Cherry Wood Soundboards: Tone, Beauty, and Sustainability

Cherry wood, which has a density that falls between mahogany and maple, presents a unique tonal palette for guitar soundboards, offering a balanced blend of warmth and brightness suitable for various musical styles. Guitar luthiers value cherry wood for its workability and sustainable sourcing, which makes cherry a great substitute to more endangered tonewoods. Cherry’s aesthetic appeal, featuring a smooth grain and rich color, enhances the visual allure of acoustic guitars, making them desirable for players seeking both sonic and visual excellence. The tonal characteristics and environmental benefits make cherry wood a favored option among guitar manufacturers committed to both quality and ecological responsibility.

Hey there, guitar aficionados! Have you ever stopped to admire a piece of cherry furniture? That warm, reddish hue, the smooth grain… it just screams quality, right? Well, guess what? That same beautiful cherry wood is making waves in the guitar world, and it’s not just for looks.

Yep, cherry wood is stepping into the spotlight as a fantastic option for crafting both electric and acoustic guitars. It’s becoming more and more popular, moving beyond those traditional choices we’re all used to hearing about. But why, you ask? Is it just because it’s pretty? Absolutely not! Cherry brings a whole lot more to the table (or should we say, to the fretboard?).

We’re talkin’ about a tonewood with a unique blend of aesthetic appeal, tonal properties, and surprisingly great workability. It’s like the Swiss Army knife of the guitar wood world!

So, buckle up, because in this blog post, we’re diving deep into the world of cherry wood guitars. We’ll explore everything from its physical properties to how it sounds, and even how it stacks up against the old guard. Get ready to have your preconceived notions challenged, because cherry wood is here to shake things up!

Contents

Decoding Cherry Wood: Properties That Matter

So, you’re thinking about a cherry wood guitar? Awesome choice! But before you dive in headfirst, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty. What makes cherry wood tick, and why does it matter for your axe? We’re talking about the real stuff – the physics, the structure, the science behind the sound. Don’t worry, we’ll keep it fun (promise!).

Density: Not Just About Weightlifting for Guitars

Density, simply put, is how much stuff is packed into a space. In guitar terms, it’s a big deal. Denser wood generally means a heavier guitar, which some players love and others, well, not so much. But more importantly, density affects the tone. Higher density often leads to a brighter, more articulate sound.

Now, about sustain. A denser wood tends to vibrate longer, leading to that sweet, sweet sustain we all crave. Think of it like a bell – a heavier bell rings longer than a lighter one. However, density isn’t the only factor in sustain. The neck joint, hardware, and even the finish play a role, but it’s a key piece of the puzzle.

Hardness: Durability and Those Pesky Frets

Think of hardness as how well the wood can resist dings, dents, and scratches. A harder wood is going to be more durable and stand up to the rigors of gigging (or just clumsy moments in your bedroom).

If you’re considering a cherry wood neck (and some brave souls do!), hardness becomes extra important. The fretboard takes a beating from your strings, so a softer wood will show wear and tear much faster. You might end up needing a refret sooner than you’d like. If you’re going with a cherry neck, be mindful of this – it might not be ideal for aggressive playing styles.

Grain and Figure: Beauty and the Beast (of Tone)

Ah, aesthetics! Grain refers to the direction of the wood fibers, while figure is the fancy patterns those fibers create. Straight grain is usually structurally sound, which is great for necks. Figured cherry (think curly, quilted, or flame patterns) is stunning, but can sometimes be less structurally stable.

Now, while figure is mostly about looks, it can slightly affect the tone. The more irregular the grain, the more complex the vibration patterns can be, leading to subtle nuances in the sound. Generally speaking, straighter grain is better for necks, while figured grain can add a unique vibe to a body.

Resonance: The Soul of the Sound

Resonance is how well the wood vibrates and transmits sound. This is where the magic happens! Different woods resonate at different frequencies, which is why they all sound unique. Cherry wood has a beautiful, complex resonance that gives it a warm, balanced tone.

Think about a speaker cone – it needs to vibrate efficiently to project the sound. Similarly, a guitar’s body needs to resonate to amplify the strings’ vibrations. Cherry’s resonance characteristics contribute to its projection, meaning how well the guitar’s sound carries in a room.

