Bass Guitar Tonewood Guide

Basswood

Basswood (with bass pronounced like the fish) is a lightweight tonewood that’s relatively soft in comparison to other hardwoods listed here, but it’s abundant, and therefore relatively cheap. It’s lightweight and usually white in colour, so you’ll rarely see a basswood bass guitar without an opaque finish hiding its relatively plain appearance.

Because it’s relatively inexpensive, basswood is often written off as a cheap, bland, characterless option. But some enthusiasts claim it provides an ideal balanced tone with a subtle tendency towards being more warm than bright. It often features on more budget-friendly models from a number of manufacturers, including Fender and Music Man.

Summary: Lightweight and pale in colour, with a subtle, transparent tone.

Maple

As with ash, there are two broad types of maple: hard and soft.

In electric guitar construction, hard maple tonewood is more commonly found in the neck than in solid body construction because of its undesirable weight. However, seeing as bass guitars are generally expected to be heavier instruments anyway, its presence in solid body construction is not so unusual. Because of its density and weight, hard maple tonewood is very bright with a lot of bite and good sustain. It pronounces the upper-mid and high frequencies most evidently, although the bass frequencies do tend to be clearly articulated.

Because soft maple is – you guessed it – softer, it’s generally lighter than the hard maple variety. Although it often looks much the same, it does tend to have more intense figuring and can look absolutely stunning. Tonally, it provides a good, bright attack and sustain, but without sounding brittle like some harder woods can. The wave pattern in the wood (often referred to as curls) reduces the stiffness, and this, in turn, means that the wood can vibrate more freely. Soft maple tonewood is still relatively bright compared to other wood types listed here, but not quite as bright as the hard maple variety.

Because of maple’s attractive grain varieties (flamed, quilted, birdseye, etc.), it’s often used with transparent finishes or as a separate piece of the top of the body. This sometimes makes for a pretty dazzling aesthetic that causes you to double-take every time!

Summary: Bright, immediate sound, often with striking figuring and light colouration.

Necks, tops and fretboards

Although this article focuses on bass guitar tonewoods, the materials remain the same regardless of the instrument. If you’re looking for more info on woods that are used for necks, tops and fretboards, you might want to check out the other articles in our tonewood series:

• Electric Guitar Tonewood Guide
• Acoustic Guitar Tonewood Guide

Bass Guitar Tonewood FAQs

What is the best tonewood for a bass guitar?

Much like with electric and acoustic guitars, there’s no single right answer here. Alder and swamp ash are certainly versatile and balanced, making them great all-rounders. Mahogany is warm and deep, while maple is bright and snappy. Ultimately, your choice depends on the sound you’re shooting for and the feel you prefer.

What makes a bass guitar sound better?

Great bass tone comes from a combination of factors, including your pickups, string choice, proper setup, and even how you play. It’s true that tonewood contributes to resonance and sustain, but electronics and playing technique arguably make the biggest difference to your sound.

Does tonewood really affect bass tone?

Yes, but the effect is subtle compared to pickups, strings, and amplification. Tonewoods mainly influence resonance, sustain, and how the instrument feels to play.

What’s the difference between swamp ash and hard ash?

Swamp ash is lighter, with scooped mids and a more resonant, sweet tone. Hard ash is heavier and brighter, with added sustain.

Is basswood a good choice for bass guitars?

Yes! While it’s a common choice for budget instruments, basswood actually offers a balanced, warm tone and is very lightweight – great for long gigs and extended playing sessions!

How does maple affect the sound of a bass?

Maple is dense and bright, delivering a snappy attack and strong upper-mid presence. It’s great for players who want articulation and bite in their playing.

Are fingerboard woods as important as body woods?

They play a more subtle role, but can certainly affect attack, feel, and brightness. Maple fingerboards tend to sound snappier, while rosewood is often a touch warmer.

Should I prioritise tonewood when choosing a bass?

Tonewood is definitely worth considering, but it’s secondary to pickups, build quality, and overall feel. Think of it as one piece of a much larger tonal puzzle.

Bass Guitars