How Wood Grain Affects Your Soundboard

Musicians have a keen ear when it comes to knowing if their music sounds like it should, or if it is slightly off.  Sometimes music can be off due to fatigue, the venue or other mitigating factors.  However, especially in the case of the musician using a new instrument, the sound could be off due to the wood grain and the initial construction of the guitar, violin or other instrument.

According to www.woodworkdetails.com, wood grain, in regards to woodwork, is system in which a craftsman uses one of several techniques for their project.  They can cut wood going against the grain, across the grain or at various other angles.  Before joining together one or more pieces of wood, the grain alignment of the tree has to be considered first.    Wood grain is an important factor for craftsman, but how does that affect the soundboard of your guitar?

Vertical Grain Matters

Vertical grain (as one might expect) is the lines that are almost straight up and down on the flat face of a boarded cut.  If the guitar craftsman is able to avoid runout (the twisting of wood), guitar makers are able to provide a better soundboard.  Minimal runout is an indicator of strong, stiff and durable wood.  Conversely, if the wood has runout and is stressed, the wood is more likely to break and will have an adverse effect on the sound of the instrument.  The closer you are to a true vertical grain, the better off the soundboard will be.  Although some soundboards need weaker boards due to the unique style of the guitar, the overwhelming majority will have a superior sound when the soundboard is stiff.  Simply put, vertical grain is an important, yet often overlooked aspect in the construction of your instrument.

If you have any questions, please let us know.