Jacob Helie
Professor Morris
ENG 1510, MWF, 10AM
20 Oct 2013
A Beginners Guide to Electric Guitar Tone
The desire to increase the sound of the guitar existed long before the development of electrical amplifiers and speakers. Ever-larger concert settings and ensembles characterized musical performances in the 19th century. Musicians needed louder and more powerful instruments, which became possible by using new materials and designs. The need for a guitar to become a new solo voiced instrument was on the rise and as was the need to make sound better. As technology continued to grow in the ability to amplify the guitar and make it louder, so did the ability to make it sound better. When it comes to picking that perfect electric guitar you have to consider several options that will influence the tone you desire. Tone woods, body style and pickups are the three key factors that play a vital role in your guitars overall tone. Having a greater knowledge of these three items will allow you to narrow your search for the perfect tone experience that you are looking for.
Guitarplayer.com is a well-known guitar and gear review site. According to an article titled All About Tone woods thee article states that “[t]he body and the neck both contribute to the [guitars] sound… [but] also woods of the same species cut from different trees will sound slightly different.” Ash, Maple/Mahogany, Alder, and Basswood are four of the most common tone woods used in creating an electric guitar. Each with individual characteristics choosing the type of wood greatly will influence your overall type of tone.
Ash, which is best known as the wood of classic 1950s Fender guitars, is most desirable in the form of swamp ash. Good swamp ash is both light and resonant, and generally carries a broad grain that looks great under a translucent finish. The swamp-ash sound is twangy, airy, and sweet. It offers firm lows, pleasant highs, a slightly scooped midrange, and good sustain. Ash from...