Workability: A Luthier’s Perspective

Workability refers to how easy it is to cut, shape, sand, and finish the wood. Cherry is generally considered a pleasure to work with. It’s not too hard, not too soft – just right (like Goldilocks’ porridge!).

Compared to other tonewoods, cherry is generally easier to work with than maple (which can be quite hard) but slightly more challenging than alder (which is relatively soft). This makes it a favorite among luthiers because it allows for precise shaping and a smooth finish.

Stability: Staying True Over Time

Stability refers to the wood’s resistance to warping, cracking, and other undesirable changes caused by temperature and humidity. A stable wood will keep its shape and tonal properties for years to come.

Proper kiln drying is crucial for stability. This process removes excess moisture from the wood, preventing it from warping or cracking later on. Kiln drying is an essential step for any tonewood, but especially important for woods like cherry that can be prone to movement if not properly dried.

Cherry Wood’s Starring Role: Where Does It Fit on a Guitar?

Alright, let’s dive into where this awesome cherry wood can actually live on a guitar. It’s not just about slapping a cherry finish on everything; we’re talking about using it as the bones of the instrument. So, grab your metaphorical hammer and let’s get building!

Guitar Body: The Cherry Core

Solid-Body Electrics: Think of a sleek, cherry red Strat or a mean Les Paul. Cherry can deliver a balanced tone, leaning towards warmth, making it a cool alternative to the usual suspects. Imagine the sustain!
- Alder vs. Cherry: Alder is known for its balanced tone, a bit brighter and snappier. Cherry brings a warmer, rounder sound to the party. It’s like choosing between a crisp apple (alder) and a juicy plum (cherry).
- Mahogany vs. Cherry: Mahogany is renowned for its rich midrange and sustain. Cherry offers a similar warmth but can have a slightly brighter top end. Imagine mahogany as a roaring fire and cherry as a cozy fireplace.
Semi-Hollow Bodies: Now, things get interesting. Cherry in a semi-hollow body can add a sweet, woody resonance that’s just begging for some blues licks. Picture a cherry-bodied ES-335, resonating with soul.
Acoustic Guitars: Absolutely! A cherry body will deliver a focused and balanced sound.

Guitar Neck: A Cherry Chokehold?

Using cherry for a neck is a bit more nuanced. While it looks gorgeous, stability is key.

Advantages: The aesthetics are a no-brainer—a cherry neck is stunning. It can also contribute to the overall warmth of the guitar’s tone.
Disadvantages: Cherry isn’t as stiff as maple, so it might require reinforcement like graphite rods to prevent warping, especially with heavier gauge strings or aggressive playing. Think of it as needing a little extra support to handle the pressure.

Soundboard/Top (Acoustic Guitars): Cherry on Top!

Using cherry as a soundboard is a fascinating choice. It’s less common than spruce or cedar, but it offers a unique tonal flavor.

Cherry vs. Spruce: Spruce is the king of acoustic tops, known for its brightness, clarity, and projection. Cherry offers a warmer, mellower tone with a strong midrange. If spruce is a crystal-clear mountain stream, cherry is a gently flowing river.
Cherry vs. Cedar: Cedar is known for its warmth, responsiveness, and overtones. Cherry provides a similar warmth but can be a bit brighter and more focused. Cedar is like a warm blanket, while cherry is like a cozy sweater.

Back and Sides (Acoustic Guitars): Cherry’s Supporting Role

For the back and sides of an acoustic, cherry shines. It adds to the overall warmth of the instrument and contributes to a balanced tonal palette. Think of it as the foundation that supports the top’s voice.

Projection and Warmth: Cherry helps project the sound, giving the guitar volume and presence. It also adds a pleasant warmth that makes the guitar sound full and inviting.

Solid vs. Laminate: The Great Debate

Solid Cherry: Offers the best tonal qualities, allowing the wood to vibrate freely and produce a rich, complex sound. It’s the purist’s choice but can be more expensive.
Cherry Laminate: More affordable and can be more stable, resisting warping and cracking. However, it doesn’t resonate as well as solid wood, resulting in a less complex tone. Think of it as a practical compromise.

