AUSTRALIAN TONEWOODS
When it comes to suitable tonewoods for guitar building, Australia is one of the most fortunate regions in the world. We have a wide array of timbers prized for their appearance and tone. Ethereal Guitars has used Australian tonewoods for over 10 years and have experienced first hand the beauty and quality of these incredible natural resources.
BLACKWOOD. Perhaps the most famous of all Australian tonewoods, Blackwood is typically sourced from the forests of Tasmania and Victoria. The appearance varies from a light, golden colden colour through to rich dark character. Flamed or fiddleback Blackwood is the most sought after variation and commands a heavy price for the right stock.
QUEENSLAND MAPLE. A stunning tonewood found in the rainforests of Queensland, QLD Maple has been used by furniture makers for over 100 years and by guitar builders over the past 20. A light timber that many have referred to as being "Mahogany" like in weight and tone, QLD Maple can have some of the most stunning figure in the world. It is hard to acquire this timber in modern times as it was over harvested in the early 20th century and the only supplies are available are from private property.
GIDGEE. A dense and very hard timber that is perfect for fret boards. It is a slow growing tree native to the dry and arid conditions of Western Australia. Flamed or ringed Gidgee is a truly beautiful timber with a shimmering effect that is very pleasing to the eye. Harder than ebony, Gidgee fretboards have a snappy, tight tone and pair well with mahogany or QLD Maple necks.
WANDOO. A dense and very hard timber that is perfect for fret boards. It is a slow growing tree native to the dry and arid conditions of Western Australia. Flamed Wandoo light coloured timber with a visually stunning appearance. Harder than ebony, Gidgee fretboards have a snappy, tight tone and pair well with mahogany or QLD Maple necks.
JARRAH. Far from being a recognised tonewood, Jarrah has served the hardwood construction industry of Western Australia for over 100 years. Heavy, dense and extremely strong, Jarrah has a consisent red colour and can display fiddleback features. Ethereal Guitars has successfully used Jarrah as Fretboards and neck laminations. Jarrah remains in plentiful supply and is readily available.
VICTORIAN ASH. Also known as Tasmanian Oak, this species as readily available across Victoria and Tasmania. Perhaps Australia's most famous hardwood, the Victorian Ash is the tallest flowering tree in the world! Growing to heights over 300 feet, Victorian Ash is the true giant of the forest and has served the hardwood construction industry for over 150 years. In the early post British settlement days, Victorian Ash trees were sought after as the most perfect timber for ship masts, tall, straight and very strong. Ethereal Guitars has successfully used Victorian Ash as figured tops and chambered bodies.
TASMANIAN MYRTLE. A shimmering pink to almost purple coloured timber that can display fiddleback and spalted figuring - known as Tiger Myrtle. Typically sourced from the forests of Tasmania, myrtle is in reasonable supply although it can be a challenge to get light weight stock. The rarer figured strains are quite sought after.
BLACKHEART SASSAFRAS. A stunning grey to black coloured timber that commonly features black spalted features. A striking timber in appearance it is also be lightweight which makes it suitable for tops or bodies. A truly unique Australian tonewood that is highly sought after.
QUEENSLAND WALNUT. A classic walnut coloured timber with ribbon streaks common on good quartersawn stock. Becoming quite a rare timber and is very hard to come by. A very strong and hard wood it is suitable for guitar tops, neck laminations and bodies. Can be heavy so picking the right stock for guitar building is the key.