Howdy all,

I have a modest asian built bass that the distributor says uses 'nato' in it's construction, apparently some of the neck peices (see pic). I've searched but can't seem to find any info on this timber (except one unqualified comment that it's crap for basses) and am curious what it's properties are, or what sort of other better known woods it's related/similar to. In the bass I have, it seems to work OK as it has excellent singing sustain and a great acoustic tone; it's not my Alembic, but at <5% of the cost of that bass, it's excellent.

Thanks for any help.

Howdy all,

I have a modest asian built bass that the distributor says uses 'nato' in it's construction, apparently some of the neck peices (see pic). I've searched but can't seem to find any info on this timber (except one unqualified comment that it's crap for basses) and am curious what it's properties are, or what sort of other better known woods it's related/similar to. In the bass I have, it seems to work OK as it has excellent singing sustain and a great acoustic tone; it's not my Alembic, but at <5% of the cost of that bass, it's excellent.

Thanks for any help.

I know of a wood called "nyatoh". SE Asian wood with medium-heavy density (similar to rock maple), yellowish color. Genus is palaquium. Chances are it's an asian wood that is little-known outside if that area.

If your bass sounds good, then you know the important part. Sounds like you got a good deal and the manufacturer saved some $$ by using lesser-known regional woods.

AFAIK, this material NATO is a composite. Actually an acronym for the mixed materials.


Of course, I may be wrong. :rollno:

I know of a wood called "nyatoh". SE Asian wood with medium-heavy density (similar to rock maple), yellowish color. Genus is palaquium. Chances are it's an asian wood that is little-known outside if that area.

Thanks! Looks like you got it. Using your tip, I googled 'nyatoh' and came up with this
<i>Nomenclature etc. SAPOTACEAE. According to Malaysian Grading Rules the following species: Palaquium hexandrum, P. hispidum, P. impressinervium, P. maingayi, P. obovatum, P. regina-montium, P. semaram, P. sumatranum, P. walsurifolium, Palaquium spp. Trade and local names: nyatoh (MAL, RI, D); chay (VN); pencil cedar, red planchonella (PNG); pali (IND); <b>nato</b> (RP); kha-nunnok (T); riam, jangka (MAL-Sar); hangkang, balam teruing puteh, balam masin, kayu tanjung hutan, mayang, taban (MAL, RI); moordooke (AUS).</i>

If your bass sounds good, then you know the important part. Sounds like you got a good deal and the manufacturer saved some $$ by using lesser-known regional woods.
Acoustically the bass is very nice, but plugged in, less so. Might change the pups out for some Barts, and install one of my preamps to replace the POS that's in it. Still owe me less then than a new MIM J.

Is that a Brice, by any chance? FWIW, I was always told nato was shorthand for "natural finish"...

Nice grain on the top wood..t

Found this on a Uke site through Google. Seems to be a common definition:

"Roy, I see several ukes that say they use "NATO" wood.... what is that?

Nato wood, also known as Eastern Mahogany, is a relieble, strong wood used on guitar necks. It is a value-priced wood used more in the lower cost instruments. However, Nato still embodies all of the properties of more commonly used.... and more expensive mahogany. Not a bad wood at all for most ukes.... except the finest ones."

Nato wood, also known as Eastern Mahogany, is a relieble, strong wood used on guitar necks. It is a value-priced wood used more in the lower cost instruments. However, Nato still embodies all of the properties of more commonly used.... and more expensive mahogany. Not a bad wood at all for most ukes.... except the finest ones."

Thanks for that!