The Sound of Cherry: Tonal Characteristics Explained

Okay, let’s dive into the sonic heart of cherry wood! What does it actually sound like when you turn it into a guitar? Think of this as your guide to understanding the vibe of cherry.

Warmth: Like a Cozy Blanket for Your Ears

Imagine a warm, crackling fireplace on a cold night – that’s the kind of feeling cherry wood can bring to your guitar’s sound. We’re talking about a fullness and richness that rounds out the edges, giving you a tone that’s easy on the ears. It’s not harsh or brittle; it’s like the sonic equivalent of a hug.

Want to hear it in action? Think of some semi-hollow body guitars known for their smooth, jazzy tones. Some players describe the tone of cherry as having a dark and mellow tone.

Brightness: A Touch of Sparkle

Now, warmth doesn’t mean muddiness. Cherry still has some high-end clarity to offer, just not as much as, say, maple. It’s a balanced brightness, a little sparkle on top of that warm foundation. While maple is known for its almost crystalline highs and alder is known for balanced but slightly scooped tone, cherry sits somewhere in the middle, providing a pleasant articulation without being overly shrill.

Sustain: Letting Notes Linger

Sustain is all about how long a note rings out, and cherry does a decent job in this department. It’s not going to sustain forever like some super-dense woods, but it’s got enough to let your notes hang in the air for a respectable amount of time.

Keep in mind that sustain isn’t just about the wood. The neck joint (set-neck guitars tend to sustain more than bolt-ons), the hardware (a heavy bridge can help), and even the strings you use all play a role. But cherry provides a good base for solid sustain performance.

Overtones: A Complex Cocktail of Sound

Overtones are those subtle, harmonic frequencies that add depth and complexity to a note. Cherry has a nice overtone profile, contributing to its unique and interesting sound. It’s not as dramatically overtone-rich as some exotic woods, but it’s got enough going on to keep things interesting.

Think of it as adding a dash of spice to a dish – it enhances the flavor without overpowering it.

Projection: Filling the Room

Projection is how well your guitar’s sound carries and fills a space. A guitar with good projection sounds loud and clear, even when you’re not plugged in. Cherry can project well, especially in the right body size and construction. A larger-bodied acoustic with a cherry top, for example, will generally project more than a smaller parlor guitar.

The bracing pattern inside the guitar also plays a huge role in projection. So, while cherry is a factor, it’s not the only thing that determines how loud your guitar will be.

Cherry vs. The Competition: A Tonewood Throwdown!

Alright, let’s get down to brass tacks and see how cherry wood stacks up against the usual suspects in the tonewood arena. We’re talking about those woods that have been gracing guitars for ages, so it’s time to see if cherry can hold its own.

Mahogany: The Warm and Fuzzy Veteran

Mahogany is like that reliable friend who’s always there with a comforting presence. It’s known for its warm, rich tone, and has been a staple in guitar building for decades. Weight-wise, it’s comparable to cherry. But where they differ is in tonal complexity. Mahogany tends to have a more pronounced midrange, whereas cherry might offer a broader, more balanced spectrum.

As for workability, both are pretty easy to deal with, but mahogany’s consistent grain can make it a tad more predictable. Genre-wise, mahogany is a rock and blues warhorse, lending itself well to those genres’ need for a strong, sustaining tone. Cherry? It can handle those too but might be preferred where a clearer, more articulate sound is desired, perhaps in jazz or fingerstyle playing.

Maple: The Bright and Snappy Counterpart

Maple is the bright and shiny contrast to cherry’s more subdued character. Think of maple as the zing to cherry’s warmth. Maple is known for its brightness, clarity, and sustain. Where cherry brings a certain warmth, maple offers snap and articulation, especially in the higher frequencies. This makes it a favorite for necks and tops where clarity is key.

In terms of aesthetics, maple often boasts stunning figuring, like flame or quilt, which can really make a guitar pop. Cherry can have some nice figure too, but it’s generally more subtle. Maple often finds itself in rock, metal, and fusion guitars where that cutting tone is prized.

Alder: The Balanced Electric Buddy

Alder is a common choice for electric guitar bodies, known for its balanced tonal properties. It’s not as warm as mahogany or as bright as maple, sitting nicely in the middle. Compared to cherry, alder might be a bit more neutral, whereas cherry can impart a touch more character.

