Alaska Specialty Woods, Inc. (ASW) is a custom shop, located on Prince of Wales Island in Southeast Alaska, home of the world’s finest Sitka Spruce. Specializing in tonewood products, ASW was founded in 1997 by Brent Cole Sr. and is family owned and operated.  Our goal is to utilize diminishing old growth resources responsibly and to supply instrument builders around the world with the quality material they need and desire.  We manufacture hundreds of products, from Ukulele tops to Double bass fronts. Soundboards however, arguably the most important piece of any acoustic instrument, are our specialty. We are experienced and knowledgeable as a tonewood manufacturer and can supply you with what you need to build your masterpiece.

Our Philosophy

Responsible stewardship is the essence of our process. We are dedicated to salvaging old growth Sitka Spruce and Cedar from the Tongass National Forest.  The future of music and its cultural significance depends on the forest and it is our responsibility to make the best use of it.  Salvage is key in sustaining the Tongass old-growth for future generations to appreciate and experience while supplying the world with quality soundboards.

Our Mission Statement-

When supplying our customers with material they need and desire, we make every effort to ensure the highest quality in our product.  As a luthier, you can practice responsible stewardship as well. Simply consider where and how your materials are being obtained. Alaska Specialty Woods Inc. would be pleased to be your supplier of old growth Sitka Spruce and Cedar product.  As a family owned and operated business, we will go the extra mile to fulfill our customers’ needs by utilizing and producing high quality product from “Woods for the world’s Music, in harmony with the land”.