Rosewood vs. Mahogany is a popular topic of discussion among lovers of acoustic guitars. This is because Rosewood and Mahogany are two of the most sought-after tonewoods used in acoustic guitar construction. While both are known for their warm and resonant tones, they have distinct differences that make them unique.
Rosewood
Rosewood is a dense hardwood that is known for its complex overtones and bright, clear treble notes. In addition to being used for a guitar’s back and sides, Rosewood is often used in fingerboards and bridges. Rosewood is prized for its ability to pleasantly “color” the fundamental note with overtones.
Brazilian Rosewood was famously used in vintage, pre-war Martin guitars. At that time, Brazilian Rosewood was abundant. Today, most Rosewood is Indian Rosewood, which is a great sounding wood as well.
Mahogany
Mahogany, on the other hand, is a softer wood that produces a warm, mellow tone with a strong midrange. It is often used in the body and neck of a guitar, and is known for its ability to produce a rich, full-bodied sound. Some people characterize the sound of Mahogany as “dry”, in comparison with Rosewood. This refers to less “coloring” of the note, due the lower overtone content of Mahogany. Today, Mahogany is commonly sourced from Honduras or Africa.
Tone Differences between Rosewood and Mahogany Guitars
Rosewood Tone Characteristics
Rosewood is a dense and heavy wood that produces a warm tone with a strong bass response. It is often used in the back and sides of acoustic guitars, as well as for fingerboards. The tone of rosewood is characterized by its clarity and sustain, making it a popular choice for players who want a well-defined and resonant sound. The frequency response of Rosewood looks like this:
Mahogany Tone Characteristics
Mahogany is a softer wood than rosewood, and it produces a more midrange-focused tone with less sustain than rosewood. It is often used for the body of electric and acoustic guitars, as well as for necks. The tone of mahogany is characterized by its warmth and depth, making it a popular choice for players who want a rich and full sound. Mahogany’s frequency response looks like this:
Comparison of Rosewood and Mahogany Tones
As you can see from the frequency charts, rosewood and mahogany differ in their range of frequencies, as well is their emphasis on different frequency ranges. Rosewood has a strong deeper bass response and more extended highs, while mahogany has a more pronounced midrange.
Rosewood’s frequency response is “scooped” in the midrange. Rosewood has both lower lows and higher highs than Mahogany. As someone who favors Mahogany and Sapele guitars, there are times I have been struck by the increased depth of notes on the lower strings of a Rosewood guitar.
Rosewood produces more overtone content than Mahogany, which colors the sound in a way that is pleasing to fans of the Rosewood tone. Overtones, also referred to as harmonics, are notes that are multiples of the “fundamental” note being played. For example, if you play an “A” note the fundamental note is an A, at a 440Hz. Multiple frequencies of this note will be present that affect how we hear the note. Rosewood is known for producing more of this than Mahogany.
In contrast, Mahogany favors the midrange, with a full, woody response. This is shown by the upward “hump” in the frequency chart for Mahogany. Mahogany produces fewer overtones, instead accentuating the fundamental note. This is a characteristic that many players find preferable. Many players, including myself, have gravitated towards Monel strings, which produce fewer overtones than typical Phosphor Bronze or 80/20 strings. You could say that Monel strings compliment the natural sound of Mahogany.
In the video below, Paul Davids compares Rosewood and Mahogany with two similar guitars. Listen starting at 1:50 for a chord sequence with the Mahogany guitar, and then starting at 3:00 to the same chords played on the Rosewood guitar. To my ears, the Rosewood guitar’s tone has slightly more sparkle. Keep in mind that small differences like this are more difficult to perceive on a recording, and that playing a guitar yourself is always the best way to hear differences in tone.
Choosing Between Rosewood and Mahogany
When it comes to choosing between Rosewood and Mahogany guitars, the choice ultimately comes down to personal preference and playing style. For example, if you’re a fingerstyle player who values clarity and brightness, a rosewood guitar might be the best choice for you. If you’re a strummer who prefers a warmer, more mellow tone, a mahogany guitar might be a better fit. Ultimately, the best way to determine which tonewood is right for you is to try out different guitars and see which one “fits” you the best.
Singers who play guitar often like Rosewood because the slightly scooped midrange leaves space for vocals. Guitarists who favor traditional warm and woody tones often like Mahogany for its purer representation of the note.
Well known examples of acoustic guitars made of Rosewood include the Taylor 814ce Grand Auditorium the Gibson Hummingbird. Examples of guitars that use Mahogany include the Martin D-18, Gibson J-45, and Taylor 322ce.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the choice of Mahogany vs. Rosewood comes down to personal preference, and the sound that the player is looking for. Both woods have their own unique and appealing tonal characteristics, and one is not better than the other. Tonewood, though important, is only one variable in the recipe of how a guitar ultimately sounds. String choice, pick choice, and a guitar’s construction and overall quality are important factors.
When deciding between a Rosewood vs. Mahogany guitar, as always, trust your ears. Happy Playing!