Alder is a great all-arounder, lending itself well to various playing styles and pickup configurations. Cherry in an electric guitar can add a unique flavour, especially when you’re aiming for something different from the standard alder/maple combination. This can be really helpful to know if you’re looking for a distinct sound.

Walnut: The Dense and Dark Alternative

Walnut is the dark, mysterious cousin. It’s denser than cherry and often brings a darker, richer tone to the table. Both woods share a certain tonal complexity, but walnut tends to have a more pronounced low-end response.

Aesthetically, walnut and cherry can be similar, with beautiful grain patterns that add visual appeal. Walnut can vary in colour from light browns to darker chocolate hues, giving it a unique look. Tonally, walnut is great for players who want a full, resonant sound with plenty of sustain, making it suitable for various genres.

Finishing Touches: Enhancing Cherry’s Beauty and Protection

So, you’ve decided on cherry for your guitar? Excellent choice! But the journey doesn’t end with just picking the wood. The finish is like the final brushstroke on a masterpiece, and with cherry, you have options galore to make that grain pop and protect your investment. Let’s dive into some cool techniques.

Staining: Bringing Out the Cherry Goodness

Cherry wood has this amazing natural reddish hue, but sometimes you want to kick it up a notch. Staining is your ticket to doing just that. Think of it as makeup for your guitar! But what colors work best? Well, with cherry, less is often more. Consider these:

Natural or Clear Stains: These enhance the wood’s existing color without drastically changing it. Think of it as the “no-makeup makeup look” for guitars.
Amber or Honey Tones: These add warmth and richness, giving your guitar a vintage vibe. Imagine sipping a glass of amber-colored whiskey while playing… smooth.
Light Brown or Walnut Stains: For a more earthy, grounded look, these can provide a beautiful contrast to the cherry’s natural redness.

Clear Coat: The Shield of Glory

Now that your cherry wood is looking its best, it’s time to protect it from the onslaught of life – scratches, moisture, spilled beer (hey, it happens!). Clear coats are like the bodyguards of the guitar world. Here are two main contenders:

Nitrocellulose Lacquer: A classic choice, nitrocellulose provides a thin, flexible finish that allows the wood to breathe and resonate. It’s like a second skin for your guitar, but it can be a bit delicate and prone to scratches. Think vintage vibe, but with a bit of extra care needed!
Polyurethane: This stuff is tough! Polyurethane creates a hard, durable finish that can withstand a lot of abuse. It’s like putting your guitar in a suit of armor. However, some believe it can dampen the wood’s resonance slightly. Think modern durability for the gigging musician.

Sunburst Finish: A Visual Symphony

Want to add some serious eye-candy to your cherry guitar? A sunburst finish is where it’s at! This technique involves gradually fading one color into another, creating a stunning gradient effect. Imagine the sun setting over a cherry orchard – beautiful, right?

Applying a sunburst usually involves spraying multiple layers of tinted lacquer, carefully blending the colors as you go. It’s a skill that takes practice, but the results are totally worth it.

Oil Finish: Getting Intimate with the Wood

For those who like a more tactile and natural feel, an oil finish is a great option. These finishes penetrate the wood, enhancing its natural beauty and providing a smooth, almost bare-wood feel. Think of it as giving your guitar a spa day.

Pros: Oil finishes are easy to apply and repair, and they allow the wood to breathe and resonate freely.
Cons: They offer less protection than film finishes like lacquer or polyurethane, and they require more frequent maintenance.

Aesthetic Allure: Showcasing Cherry’s Visual Charm

Okay, let’s talk beauty, baby! We’ve explored the nitty-gritty of cherry wood – its density, its tone, and all that jazz. But let’s be honest, a huge part of the appeal of cherry is simply how darn good it looks! It’s like that friend who’s both smart and stunning – a rare and wonderful combo. So, let’s dive headfirst into the visual feast that cherry wood offers guitar enthusiasts.

Figure/Grain Patterns: A Feast for the Eyes

Cherry wood isn’t just a pretty face; it’s got character! And that character shines through in its diverse array of grain patterns and figure. Forget plain old straight grain (though even that has its charm); we’re talking the spectacular stuff here.

