[Andy]

Something to think about.

Alder vs Swamp Ash, Maple vs Rosewood and a Neck Swap - The Definitive Comparison with Audio Clips | Music + Technology = Pete Lacis

 

[noodles]

Very interesting. I wish they'd do one with an Indian Rosewood fretboard, since 99% of guitarists aren't going to have access to the Brazilian stuff.

 

[105]

Brazil > India.

 

[noodles]

Brazil > India.

Well, yeah, but the stuff is on the endangered species list, since pinko commie liberal scum hate good tone.

 

[Daniel]

I can hear the differences way better on the Swamp Ash but the Alder it's harder to tell by my ears.

 

[Soopahmahn]

The swamp ash seemed less compressed but also seemed to scream more in the upper mids. Rosewood definitely seemed to have a softer attack, but also more even note voicing somehow... not sure how to put that into words. A slightly softer, more cohesive sound.

 

[Mike]

The swamp ash seemed less compressed but also seemed to scream more in the upper mids. Rosewood definitely seemed to have a softer attack, but also more even note voicing somehow... not sure how to put that into words. A slightly softer, more cohesive sound.

Dave put it as "having a brighter top end but a more clouded midrange", which is about right, I think.

 

[Soopahmahn]

^ The rosewood as compared to a maple fretboard? That seems fair. I preferred the rosewood for the most part, though I think I could give or take on the alder vs. swamp ash bit.

 

[Mike]

^ The rosewood as compared to a maple fretboard? That seems fair. I preferred the rosewood for the most part, though I think I could give or take on the alder vs. swamp ash bit.

Yeah, the rosewood. I definitely like Alder better with rosewood than maple, but swamp ash + maple = awesome.

 

[Soopahmahn]

Maybe there's something to that about picking woods that complement each other, rather than choosing woods to try to tame others' characteristics.

Well, my swamp ash body, maple-neck-through, stainless-fret, Kahler-equipped 8-string is too bright, so I'll pick rosewood for the fretboard instead of ebony! :shrug:

 

[ohio_eric]

Maple and ash is my favorite wood combination and these clips just reinforced my opinion. It was cool that Pete took the time to do these comparisons and void his Suhr warranty so we could all hear the difference.

I'm with Dave I think Indian rosewood have been a more interesting comparison because of how common it is.