@@alandenton2973 Sure.Thanks for the recommendation 🤜🏼🤛🏼

[@el34glo59]

, that's a very versatile guitar good choice

[@JudeYoungMusic]

rosewood dreadnoughts; am i right singer-songwriters 😉?

[@andmondson8260]

Maybe for performance but a dred can lack highs, a 000 when composing is perfect imo. Completely subjective of course.

[@lvonh9388]

Nope mahogany slope shoulder for me

[@n1vo]

I prefer my mahogany/adi slope shoulder for songs where the voice has to stand out cause there are less whistles and bells and I get that fundamental „woody“ tone that just accomplishes singing very well. I take my rosewood/adi dread for songs with more focus on the rhythm/riffs because I get great overtones and a lot of power. Both are great, but it depends on the kind of song and on the tuning aswell.

[@felipe-jz9zm]

The best video i've seen about tone woods for folk guitar's. 🙂 Well explained without excessive blabla, and perfectly "illustrated"..

[@daumination247]

This was awesome! Always thought I preferred rosewood, but mahogany took the crown for me here. I’d love to hear top differences of more woods. Cedar, koa, maple, etc. great vids!

[@vhyles]

20 min video and literally zero footage and zero sound samples of Cedar or Mahogany top... No offense to Paul but for a more complete and informative video about tonewoods you'd want to watch the one by Alamo Music Center.

[@PaulF-xt9cl]

Thanks, Paul! I retired last year and started playing guitar in December with 2 borrowed guitars, a Les Paul Studio and Epiphone Jumbo. I have always loved James Taylor’s guitar playing and knew I wanted to play an acoustic more than an electric. My goal has been to find the guitar that sounded the best to me. I listened to this video the first time a few months ago. It was really helpful in narrowing down my search. Ironically, I bought a used Eastman at a boutique guitar store in Nashville yesterday! Our youngest daughter lives here now and got married last week. My wife and I are pet sitting while they’re their honeymoon for two weeks so it gave me the opportunity to look at so many guitars in one of the best cities in the world to do it. I bought a Grand Concert cutaway with an Adirondack top and Sapele BS. It also has a slotted headstock, which gives it a cool look too. Thanks for all your great videos. As a new player, I’ve learned a lot.

[@Rice_Morganfield]

Great work! Thanks for that in depth comparison! But we all shouldn't forget, that it's not about Wood, Strings, bodysize or producer. It's all about you as a player, and Practice. You are more important to your sound, than any Guitar! You wanna play jazz on a parlor? Play jazz on a Parlor and be that guy who plays jazz on a parlor!

[@tikigodsrule2317]

As the video progressed I realized there isn't much difference to me between the woods. As we age we lose more of our highs in our hearing and I have tinitus so perhaps there is a big difference that I just can't hear. The guitar players skill overwhelmingly makes more difference any tonewood or brand. When I was very young I walked into a music store looking at guitars costing 1000s. The sales guy suggested a $100 first guitar and lessons. My friend and I went on about how the $100 guitar sounded like crap. An old guy looking like a school janitor picked up the $100 guitar and blew away the store. I walked out about 3" inches high and learned a hard lesson. If you sound like crap on a $100 guitar you'll sound like crap on a $15k Martin D45 ...and look stupid for spending that kind of money on something you can't play.

[@ZainabSule]

You're a gem, Paul. Thank you for what you do for the guitar learners everywhere.

[@joeldowdy4953]

They are all beautiful. My favorite acoustic guitar is a Martin D28 (east Indian rosewood back and sides). I also own a Taylor 618 grand orchestra (Maple back and sides). I do love a Gibson Humming Bird (Mahogany back in sides) and Gibson J45 (Mahogany). Playing by yourself Rosewood and Maple sound better than Mahogany to me but playing with a group of folks that have Rosewood guitars having a Mahogany guitar really stands out.

[@jessegrigg9092]

I stumbled upon this 2 part series today as I pick back up the guitar after a break focusing on piano and violin. These videos were so helpful and insightful! Thank thank you for the great explanations, playing, and transitions. This was amazing!

[@DavidSmith-sy2bp]

When my eyes are closed I pick the rosewood as my sonic favourite, owned both but my personal playing style lends itself to Rosewood. I love the chimey sound of a Good quality Rosewood guitar and still loved my Martin GT16000 which was Mahogany . As I become a better guitarist now at 60 , I prefer my Rosewood Taylor Grand Auditorium for playing upright and sitting down I want a 00 Parlor for the lounge :) will go for Rosewood for writing songs on .