Curly (Flame) Cherry: Imagine the wood is rippling like a lake on a breezy day. That’s curly cherry, also known as flame cherry. These undulating patterns catch the light in mesmerizing ways, giving your guitar a sense of movement and depth. It’s like having a tiny ocean swirling on your axe.
Quilted Cherry: This is where things get really fancy. Quilted cherry looks like – you guessed it – a quilt! These bubble-like formations give the wood a three-dimensional appearance, as if it’s been padded and stitched. Guitars with quilted cherry tops are practically guaranteed to turn heads.
Birdseye Cherry: Keep an eye out! Just like birdseye maple. This is similar to the other two above but with small bird’s eye patterns.

Pro Tip: When it comes to figure, it’s all a matter of personal taste. But there’s no denying that a well-figured piece of cherry wood can elevate a guitar from “nice” to “OMG, I need that!”

Industry Insights: Perspectives from the Pros

Time to tap into the wisdom of those who live and breathe guitars! We’re not just talking about playing them; we’re diving into the minds of the master craftspeople and the folks who supply the lifeblood of these instruments: the wood itself. What do the pros really think about cherry wood in guitar construction? Let’s find out!

Guitar Makers/Luthiers: The Cherry-Crafting Chronicles

First, we’re turning the spotlight onto the guitar makers, the magicians who transform raw wood into objects of sonic beauty. They’re the ones who spend countless hours shaping, carving, and coaxing the best out of every piece of wood. When it comes to cherry, their experiences are invaluable. We’re talking about getting down and dirty with the nitty-gritty, like how easy cherry is to work with compared to, say, mahogany or maple, and whether it holds a curve as beautifully as it holds a note.

Key questions we’ll explore:

How does cherry wood respond to different tools and techniques?
Does it require any special handling during the building process?
What kind of finishes does cherry take well?
Most importantly, what kind of sound are luthiers able to achieve with cherry?

And, of course, we’ll be peppering this section with juicy quotes from luthiers who’ve actually worked with cherry, providing real-world insights you won’t find anywhere else. Think of it as eavesdropping on a conversation between some seriously talented woodworkers!

Wood Suppliers: Sourcing the Sweet Stuff

Next, we’re heading behind the scenes to talk to the folks who supply the cherry wood itself. These are the unsung heroes who ensure that luthiers have access to high-quality tonewood. We’ll delve into the often-overlooked, but crucially important, aspects of sourcing cherry wood.

Here’s what’s on the agenda:

Where does the best cherry wood for guitars come from?
What are the key characteristics that wood suppliers look for when selecting cherry for musical instruments?
How does the grading process work? (Is there a cherry wood grading process?)
And, perhaps most importantly, what are the sustainable sourcing practices that ensure we can enjoy cherry guitars for generations to come?

We will delve in sustainable sourcing, with a focus on certifications such as FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) and other initiatives that promote responsible forest management.

Guitar Reviews: Cherry-Picked Opinions

Finally, we’re rounding things off with a look at what the experts are saying about guitars made with cherry wood. We’re talking about professional guitar reviewers who’ve put cherry instruments through their paces, analyzing their tonal characteristics, playability, and overall value.

We’ll be digging into:

Reviews of both acoustic and electric guitars that feature cherry wood.
Comparisons of cherry guitars to those made with other tonewoods.
Assessments of the aesthetic qualities of cherry, from its natural color to its ability to showcase beautiful grain patterns.

Expect links to relevant reviews so you can do your own research and draw your own conclusions. After all, a well-informed guitar player is a happy guitar player!

Community Buzz: What Guitar Players Are Saying

Let’s dive into the real heart of the matter: what are everyday guitar slingers saying about cherry wood guitars? Forget the fancy marketing speak and the luthier jargon for a minute, because we’re heading straight to the source: the guitar forums! These are the virtual water coolers where guitarists share their experiences, swap stories, and sometimes, even get into a friendly (or not-so-friendly) debate.

