Spanish Cedar vs. Alder

Neil · #1 07-09-2007, 07:17 PM

Obviously there are many ingredients that make a bass sound the way it sounds i.e. modern, traditional etc. Can anyone comment on the tonal differences between Spanish Cedar and Alder as a body wood? Thanks ya'll.

Jeff Moote · #2 07-09-2007, 09:41 PM

Spanish cedar: warm/fat like mahogany, but without all the punch; softer on the lows than alder, but also more "open" in the high end.

Alder: classic sound (i.e. Fender) with an even response; lightweight. There's not much to say about alder, and that's why people choose it (if that's what you want).

chadds · #3 07-10-2007, 07:36 PM

The description in the site about the acoustic sound of Spanish Cedar appealed to me. That would be what the poster above called open. It was an easy choice. I want a bass that sounds good then you add electronics. The tight grain of the Spanish Cedar is a stable platform for longevity and consistant sound. Spanish Cedar is my choice and may not be yours. I've had many Fenders with ash and alder. The Roscoe is a completely different animal. A great bass no matter what. Believe the descriptions on the site though and pick accordingly. Hell, call Gard.

Gard · #4 07-11-2007, 09:07 AM

Oh, Neil and I have talked....many times, even before I came to be where I am now!

We've done a few alder basses, and they sound good, not quite as "open" sounding as the Spanish cedar, but maybe a bit more "focused". I'd suggest getting in touch with Peter Parker, he's pretty "up" on alder as a body wood, and owns an alder bodied (with redwood top) fretless Century.