[@qra80]

Paul you know ...? .. seriously if I am to give the best musician youtuber title... You will be my very first choice.... you are doing awesome work man... the energy and lightness of your character , with your serious and accurate knowledge and guitar skills have inspired me... Hats offf

[@eidolonian5823]

This really was a superb way of demonstrating the differences, and was also highly enjoyable to watch. Nice work!

[@azbababooey]

Love these videos, you play the same thing, transition between the two/three woods seamlessly and you can REALLY hear the differences. I hate it when guitar KZbinrs say listen to the difference, and then play completely different riffs with the different woods strings whatever and it’s hard to hear the difference because they’re not playing the exact same thing. This is exactly how all comparisons should be done, make them exactly the same in transition without a break between the two different competitors.

[@haroldclark1787]

This is a wonderfully instructive and illuminating exercise. Paul Davids is among the most approachable, intimate and understanding guitar experts out there. His videos are always enlightening and replete with substantive information. This is no exception. Thank you, Paul, for your genius and for your wisdom! P.S. I'm partial to the rosewood back and sides, but twist my arm and mahogany is so calming and enchanting. Keep up the stellar work!

[@ironhorn9924]

This has opened up my eyes and ears on choosing my next acoustic guitar! explained so well and understandable! well done indeed!

[@DWLImages]

Absolutely wonderful episode, it was great to see the exact same guitar with the important wood variations! This is something that every acoustic guitar player should see! Thanks to you and Pepijn't for educating us!

[@sidweazel2883]

These two videos are the best explanations of tone wood on the web. Well done Paul and Pepijn.

[@mikejproduction]

Paul, Thank you so much for this and the previous video. Incredibly educational and insightful. I can't think of another source that provides such clear and will produced resource on the differences between guitars like these past two videos. Can't say how grateful I am and thankful for what you've given us. One interesting thing I noticed when watching the last two AC gutiar video of yours is I'm starting to recognize sounds I that I hear. For example, I realize the Dreadnoughts sounds just like my dreadnought, and OM sounds just like my OM. Mahogany sounds like my mahogany and rosewood sounds like my rosewood. Hearing them back to back like this has made it all "CLICK" in my mind the specific characteristics of sound. Sounds obvious. It's such an incredibly fresh and clear perspective on what could have remained a mystery for those who weren't presented with the opportunity to explore and compare guitars in such a way.

[@gengphoto]

So informative and definitive. I've always wondered about the differences between the types of tonewoods, and I can totally hear the tonal qualities myself as you described the sound. Really great audio recordings. I really learned a lot. Wonderful video, and really well done. Thank you for making this.

[@heymrguitarman7637]

I've always felt the smaller the body, the greater the need for mahogany sides and back. To my ears, 0, 00 & 000 shapes just have more clarity between strings when mahogany is used instead of rosewood. However, in a Dreadnaught I prefer rosewood hence why I own a Martin D35.

[@johnwashburn3793]

This is very insightful. I was just looking at the 4 guitars that I typically play daily. None are spruce and rosewood. I had one I enjoyed but I gave it to my nephew about a dozen years ago and have seen him play it but have not spoken with him since. I have a cedar and rosewood and a 50 year old Alvarez with a 3 piece back, like a D35, but the center panel is mahogany. It is actually very amazing for a pawn shop find. My D18GE has an Adirondack top that I finger pick and it works great. I also enjoy a all mahogany 00 and hope to pick up a D15SM soon. My wife doesn't understand!

[@SkunkworksProps]

Thats funny, I was thinking the exact opposite. That said my acoustic playing is almost exclusively in a fingerpicking ragtime style, so having the big tonal range of rosewood is better. For strumming I would always go mahogany or maple. The only thing that might challenge this and do everything was a vintage Gibson J200 I had the chance to play one time.

[@faustomadebr]

Adirondack/rosewood dreads are the best for me. I also had the chance to try many Martin guitars, working in a guitar shop that imported them to Brazil, and the Brazillian rosewood on some of them sounded amazing.

[@snekmeseht]

I'm stunned. For me, the mahogany guitar sounded best, followed by the maple. I've always had rosewood guitars. I also preferred the Adirondack top. Would love to hear a mahogany-Adirondack combo.

