Mahogany

A general name covering several dense tropical hardwoods, used for guitar bodies, necks and the backs and sides of acoustics.

What the species share is a warm, midrange-heavy voice with a smooth top end and a strong fundamental, which flatters distorted sounds and gives acoustic instruments body without glare. The timber machines and glues well and finishes evenly, and it is heavy enough that a large solid body in it can become tiring. Because the name covers several species with different properties and trade status, the exact material matters when it is being specified.

Example: a set-neck instrument in mahogany with humbuckers produces the thick, vocal lead tone that made the combination standard.

typical use: Set-neck solid bodies and neck blanks, and acoustic back and sides.

Mahogany

See also