Why Quarter-Sawn Tonewood Is Worth The Price

In an earlier post, we highlighted the process of creating quarter-sawn wood in order to understand how luthiers obtain quarter-sawn wood. Please click here to read the intro post to quarter-sawn wood.

Guitar enthusiasts have different preferences, but most of them agree that quarter-sawn Sitka Spruce is the best type of tonewood for your guitar. For some though, the price difference is dramatic enough to scare them away. The truth is, despite the price difference, quarter-sawn wood is your ideal choice.

Stability

The logger will cut the wood through and through, making a straight cut. Look at the annual rings, and observe how they curve up at the end of the plank. Wood tends to curl up from the trees annual rings, so quarter-sawn wood is less likely to cup, expand, or contract from its original size.

Aesthetics

Since plain-sawn woods have a dynamic flame-like pattern, luthiers who want a smooth look should go quarter-sawn woods, as these produce a simple pattern, with a few aesthetically pleasing rays. These rays make the wood appear almost three-dimensional.

Function

Quarter-sawn tonewood, especially from Sitka Spruce trees, has proven countless times that it is the ideal selection for guitar tonewood.

For more information, watch the video below, as presented by WOOD magazine.