Basswood vs Alder or Swamp Ash quality differences

[SCAD]

Hi, I'm about to purchase my first Tribute Legacy model and am currently trying to decide between the Lake Placid Blue or 3 Tone Sunburst models, both with Rosewood fingerboards. These would be brand new shop models in the UK.

I've heard people talk about basswood as not being a very good quality wood for a guitar body compared to say, swamp ash or alder. In your 'honest' opinion, would there be any difference in quality or sound if I purchased a basswood Tribute Legacy (Lake Placid Blue) over a more expensive Swamp Ash model (3T Sunburst)?

Thank you.

[coloradojeff]

Swamp Ash is a lot harder wood than basswood. On the "janka" wood hardness scale, Swamp ash is 1660 or so, basswood is 410. Pine is 380. In comparison, Ebony is about 5,000. It seems the harder wood would be more resonant but some people swear by pine telecasters. I think if it were me I'd try to play both to see what you like better. G&L uses basswood for their solid finished and Alder/Swamp Ash for the clear finishes. I think this is primarily because of the visible grain in the two woods.... Basswood is pretty grain free.

Just my .02

[Craig]

Swamp Ash is a lot harder wood than basswood. On the "janka" wood hardness scale, Swamp ash is 1660 or so, basswood is 410. Pine is 380. In comparison, Ebony is about 5,000. It seems the harder wood would be more resonant but some people swear by pine telecasters. I think if it were me I'd try to play both to see what you like better. G&L uses basswood for their solid finished and Alder/Swamp Ash for the clear finishes. I think this is primarily because of the visible grain in the two woods.... Basswood is pretty grain free.

Just my .02

On most production models body wood is Alder on standard and solid finishes, Swamp Ash on Premier finishes.

There are some optional body woods available:

January 25, 2018-present Body Wood Substitutiion For Alder
This information is based upon the January 25, 2018 U.S. Dealer Price List.

Swamp Ash Body

Lightweight American Basswood Body

Okoume Body

Reference post: January 25, 2018-present G&L U.S. Specifications & Options.

Basswood and Okoume body wood are lighter in weight than Swamp Ash and Alder.

For the Tribute Series body woods, see: January 28, 2018-present Tribute Series Production Models.

Hope this helps.

[john o]

go for the swamp ash. better sustain/tone, IMO.
i had a black/basswood trib legacy. nice guitar, but sustain was lacking.

[SCAD]

Thanks everyone for all the replies! I think I may go for the Swamp Ash 3 Tone Sunburst model.

https://www.andertons.co.uk/g-l-tribute ... viEALw_wcB