The Desired Propeerties of Thai Woods Suitable for Guitar Production

Abstract

This research was experimental study, which aimed 1) To explore the desired
properties of the wood in Thailand, which was suitable for guitar production. 2) To
build guitars from Thai woods that meet desired properties; suitable for guitar
production 3) To check the sound quality of the Thai woods anitar.
Conducting this research, the researcher chose the types of woods and also
tested the woods’ quality, whether or not they were suitable for building guitars. In
general cases, to build a guitar, wooden components are required for the front part,
the rear part, and the side part. To have the guitar neck built, woods and fingerboard
are needed. From the experimental study, it was found that, to build the front part of
the guitar, types of woods that meet the desired properties for building good guitars
are “Jackfruit Woods and MicheliaChampaka”. To build the rear part and the side part
of the guitar, “Siamese Rosewood and Macea Wood” meet the desired properties. For
guitar neck, “HopeaOdorata” can be used for building that particular part, “Red Zebra
Woods” can be used to make the guitar’s fingerboard.
The researcher has built 4 guitars using different types of Thai woods.
HopeaOdorata was used to build the guitar neck, and “Red Zebra Wood” was used to
build the guitar fingerboard. Jackfruit woods and micheliachampaka were used for the
front part of the guitar’s body, while Siamese Rosewood and Macea Wood; with the
length of 25.4 inches and the dreadnought shape.
To measure the quality of Thai woods, the researcher measured the woods
quality in both scientific aspect and also in terms of aesthetics. The study found that,
for the front part of the guitar, “Jackfruit Wood” provides the sound with warm feeling,
with unclear treble sound, but good quality of middle and base sound.
Micheliachampaca provides treble sound and clear middle sound, but soft base sound
is quite soft. Siamese Rosewood provides good sound quality, with great echo, while
Macea Wood provides lower level of echo sound effect.
Key words : the properties of Thai wood, Acoustic Guitar,