At Collings, the selection of back and side woods of a guitar or mandolin is a foundational step in our voicing process. While the top provides the initial energy, the back and sides act as the acoustic reflection that pushes the sound out to the listener, shaping the harmonic color, sustain, and punch of the instrument. We treat these as active components rather than simply aesthetic choices, hand-selecting each set for its structural integrity, sonic potential, and ability to work in harmony with our precision-voiced soundboards.
The following guide outlines the distinct tonal profiles of our current options, offering a roadmap for players to match an instrument’s voice to their own unique style. PLEASE NOTE that every set of wood is unique and will vary aesthetically from one to the next. The included photos are for general reference only.
Honduran Mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla)
Fundamental, Woody, Punchy
Honduran Mahogany emphasizes the fundamental frequency of the string. This results in a punchy, mid-forward voice that possesses a natural compression, making it easy to record. It has a dry, vintage-inspired character that feels immediately familiar and is a popular tonewood well-suited to most styles. It allows fast flatpicking runs to remain distinct rather than washing together, and for the singer-songwriter, mahogany provides a supportive base that sits perfectly under a vocal without competing for the same frequencies.
East Indian Rosewood (Dalbergia latifolia)
Dimensional, Lush, Shimmering
Often viewed as the orchestral standard, East Indian Rosewood offers a broad frequency response characterized by deep, throaty lows and a bell-like treble shimmer. It creates a natural scoop in the midrange, which provides a sense of three-dimensional space. The sustain is long and harmonically rich, with notes that seem to bloom and evolve after the initial attack. Like mahogany, it has long been a go-to for a wide variety of genres. It provides the low-end thump required to drive a rhythm section and the complex overtones that solo players use to fill a room.
Madagascar Rosewood (Dalbergia baronii)
Lush, Articulate, Rich
Madagascar rosewood is often considered the true tonal successor to the much-coveted Brazilian rosewood, although it is becoming rare and highly desirable in its own right. It typically offers a punchier, more immediate response than East Indian Rosewood, with a tighter grain structure that yields a focused, growling low end. It is characterized by a lush harmonic bloom that develops quickly, providing a rich, velvety texture to the midrange while maintaining a clean, articulate treble. It provides the bark and headroom necessary for aggressive lead work but possesses enough warmth to make solo melodic passages feel intimate and full-bodied.
Brazilian Rosewood (Dalbergia nigra)
Bell-like, Deep, Resonant
Long heralded as the pinnacle of tonewoods, Brazilian Rosewood possesses a unique glass-like density that offers a ringing tap-tone. In a Collings build, this translates to an instrument with unrivaled harmonic depth and a shimmery high-end. Its frequency response is exceptionally broad, providing a 3D quality where the lows are deep and resonant, yet never lose their clarity. When available, Brazilian Rosewood is the premier choice for the discerning player and collector. It elevates any playing style, offering a sophisticated voice that fills a room and a dynamic range that responds to the subtlest nuances of a player’s touch. It is an heirloom wood for those seeking the ultimate expression of the acoustic guitar.
Maple (Acer spp.)
Transparent, Focused, Immediate
Maple is a tonally colorless wood in the best possible way. It acts as a window into the guitar’s construction and the player’s technique, offering a brilliant high-end clarity and quick decay. Since it does not add heavy overtones or excessive bass, it is resistant to feedback and muddiness, even in large-bodied instruments. Players who use complex chord voicings will find that maple keeps every note distinct, which is a primary reason it is so often heard in jazz. It is also secret weapon for stage performers who need a bright, cutting tone that remains articulate through a dense live mix while minimizing feedback.
Koa (Acacia koa)
Sweet, Vibrant, Evolving
Koa is a rare tonewood that bridges the gap between the punch of mahogany and the sparkle of rosewood. It possesses a unique glassy top end that sounds almost compressed and polished. Koa is also known for its maturation; while it starts its life with a bright, tight response, it opens up over years of playing to reveal a rich, creamy midrange warmth. Its striking appearance and balance between mahogany and rosewood characteristics make it highly-desirable for players of many types, and its inherent sweetness rewards a lighter touch and melodic playing. It’s an inspiring choice for the player who wants an instrument that will grow and change alongside their own musical journey.
Cocobolo (Dalbergia retusa)
High-Fidelity, Powerful, Bold
A dense, heavy rosewood, Cocobolo is effectively a turbocharged version of the classic rosewood sound. Because of its density, it is highly reflective and sends energy back out of the soundhole with noticeable velocity. The result is a hi-fi sound with powerful lows and a crisp treble response. It also handles lower alternate tunings well, maintaining clarity in the bass strings. For the player who wants maximum volume and a sophisticated harmonic profile, Cocobolo is a powerhouse.
Walnut (Juglans spp.)
Honest, Balanced, Clean
Walnut is a remarkably balanced wood that avoids the extremes of the tonal spectrum. It offers the woody and earthy midrange of mahogany but with a slightly more pronounced top-end bite. It is a clean sounding wood with a transparent low end that doesn’t get boomy, making it player-friendly for home recording and microphone placement. Walnut is a fantastic all-rounder and responds well to both a pick and fingers, offering a versatile palette that doesn’t lean too heavily in any one direction. It’s the perfect choice for the player who wants a unique, organic voice.
Wenge (Millettia laurentii)
Resonant, Dynamic, Sophisticated
Wenge has a remarkably high tapped resonance, resulting in a guitar that feels alive against the player’s body. It offers a wide dynamic range, staying articulate during soft passages but possessing unexpected headroom when pushed. Its ability to separate notes within a chord makes it a favorite for soloists who need a sophisticated and highly responsive instrument.
Ziricote (Cordia dodecandra)
High-Definition, Glassy, Controlled
Ziricote is a dense, heavy timber that acts as a high-definition mirror for the player’s technique. Tonally, it sits in a space between the complexity of rosewood and the crystalline transparency of ebony, which prevents notes from becoming washy during rapid passages. Its voice is dark, focused, and clean. Because of its impressive note-to-note separation and clarity, it excels in complex chord voicings and percussive styles where every detail needs to be heard.