Effect of back wood choice on the perceived quality of steel-string acoustic guitars

• DOI: 10.1121/1.5084735
• Publication Date: 2018-12-27T20:46:31Z
• Authors: Samuele Carcagno; Roger Bucknall; Jim Woodhouse; Claudia Fritz; Christopher J. Plack
• Keywords: Guitar; Bridge (graph theory)

Some of the most prized woods used for backs and sides acoustic guitars are expensive, rare, from unsustainable sources. It is unclear to what extent back contribute sound playability qualities guitars. Six steel-string were built this study same design material specifications except back/side plates which made varying widely in availability price (Brazilian rosewood, Indian mahogany, maple, sapele, walnut). Bridge-admittance measurements revealed small differences between modal properties could be largely attributed residual manufacturing variability rather than plates. Overall quality ratings, given by 52 guitarists a dimly lit room while wearing welder's goggles prevent visual identification, very similar six The results blinded ABX discrimination test, performed another subset 31 guitarists, indicate that not easily distinguish their or feel. Overall, suggest species wood guitar has only marginal impact on its body mode perceived sound.