[@n1vo]

I have a mahogany adirondack combo in an Eastman e10ss-v (slope shoulder dread). It just sounds great. Very versatile as the mahogany brings the projection and clarity for finger picking while the adi delivers the power for heavy strumming. It also reacts very well to the dynamics of the playing. Light strumming just sounds beautiful and mellow while heavy strumming delivers a lot of power and deep low ends. I have a rosewood adirondack dread aswell (the torrefied one shown in the video) that is a real powerhouse with piano like whistles and bells. Both sound very different but equally beautiful. Third one is an older Eastman with sitka and sapele with more highs and a balanced and pleasing sound. Not the grawling low end of the mahogany/adirondack combo but with its own beautiful eq. That one was ridiculously affordable but is very close to the other two in quality.

[@smelltheglove2038]

He had that combo throughout the video.

[@el34glo59]

Definitely sounded the best imo. BTW, that's the combo he played. Hog and Addy

[@williedeuel]

Every one of those guitars sounds fabulous. Yes, there are differences, but I would have a hard time choosing one as being the best.

[@hadifelani]

Me too lol, but I would personally prefer Rosewood tonality. Aiming to own both of them is the most realistic option for me lmao.

[@thomdushane]

The guitar that feels right and propels your playing is the one meant for you. With that, your approach and attack makes your voice. Rosewood, mahogany, hell even laminate... if it's home for you it'll sound good and present you as you want it to.

[@banjoist123]

I worked on a Fender acoustic a few years ago where the bridge had pulled up. It was for a friend of our guitar player's kid. Maybe a 100 bucks new. It was purple. The kind of laminate guitar with electric guitar finish made out of plastic that you have to sand off. It is, to this day, the finest dreadnought I've ever played, and I've had a lot of Martins go through my shop, including a few pre-wars. I offered to buy it but they wouldn't even take me seriously. I still think about that guitar. People make fun of me when I talk about this guitar but I seriously wanted to put it in a room and turn the lights off and have some pickers play it.

[@joetaska]

I couldn't agree more! The best way to sell any guitar is put it in the hands of the players. Forget about the brand name or what exotic wood combination and just play the guitar. If it feels good to you and sounds good to you then you will want to pick it up and play more often. Even consecutively numbered guitars will feel or sound slightly different. The best guitars are the ones that make you want to play!

[@MumboMaya]

I just bought my first guitar it's a Tanglewood TWBB OE Blackbird Folk, electro acoustic. It is a full mahogany guitar with bronze strings. I love how it looks.

[@MandyFlame]

I’m fortunate to own. Laurie Williams “Tui” made in New Zealand from ancient Kauri - really love the blend of clarity, warmth and sustain. You didn’t mention the top bracing design - I also believe this is a significant tonal factor as it will block or emphasize certain harmonics.

[@maxkelter3561]

I always wondered about how different woods sound on acoustic. Excellent video in bringing those differences out.

[@richweinstock2069]

Paul - this, along with part 1 (body shapes) are some of your best content yet. More so it illuminates the quality and critical thinking of the Eastman company. So pleased to see you using Eastman as a platform for this information. Eastman is producing amazing and disciplined instruments. Gotta say after a recent Martin 000-28 purchase. I recently bought two Eastman ( Sitka Mahogany Dred (E6D) and a 12 string (Ac330e12). I am so impressed by Eastman. By far they are the best and goto guitars I play. Trying to find the right words - but Eastman is now what Martin should be today. In terms of quality and discipline. Played many a shitty Martin in my life. Eastman blows my mind. Last - I played my new Eastman E6D back to back with a new Collings D1. My takeaway - you’re splitting hairs between the D1 ($6k vs $900 USD). Eastman seriously that good. Anyway - thanks Paul for all you do - cheers 🍻 Rich

[@lpjbird]

Absolutely right on…I have two Eastman guitars that stand up to just about anything imho…they rival Martin & in many cases surpass them in build quality and at a substantial cost savings, although their prices have increased in the past couple years as word has spread…I think Eastman has raised the bar for many guitar manufacturers & musicians have become aware of how quality has been lacking in the Martin, Gibson, EPI, Fender, lines. Just my opinion…I still have & love them all.

[@davidross5630]

Agreed, Eastman's are an exceptionally made guitar.

