Before buying a specific type of guitar, it is very important to examine all of the specifications in order to ensure that you are spending your money on a good quality instrument.
Certain features of guitars such as the material from which the body is made are significant to take into consideration and decide which one is better for you.
There are two types of wood that are very commonly used during the production of guitar bodies and there are differences between Ash vs. Alder Guitar.
Key Takeaways
- The ash wood can be heavier than alder, but that is not always the case.
- High pitched tones can be achieved by the use of an alder guitar.
- The levels of durability are higher in regards to ash when compared to alder.
- The ash guitar has a lighter finish than the darker tones of an alder guitar.
- Alder guitars are more cost effective in comparison to ash guitars.
Table of Contents
Ash vs. Alder Guitar – A Deep Dive
These two types of wood materials differ in certain ways that distinguish one from the other, making them appear to be very different.
Ash and alder differ in terms of their weight as well as the tone they produce, which is very important for aspiring guitarists.
In addition, there are differences in their levels of durability as well as the price for which guitars with bodies made out of ash and alder are sold.
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Weight: Which Type of Wood Is More Preferable?
Some people cannot handle an extremely heavy guitar because this characteristic can also lead to the instrument being difficult to play. Certain wood materials are heavier than others making them inconvenient for constant usage.
Guitar bodies made out of ash are known to be heavier when it is compared to an alder made guitar body. However, certain types of ash wood such as swamp are known to be lighter than the alder wood.
The weight of a guitar’s body ultimately depends on the technique that is used during its production. Not all ash guitars will be heavy and the bodies of all alder guitars may not be as lightweight as many people think.
Tone: Is There A Sound Difference?
The resonance in sound and tone is another difference between ash and alder guitars. They differ in this aspect because the ash guitar body is slightly more oval in shape than the alder-made guitar body.
For this reason, a guitar that is made out of ash wood materials is known to produce more refined and precise sounds in comparison to the vibrant and full tones that can be produced from a guitar body made out of alder wood.
Extremely high-pitched tones may not be easily produced by an ash guitar which is why many people opt for the alder guitar due to its capacity to produce punchy and sonorous tones.
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Durability: Which One Is More Sensitive?
There is a distinct reason why some people choose ash wood for their guitar bodies instead of alder. This reason is highly dependent on the high levels of durability that ash guitars are usually characterized with.
The ash wood used for the production of guitar bodies is known to be extremely durable, strong, and sturdy without the possibility of getting easily damaged. In comparison, the alder guitar bodies are slightly more gentle and sensitive to high temperatures.
It may be more difficult to maintain the quality of an alder guitar which is why a large number of people go for the long-lasting ash wood material. However, this does not mean that alder is not durable at all, only that ash is significantly stronger in comparison.
Appearance: Lighter-Colored or Darker-Colored Finish
Many people cannot observe a significant difference in appearance when it comes to ash and alder guitars. Although it may not be easily noticeable, these two types of woods used for the production of guitars have their distinctive differences.
Lighter-colored finishes on certain types of guitars are often associated with the ash wood material, whereas black and reddish tones and finishes are usually considered to be made from an alder wood material.
In addition, types of ash wood are most commonly used during the manufacturing processes of acoustic, electric, and bass guitars. In comparison, the alder wood materials are also used for producing the bodies of many different instruments, not only guitars.
Price: Choosing The Bang For The Buck
The price for which a certain type of guitar is sold usually depends on the quality of wood that is used during its production. Both the ash and the alder wood materials are known to be high-quality, but one of them is sold for a slightly more expensive price.
Due to the heavier weight and higher levels of durability of the ash wood, these types of guitars are considered to be expensive to purchase. In comparison, the alder guitars are known to be sold for a reasonable price that most people can afford.
When it comes to spending your money on a guitar you will truly use for a long time, you have to consider all of the different factors and make sure that buying a more expensive guitar will be worth the money and will it suit your budget.
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Final Verdict
It may be difficult for some people to decide which type of guitar they should opt for because both alder and ash guitars offer amazing features and longevity. All instruments can be considered worthy and popular, so you will not make a mistake if you choose either of them.
However, for the majority of people, the price point is a determining factor. Everyone’s budget is not the same and most people would choose the more affordable option, due to the fact that ash guitars are known to be less cost-effective than alder guitars.
Manufacturers may choose to produce more lightweight versions of ash guitars which draws more people into purchasing them due to their proven durability characteristics. It all comes down to the quality and pitch of the sound you are aiming to produce with the use of a guitar.