What Type of Tonewood Should I Choose for the Back and Sides of My Acoustic?

Hello, RFGE Readers! 

Here we have another question that focuses on one of the topics that folks often ask us about at the shop.  We sell a lot of acoustics from Collings, Taylor, Yamaha, and PRS along with a multitude of used guitars by other makers, and while each manufacturer has their own designs, specs, etc., there is some general knowledge that applies to acoustics no matter who makes them.  In a prior blog post we discussed topwoods for acoustics, which are primarily spruce, cedar, mahogany, and Koa; however, one of the most important components to any acoustic guitar is the type of wood the back and sides are made from.  Here’s some insight into the tonal characteristics of the most common tonewoods used for the backs and sides of acoustic guitars.

Mahogany:

Mahogany is a dense and durable wood often used for the back, sides, and neck of acoustic guitars. Known for its deep, rich, and warm tonal characteristics, mahogany imparts a slightly mid-range dominant sound with a pronounced warmth and sustain. Guitars made from mahogany tend to have a mellow, woody tone that works particularly well for blues, folk, and acoustic rock.

Mahogany’s resonance tends to emphasize mid-range frequencies while softening the high end, making it perfect for a more intimate, balanced sound. Many guitarists appreciate mahogany for its focus and smoothness, especially in rhythm playing.

Examples: Taylor 300 Series, Collings D1, Yamaha Red Label, Martin D-18, and many others.

Rosewood:

Rosewood is often used for the back and sides of high-end acoustic guitars. It’s prized for its ability to produce a complex, well-rounded tone with a pronounced low end, bright highs, and rich mids. Rosewood offers deep resonance, making it ideal for players who want a more sophisticated, balanced sound.

There are different types of rosewood used in guitar construction, including Indian rosewood and Brazilian rosewood. Brazilian rosewood is particularly prized for its rich tonal qualities and beautiful grain patterns, though it is increasingly rare and more expensive. Indian rosewood is more affordable and delivers a warm, full-bodied sound, though it is slightly brighter than its Brazilian counterpart.

The deep, resonant sound of rosewood is often preferred by players who perform solo or require a guitar with a more complex tonal range.  Additionally, it is very good for vocal accompaniment due to its more “scooped” sound in terms of the more prominent lows and highs with slightly reduced mid-range frequencies. Rosewood is also commonly used for fingerboards and bridges, as it’s a durable and aesthetically pleasing wood that complements the rest of the guitar’s construction.

Examples: Taylor 800 Series, Collings D2 and OM2, Martin D-28 and D-35

Maple:

Maple is a dense, heavy wood known for its bright, sharp tone. Maple produces a clear, articulate sound with a pronounced high end. It has a less resonant, “cutting” quality compared to woods like mahogany or rosewood, which makes it an excellent choice for players looking for clarity and definition in their sound.

While maple doesn’t emphasize the low-end frequencies as much as other woods, it excels in producing a crisp and clear tone. It is especially popular among bluegrass players and those who need a guitar that stands out in a mix. Maple’s aesthetic appeal is also noteworthy—its light, vibrant color and distinctive grain patterns make it a visually striking choice for guitars.

Examples: Collings C-1035, Taylor 600 Series, Gibson SJ-200

Koa:

Koa is a unique and visually stunning wood that comes from the Hawaiian Islands. It’s commonly used for the back and sides of acoustic guitars, though it can also be found in tops. Koa has a bright, clear tone with a harmonic richness that sits somewhere between the bright tone of maple and the warmth of mahogany. Over time, koa tends to mellow, becoming warmer and more resonant as the guitar is played in.

Koa guitars are known for their beautiful, distinctive appearance, with vibrant grain patterns and golden hues. The tonal qualities of koa guitars are often described as having a sweet, well-rounded sound with a strong, crystalline high end and deep, rich lows. While koa guitars are not as common as other types of wood, they are highly prized for their unique aesthetic and tonal characteristics.

Examples: Taylor 724ce, Taylor GS Mini-e Koa, Martin D-X1e Koa

Walnut:

Walnut is a highly versatile and visually striking tonewood that has become more popular in recent years for acoustic guitar backs and sides. It strikes a unique balance between the characteristics of rosewood and mahogany, offering players a well-rounded tonal profile. Walnut produces a warm, rich midrange, often described as having a clear, defined sound with a bit of brightness but not as sharp as maple. The bass response tends to be slightly more controlled, avoiding excessive boominess while still providing a solid foundation. The highs are crisp and clear, with a focused top end that avoids harshness.

One of the standout qualities of walnut is its tonal evolution. While new walnut guitars may exhibit a more subdued sound, they tend to open up over time, becoming more resonant and complex as they age. The wood’s response to playing improves, revealing a richer, more nuanced tone with greater depth and sustain. Walnut is especially appreciated for its balance—it's not too bright nor too mellow, making it an excellent choice for a wide range of playing styles.

Examples: Taylor BBT and 200 Series, Gibson J-45 Studio

As you can see, each type of wood has its own personality and is suited to different playing styles and preferences. Understanding the woods used in acoustic guitar construction can help players make an informed decision when choosing an instrument, ensuring that they find a guitar that suits their individual needs, technique, and musical taste.

We hope to see you at the shop soon and thanks for reading!