[@benjaminburrell7259]

Thank you very much for these Part 1 and Part 2 videos. They are KICK ASS! Both you and Pepijn't did the best job I have seen/read in regards to explaining the shapes and tone woods! Absolutely brilliant! Pepijn't you are awesome! Paul you are awesome! Thank you. BTW all the Eastman guitars sounded great I will keep an eye out to have a play of one.

[@IamMusicNerd]

I have always preferred the sound of a 100% mahogany acoustic guitar, top backs and sides. The 000-15M from Martin is the best sounding acoustic guitar I have ever heard, but I also have a very specific preference in tone that may not match others.

[@mauricemusician7636]

Same, love the sound of fingerstyle on all-mahogany

[@rmyAddison]

Nice demo !!I love different tonewoods. Over the decades I've had Martins with tops; Adirondack, Sitka, Mahogany, Carpathian, Engelmann, Alpine and Lutz, and back/side woods: Indian Rosewood, Brazilian, Mahogany, Madagascar, Tasmanian Blackwood and Sinker Mahogany. About half were Custom Shops bought for a variety of tonewoods. There is no "best" just different. Loved the video !!!!!

[@jochem420]

Never realized how much effect tonewood had in acoustic. Very interesting!

[@TRICK-OR-TREAT236]

DID YOU LIKE THE "CRISPY" SOUNDING GUITAR ? WHAT ABOUT THE GUITAR THAT SOUNDED "LIKE FINE WINE" OR SOME OTHER NONSENSICLE TERM ? L.O.L.

[@Max_94]

@@TRICK-OR-TREAT236 god, you must be the funny guy at parties right?

[@RhodokTribesman]

It matters WAY more for acoustic than electric due to the resonating body being the main "sound" as opposed to an electric frequency picked by the strings

[@99bajakid]

@@RhodokTribesman it only matters on acoustic

[@MartijnHover]

I had a guitar built with a spruce top and maple back and sides, neck and a bird's eye maple fretboard. Sounds very bright.

[@ashishbalani1618]

Thank you David for making this video!!!! So helpful

[@kitarramezaza]

This is really a very good video, they precisely explain everything in detail and not to forget that their voices are so soothing

[@gregpiper8416]

I played the AC722ce (rosewood), 622 (maple) & 522 (mahogony) at my local shop. All three are great guitars, but I brought the 622 home with me.

[@quigley4440]

You have chosen well.

[@kamarienedwards1757]

I did the same thing!

[@fenderr2007]

Invaluable information for anyone buying their 1st 2nd or 10th acoustic. Pepijn's non sales approach to aspects that might suit different player if perfect. "Put the customers needs first" (now there's a concept). A lot of different industry sales people can learn a lot from these two videos. With support like that, I'm now off to check out a new Eastman acoustic. Thanks Paul and Pepijn, awesome work!!!

[@Nordic_Sky]

By far most important: body shape. Next would be top wood, then back & sides. Remember also there is substantial variation between individual guitars. That's why it's so important not to rush a guitar purchase. Spend some time comparing guitars. One will probably stand out.

[@MrKulturembargo]

Exactly that - there's really too much talk and pseudo science and shape is always the most influential factor. Besides that I love me a good spruce top but I've played so many cases where two identical guitars did not sound identical at all and that's why I loath the fancy buzzwordery. You have to play those things and buy the exact same one that clicked with you not even an identical copy.

[@American-Dragon]

What about the neck?

[@400_billion_suns]

And let’s not forget string age, which makes as big a difference as any of these too! :)

[@GuitarguyRichard56]

Big time!! Change up them strings

[@el34glo59]

Depending on the builder you'd be surprised. I mean sure, nothing technically sounds like a dread, but you can get sounds from smaller guitars that you wouldn't believe. It's all down to how its built and who its built by. It's important if you're a performer need a specific sound but if you're not honestly body size isn't the end-all-be-all

[@tonyadams6375]

Fantastic video! The way you compared the woods was spot on. Answers a lot of questions I have had for years.

[@meadro9916]

Great job as always Paul! This two video series should be playing on loop in guitar stores so the associates can use their time doing what they love... demonstrating Schecters.