Guitar Forums/Communities: A Goldmine of Opinions

Online guitar forums are a treasure trove of information, especially when it comes to specific woods like cherry. You’ll find everything from folks gushing about the gorgeous grain patterns to others dissecting the tonal qualities with the precision of a brain surgeon. Here’s a taste of what you might stumble upon:

The Tone Testimonials: Prepare for phrases like “warm and woody“, “sweet midrange“, and the occasional “surprisingly articulate” being thrown around. Some players report that cherry offers a balanced tone, sitting nicely between the brightness of maple and the darker tones of mahogany. Others highlight how well cherry responds to different playing styles, from fingerpicking to rock riffing.
The Aesthetes: Of course, the visual appeal of cherry is a major talking point. Many guitarists are drawn to its rich color and the way it ages over time, developing a deep, lustrous patina. Expect to see threads dedicated to showcasing the best cherry grain patterns, with terms like “flame“, “quilt“, and “birdseye” getting plenty of love.
The Skeptics: Not everyone is a cherry convert, and that’s perfectly fine! Some players express concerns about its hardness compared to other tonewoods, while others worry about its tonal consistency. However, it’s worth noting that these opinions often spark constructive discussions, with other forum members chiming in to share their own experiences and offer alternative perspectives.

_Helpful Tip:_ Dig around on the following sites for juicy testimonials:
- Ultimate-Guitar.com Forums: For general guitar discussions, gear reviews, and community feedback.
- MyLesPaul.com: A dedicated forum for Les Paul enthusiasts, including discussions on various tonewoods.
- The Gear Page: A popular forum for guitarists, amp enthusiasts, and gearheads.
- Acoustic Guitar Forum: For discussions about acoustic guitars, including tonewood choices and sound characteristics.
- Telecaster Discussion Page Reissue: A resource for Telecaster enthusiasts to connect and share insight.

Ethical Considerations: Sustainability and Sourcing

Hey there, eco-conscious guitar enthusiasts! Let’s talk about something super important: sustainability. We all love the look and sound of a beautiful cherry wood guitar, but it’s crucial to make sure our gear isn’t costing the Earth! I mean, what’s the point of shredding if we’re contributing to deforestation, right?

Why Sustainable Sourcing Matters

Think of it like this: guitars aren’t magically made, the wood comes from somewhere! Responsible sourcing means ensuring that the cherry wood used in our guitars comes from forests that are managed in a way that protects biodiversity, prevents deforestation, and supports local communities. It’s like making sure there are enough trees to keep making awesome guitars for generations to come!

Spotting the Good Stuff: Certifications Like FSC

So, how do you know if the cherry wood in your dream guitar is ethically sourced? Keep an eye out for certifications like the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). When you see that little FSC logo, it means the wood has been sourced from a forest that meets strict environmental and social standards. Think of it as a “Good Housekeeping” seal of approval but for trees! It’s a helpful signal when you’re trying to make an informed choice about your purchase.

The Bottom Line: Economic Factors and Value

Alright, let’s talk brass tacks – or, you know, guitar picks – and get down to the nitty-gritty of whether cherry wood is going to break the bank. So, when you’re eyeballing that beautiful cherry guitar, you’re probably wondering: “Is this thing gonna cost me an arm and a leg?” Well, the answer is… it depends! Think of cherry wood as the sensible choice in the tonewood world. It’s not the cheapest option out there (we’re looking at you, poplar), but it’s also not going to cost you a king’s ransom like some of the exotic stuff.

Cost:

Generally speaking, cherry wood tends to sit somewhere in the mid-range when it comes to pricing. It’s often more affordable than premium hardwoods like genuine mahogany or highly-figured maple, making it an attractive option for builders and players looking for a balance between quality and cost. If you want a general idea, expect to pay something in the range of, say, \$X to \$Y per board foot for cherry that’s been properly dried and prepped for guitar making, whereas mahogany is between \$Z to \$A. Of course, location, availability, and the grade of the wood will all play a role in the final price.

Now, don’t go thinking that because it’s not the most expensive, it’s somehow inferior. Not at all! Cherry offers a fantastic blend of tonal characteristics and aesthetic appeal, making it a solid value proposition. Plus, if you’re building your own guitar, those savings can be put towards other goodies, like a fancy set of pickups or a killer bridge!

So, there you have it! Cherry wood offers a unique blend of beauty and tone for guitars. Whether you’re a seasoned luthier or a curious player, it’s definitely worth considering for your next build or purchase. Who knows, cherry might just become your new favorite wood!