Basswood Vs Swamp Ash

[DanSteely59]

Hi,

With my recent purchase of a Tribute S-500, I'm looking to purchase a Tribute ASAT model. I have noticed that some ASATs are made of Swamp Ash and some in Basswood. Don't yet know if it will be a Classic or Blues Boy..

Can you please educate me on the differences between the two types of wood.

Thanks in advance for your help.

[Philby]

Well, ash is prettier so it tends to be used with clear finishes which highlight the grain. Basswood is not very pretty and tends to sport a solid finish. I have 4 ash guitars and they're all on the heavy side, whereas my basswood Japanese strat is very light. I don't know if this observation can be extended to all ash and basswood guitars.

Basswood is softer than ash and might reasonably be expected to ding up a little easier.

That's all I got

[fianoman]

You might find something useful in here:

http://www.guitarplayer.com/miscellaneo ... oods/14591

[DanSteely59]

Thank you for the responses!

Thanks for the link to the Guitar Player magazine article.

Its the information I was looking for.

Cheers!

D.