[@stevevice9863]

Great video! Eastman makes very good guitars. I have a friend with an Eastman rosewood/sitka dread and it stands toe to toe with a Martin D-28 for 1/2 the price. I also credit Bob Taylor for being such a great ambassador for tonewoods. He has been educating the guitar world on the subtleties of tone woods for decades now. He also has been pioneering sustainability of tonewoods long before other manufactures were thinking about it. Taylor's search for alternate tonewoods has really opened up the guitar industry's awareness on this issue. I own a 2009 Taylor 414 Limited Edition in Tasmanian Blackwood with a Sitka top. I had never heard of this wood until I found this guitar and fell in love with the sound. It has only gotten better with time. I have another buddy who is a Martin man and he loves the tone and playability of my Taylor.

[@seanbaines]

Yes, Sapele is very much like mahogany. I have an all sapele Eastman Grand Auditorium. The hardwood top makes it a little quieter, a bit more muted, with a little less high sparkle, even compared to a spruce top sapele. The emphasis on the midrange, combined with the effect of the narrower waist, makes it very mellow. The EQ, like mahogany, is very even. it records quite well, in my very limited experience, but you have to boost the volume a bit when you do so. I don't think it would do well in a band mix, or as an accompaniment to a mic'ed singer. Not loud enough. But with a spruce top, it probably would be.

[@Vivek2062]

4 years from now I breathed and worshipped acoustic guitars, but then I got into metal music and picked up an electric and ever since I popped pinch harmonics on them I couldn’t get back to acoustics, but you Paul! You always amazes me, now I wanna play some acoustic and feel the same vibes with much more skill level as before! Nostalgia is seductive! God bless you Paul, amazing tone comparison, gorgeous guitars as well! ❤️🔥

[@pawebogdan7875]

I would also love to hear other comparisons with koa, zebrano or walnut which is currently very popular with Taylor or Furch guitars :)

[@andrewglazier8940]

My Martin with mahogany and sitka spruce top has made me a mahogany fan. I love how chunky and strong it sounds when I really dig into it. It sound beautiful when using finger style or arpeggiating notes with a pick.. The sound I had been looking for all those years was mahogany. It's like it has a build in EQ.

[@flavien6255]

Are those melodies at 0:59 and 1:54 from original songs or made by Paul ? It sounds beautiful

[@judicaelverger7122]

I think it's from Paul

[@afriendlygoblin]

it's from Paul! he made a video a while ago, something like "turn these old chords into something beautiful" where he teaches how to play it

[@xoxo_dumbgirl2198]

At 1:05 it kinda sounds like helplessly hoping by Crosby, Stills & Nash

[@kyledrotsky7862]

anyone get a response?

[@mwillman]

I just love the Mahogony, always sounds so warm and comforting to me.

[@robertcronin6603]

Yep... definitely.

[@seanbaines]

I've got an Eastman Grand Auditorium coming to me with a Sitka top, and Ovangkol Back and sides. Not mentioned here. Generally described as having similar dynamic range to Rosewood, but without as much scooped mids. A more even EQ, like mahogany. So supposedly kind of like a cross between the two, but perceived a bit more like Rosewood. Like Sapele, more affordable. Owing to pandemic induced supply chain issues, I couldn't try one before buying. I'm taking a bit of a chance, but my experience with Eastman, both in what I've bought and what I've played casually, leads me to believe it's not much of a gamble. It should be a good counterbalance to my all Sapele Eastman.

[@jaxchiro]

How do you like your Eastman. I have the same combo in my Eastman and love it. So smooth and easy on the ears.

[@seanbaines]

@@jaxchiro I'll know more in 5 years, once I've played it in more. :) But so far, the sound is lovely. A little louder than my sapele, with more top end ring, but it's not brash at all. Gently subtle. Lovely texture to the sound. The individual strings are nicely distinct while strumming most of the time, unless I really power it. I look forward to playing it, which is a very good sign. It's certainly good value for the money.

[@LindsayLallaMusic]

This was so clear and so helpful. Thank you!!

[@christopherwilliams7222]

Rosewood for solo set, mahogany for playing in Band, and Maple for finger-style sessions

[@josephdviviano]

This is easily the best guitar comparison video I've ever seen, extremely pedagogical. Thank you! This was worth 20 visits to the shop.

[@WarrenPostma]

Hot Take: They all sound magnificent. Hot Take 2: A little EQ in post goes a long way. :-) My main acoustic guitar has rosewood back and sides, and solid spruce top, and I love it's D-28-like boom.

