Swamp Ash V. Alder.....?

[CrazyManAndy]

Howdy,

I'm trying to decide between Swamp Ash and Alder for my project. I know tone is really an opinion thing, but what should I expect from them comparatively speaking? What about their work-ability?

Thanks alot,

CMA

[low end fuzz]

alder is the simpleist wood to work with without extrordinary headaches; no crazy grain, soft spots or anything, good weight and as far as sound i cant even say, its like it adds nothing but takes nothing away; its like a blank canvas for your pickups;

swamp ash is super light, but the grain makes handwork very hard , the sound of the finished product is definatly worth the extra effort;i much prefer this wood for basses , you can feel the notes resonating all thru it.

[Desopolis]

also your finish should be adressed.

alder doesnt really have a grain, or at least one thats good to look at.

while swamp ash has a pretty cool grain.

so if you want to go transparent or solid you better think in advance.

second, SA is harder to find, I found a place in cali that has it cheapest, but It has to be shipped.

I dont see why a regular wood supply place wouldnt have alder, or regualr ash.

I cant comment on tone because I havent gotten that far yet.

[Hoser Rob]

Generally alder is more midrangey and goes well with rosewood fingerboards. Swamp ash is more transparent sounding and is the classic choice with maple necks.

As far as working it the finishing would be a big difference. Ash has a very porous grain and you need to do pore filling.

[newbie22]

yeh i was gonna mention finishing. check this site out - it has all the tutorials and products you will need to finish (as in clear coating etc) your guitar.

http://home.flash.net/~guitars/