software

Hey guys.

After alot of thought, I think I'm going to have to retire the 'Browcaster' as the body is starting to crack (where the top layer of ash meets the mahogany) and the frets are worn down to next to nothing.

I'm contemplating getting a Gordon Smith Strat in to replace it and was wondering which body wood I should try and get: Ash, Alder or Poplar? I plan on getting a Vintage white 1 with a Maple neck and fingerboard.

What are the tonal differences between the various body woods?

Thanx for any opinions guys.

Craig

Definately a shootout between Ash and Alder. Poplar is said to be pretty much the same as Alder. Personally i've better results with Alder, i seem to have a more quot;solidquot; tone with it. FenderBender

None of that Alder or Swamp Ash crap. You're an idiot if you don't get Agathis.Take it from me.

Agathis is what low-end Squires are made of isn't it? lol
FenderBender

Of course. Fenders are over-rated and you can get the same value out of a Squier. Everyone with half a brain know this. Agathis is the best wood for people who know true value.

Thanx for the posts guys.Originally Posted by RainmakerNone of that Alder or Swamp Ash crap. You're an idiot if you don't get Agathis.Take it from me.

You ARE joking aren't you Bee?

If that's the case, I might as well not bother getting a Gordon Smith and just spend £80 on a Squier or something

FenderBender, that White Strat you have in your photobucket album is EXACTLY what I'm looking for! She's a beaut


Originally Posted by BrowThanx for the posts guys.
You ARE joking aren't you Bee?
If that's the case, I might as well not bother getting a Gordon Smith and just spend £80 on a Squier or something

Or buy a real pedal, for example, MT-2 Metal Zone.
Since you ARE a Boss fan, it will fit with all your other pedals too


Originally Posted by RainmakerOr buy a real pedal, for example, MT-2 Metal Zone.
Since you ARE a Boss fan, it will fit with all your other pedals too

Actually, I have more BOSS pedals than any other type I just use the TU2 pedal tuner more so than the others

Brow... It's a brand new US Hwy. 1 Strat that i picked up for $629 last friday.

I think its quickly gonna surpass my MiM Telecaster AND my 50's Esquire and become my favorite.FenderBender


Originally Posted by FenderBender03Brow... It's a brand new US Hwy. 1 Strat that i picked up for $629 last friday.

I think its quickly gonna surpass my MiM Telecaster AND my 50's Esquire and become my favorite.FenderBender

They do seem like really nice guitars

I've not come across any myself in the UK, but I'm going to keep my eyes open and also keep 1 eye on any coming up on Ebay

Are we still talking about body wood. I like Alder, hands down. Swamp ash is cool if you like that tele sort of airiness around the notes, but for a strat alder is the most musical to my ear. pleasing clean sounds and nice solid overdrive tones.

Wow i thought he was'nt joking about the agathis for a second there, anyway i got to with alder for being the sounding wood.

If I were having one built, I'd probably go Swamp Ash. Although, you can't go wrong with either wood.

Thanx for the new posts guys

I think I'd go with Alder. I dunno why, but I associate Ash more with Tele's than I do Strats

I've also had a look on from : localhost/and they sell Mexi Fender Strats with the spec I want (Alder body, Maple neck//fingerboard) for a little over £260 shipping. So depending on what I can get a Gordon Smith Strat for, then I may just get the Mexi Fender and change the pickups

Craig

For a Tele or Jazz/Precison bass. I would go for ash.
For a Strat.... alder is my choice.

For strats, alder always sounds the best to me, especially if it's a single coil guitar.

If it's a superstrat with no pickguard and HSS or HH, I think mahogany with a maple cap sounds the best.

I've had a lot of guitars, and have found that guitar companies gravitate towards those combinations because it's a tried and true formula. Anytime you gravitate towards other wood combos, you start to hear things in the tone that are left and right of center. One of my favorite guitars right now is a Gamp;L Legacy Deluxe w/no pickguard and HSS. As much as I like the guitar w/basswood and maple cap, I really wish it were mahogany with a maple cap. I still love my regular strats with alder bodies.

GJ - in your opinion - for a single coiled guitar, how does the tonal characteristics of Swamp Ash compare with Alder? Is it more... quot;dynamicquot;?

if it ain't alder or ash, it ain't a strat

Thanx for the replies guys

Depending what the price comes in at for a Gordon Smith Strat, I may just get an Alder Mexi Strat and change the pickups

Craig