[@graceluthart773]

As a new guitarist, this video is extremely helpful in developing my ear for these differentiations. I’m so excited to buy my first guitar! (I’ve been using a hand me down)

[@Quetzalcoatl0]

10:25 i wish there were tabs/chords of this song/melody, Sounds amazing!

[@deadlypredator3]

Yess was going to ask the same

[@lalisatm]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/kGTNmYl-pslpbck&t

[@deadlypredator3]

I found it

[@deadlypredator3]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/kGTNmYl-pslpbck

[@puudub]

@@deadlypredator3 care to collaborate?

[@GabiM3112]

Hi there, Paul. Thanks for taking the effort. What I like is that you actually compare guitars of the same body shape to each other, which makes this a comparison as fair as can be.

[@hmaakawlni1515]

Contrary to electric guitar, there is a substantial tonal difference between different woods, I love the sound of mahogany wood, the clarity and the balance is just mesmerising.

[@honestgoat]

I was looking for someone mentioning this. Thanks. I agree completely. The wood changes nothing about an electric guitar other than the look and the weight. Its the pickups, amp and speakers that dictate an electrics sound. And to a small extent, the strings.

[@Rawkabilly57]

I would also like to add that, I think people put too much stock in "species of wood" as apposed to the quality of wood. Eg, not all wood is a given species will be is the same quality depending is On what part of the tree that woods comes from, and if was experiencing a drought for a major part of the trees life. There are a ton of things that go into selecting the right wood that play a bigger factor than species. All things being equal, the species does play a role though... but like y'all were saying, not the case really with electric guitars.

[@henrikpetersson3463]

@@honestgoat The wood of an electric neck can certainly impact the feel of the instrument however. Makes a huge difference to me.

[@kmgreensman]

The ABSOLUTE Best comparison between tone woods I have seen. Rosewood is the one i went to when I was starting to play, but mahogany is an acquired taste! I am all Mahogany now. It also is more woody.. thanks for doing this!!

[@el34glo59]

Yeah in small guitars Rosewood his my thing. 00-000. With a night-light nice lightly-braced top. Perfect for fingerstyle very responsive and gives you the extra base even though it's small. Yet your troubles are still present If I'm going larger like a Dreadnought, jumbo, or even 0000 or GP, I'm probably going mahogany

[@inlovewithguitars]

I just love, love, love Mahogany. To me, it's the ultimate tonewood - true, clear, woody, with loads of character. All of those guitars in the video sounded great though. Good job!

[@andrewglazier8940]

I agree! Mahogany is the sound I had been looking for.

[@quigley4440]

I'm a mahogany guy as well. Sing along with it, finger style, strum, does it all. My second choice is flamed maple but with Engelmann spruce to tone down that brightness a bit more with more mid tones. My choice in mandolins as well. Fantastic presentation Paul and thank you to Eastman for this effort.

[@TRICK-OR-TREAT236]

NOW CAN YOU TELL ME WHAT WOODY MEANS ? WHAT ABOUT TRUE ? CLEAR MAYBE ? WHAT ABOUT LOADS OF CHARACTER AND A GUITAR THAT ONLY HAS A LITTLE BIT OF CHARACTER ? DO YOU PREFER A GUITAR THAT "SOUNDS LIKE FINE WINE" ? WOULD YOU BUY A GUITAR THAT WAS MADE FROM AGED WHISKEY BARRELS ? YOU KNOW A TONE WOOD THAT SOUNDS LIKE JACK DANIELS. SWEET AND MELLOW. DOESN'T THAT SOUND NICE ? HOW ABOUT THEY (BUILDERS) ONLY SOLD ONE "TONE WOOD GUITAR" AND JUST TOLD YOU IT SOUNDS LIKE WHATEVER YOU WANT IT TO SOUND LIKE. WOULDN'T THAT WORK JUST A WELL ?

[@inlovewithguitars]

@@TRICK-OR-TREAT236 It is just how I feel personally, it's very subjective, I can't describe it scientifically - that's part of the beauty in it I guess ;-)

[@el34glo59]

​@TRICK-OR-TREAT236 Woody means NOT METALLIC. That simple. It's not that complicated boss. Rosewood, you hear a bit more of the strings. Mahogany, more of the wood. More of what's behind tbe strings. And more fundamental at the same time. Which makes that Woody sound more apparent

[@JDCottonMusic]

I enjoyed this review immensely, though I do wish a future review would utilize a quantitative measurement device (e.g. spectral analysis on my DAW) to SHOW how the different frequencies are distributed, instead of relying on terms like "delicate, light, high, mid, woody", etc.

[@picksalot1]

Best demonstration and explanation of tone woods where it really matters, on acoustic guitars. I've always favored Rosewood for back and sides, until today. For my taste, the Mahogany on the Eastman guitar turns out to be the sound that I like. I've never liked Mahogany on acoustic guitars before. Thanks

[@audreygiamlayhoon]

Me too, my head wanted to love the rosewood , but I went with the Eastman E10 P and the Eastman E10 OM. I am a "Mahogany People"

[@RhubarbRehab]

I just got back into playing guitar after a 12 years away, yeah I know its a long time. KZbin has come a long way in that time, but even with that considered your videos are so inspiring and well edited. I just got finished watching the video on Acoustic body shapes/sizes and it was one of many masterpieces.

[@hopelessmarlon9101]

What’s the name of the song around minute 2:00

[@H30000]

From what I gathered it's an original he made, but there might be a tutorial or something of the likes in a video of his titled: 'turn those same old chords into something beautiful'

[@josiahkierstead1499]

Mahagony sounds amazing and so does rosewood, rosewood seems to be the do it all kind of wood… with many lows and highs and falls right in the middle of the tone wood spectrum

[@fryinryanparadis]

Just shows how unique they can be even if it's those small differences

[@Adi-ok3rg]

This video is fabulous! Love Paul's soulful playing and Pepijn' t Hart's knowledge! Learned so much! Thanks for the quality content!!

[@RobFranklinROX]

Y'gotta refer to the different woods "some" way, so it may as well be by species, but it's about the weight and density of the wood, not it's "species". Having identical weight and density, two different species of wood will produce identical compression waves.

[@godfreydaniel6278]

So? When does one find maple and mahogany with identical weight and density?

[@RobFranklinROX]

@@godfreydaniel6278 The same place you'll find any given species having consistent weight and density within any typical individual tree. You won't, but that in no way makes "species" the determining factor. If it were possible to compress popcorn farts into matter the same weight and density as Maple, it'd produce a compression wave consistent with Maple.

[@godfreydaniel6278]

@@RobFranklinROX - So - in other words, theoretical twaddle...

[@beauwolf5729]

yeh, but average wise species have their properties. That's why there's something like the janka scale to indicate hardness and workability by wood species list. There is more than weight and density in wood. There is a reason why different species are good or bad for different applications. As a wood worker i can tell you that species certainly tells you something about wood.

[@el34glo59]

That's not true at all.

[@lordfrap1046]

bunya pine front is used on some Maton guitars from Australia too. It takes half the time to grow. Sounds lovely.

[@dylanporter8105]

What song is that at 1:50

[@H30000]

From what I gathered it's an original he made, but there might be a tutorial or something of the likes in a video of his titled: 'turn those same old chords into something beautiful'

[@interrestrial9815]

Most excellent comparison. Over the years I have owned several guitars of various tone wood combinations. Even with internet sound your comparisons give a realistic reproduction of the differences. Pepijn 't Hart verbal descriptions are spot on. Good job.

[@seanbaines]

Rosewood vs mahogany. If you are accompanying a singer live, the Rosewood might work a little better, because it leaves midrange room for the vocals. Mahogany, with those mids, might cut through a mix a little better. Also, the even EQ might make for a bit better, more predictable recording. Just some thoughts.

[@st.peterunner8758]

That’s all bs that you tell yourself to justify spending way to much money on a guitar. Tons of things make a guitar sound different including the wood. Pretending that a certain wood is better for accompanying a singer is laughable

[@el34glo59]

​​@@st.peterunner8758Bro relax. Sounds like you're trying to justify your cheaper guitar flipping out like that Vocals are mids. Rosewood has less mids. Thsts a fact

[@st.peterunner8758]

@@el34glo59 I’m not your “bro”. Thsts a fact

[@Chino_kochino]

These two videos are amazing. Thanks for bringing us this content. P. Hart did an amazing job at explaining the nuances between the models and the woods. Most manufactures stray away from using competitors names and it feels weird, but P.Hart uses them because we know them and we understand the comparisons. It makes it the conversation flow and feels familiar and friendly. Great job fellas, cheers.

[@PatrickDiel]

I actually felt like the Mahogany gives it a little more sparkle and clearer highs, while the Rosewood tends to sound a little more boxy. But hey, that's just my ears :)

[@musikus7092]

I listened with headphones and thought the same.

[@ChrisFreyLive]

Thank you very much Paul and Pepijn for this. I never thought the wood would influence the tone so much. I always thought it is more for aesthetics. After many blind tests, some guitars always gave me a smile while others didn't touch me despite their excellent sound. I realised that I am a mahogany guy. Thanks for this. I was able to buy two acoustic guitars I always wanted but never understood why...now I do and and have been looking at guitars completely differently since. Thanks so much.

[@shepp7988]

Tonewood only applies to acoustics guitars because it's using the wood body to resonate the sound Electric guitars is totally different it's all in the pickup and the hardware

[@BTal-kp1qd]

I saw a video of a guy who made a set of strings suspended between 2 benches sound identical (and I mean identical) to an expensive Fender. Same electronics, same strings same pickups and most importantly, same distance from string to pickup. The video has literally killed the tonewood debate for electric guitars.

[@BTal-kp1qd]

@@barnett25 I think wood makes a difference but I think that difference is far more psychological and emotional than tangible. That's why the look of a guitar is so important even if it doesn't actually impact the sound. In that video, once pickup heights were matched between guitars the difference was so small that it was imperceptible if even there at all. With differences that small I think you can safely conclude that most of the difference in an electric guitar comes from the pickups rather than the wood.

[@kenz2756]

@@barnett25 But you said it yourself, the difference is so little, very little that it can pretty much be rounded to it doesn't matter.

[@kenz2756]

@@BTS4990 I like your style, wish I was as good as you at deluding myself.

[@kenz2756]

@@BTS4990 That's all great, i agree. But the conclusion of reality is still the same.

[@bullshark1152]

Love the Eastman guitars. I have an E20OM and I love it. Warm sound.

[@adamrivera195]

Tonewood is a real thing...on acoustics. People who claim it does anything for an electric guitar confuse me.

[@alledzebu1975]

Yeah me too...

[@Richpicking]

Hi Paul. Just wanted to say I've watched a lot of videos on tonewood comparisons. This is the most helpful by a mile! Great job. Thanks.

[@kronoscamron7412]

These videos are like christmas presents for me. love those subtle sounds, as the wine metaphor suggests. and your guest has great knowledge on the intricacies of guitars and tones.

[@Youtubemademeaddahandle]

Both my flat tops have cedar tops. One has rosewood back and sides and the other has Canadian Cherry. The Canadian also has a larger body but still is light sounding and more articulate. Cedar and Rosewood is also in my full size Classical which clearly sets it apart from both the Fusion nylon and the 7/8 size dulce classical. Each puts me in a slightly different mood and guides the playing of the same originals into new zones of enjoyment each time I swap.

[@tonedwithtj6847]

Love this video. I'm getting two custom jumbos made. One with black and white ebony + Euro spruce... the other sinker redwood and East Indian rosewood

[@JS-wk6jn]

I just watched it now (December 2022). Thanks for the presentation, the explanation was as good, but hearing the differences was priceless...

[@leoswoyer8348]

That was a excellent demonstration of how different tonewoods affect the sound of a guitar. I learned a few things! I have a classical guitar that has Rosewood back and sides complemented with an Engleman Spruce top. Both woods have a wide frequency range, which seems to make an excellent paring. I was hoping you would mention Engleman Spruce, so it must not be so common on guitars, likely for its higher cost. I love my guitar for playing all kinds of music from folk to classical to popular music. The flamenco classical guitars use cedar tops, which produce a very different tone from the spruce top guitars and so it has, in my opinion, a much more narrow use: flamenco and classical music.

[@larrycortner6321]

You guys did a great comparison. For my ears I like mahogany sides back and cedar top and mahogany neck .

[@steelers1500]

I'm a sucker for rosewood, I play an OM 28... I typically play with a piano and bass and need the crisp highs to cut through the mix, the scalloped bracing on the top wood makes a huge difference too!

[@el34glo59]

Agreed. Especially for 000s and OMs

[@peterchung623]

I love the genuine passion from both of you, learning loads, thank you, inspiring