Swamp Ash??? What for???

[Rudyboy98]

I am really wondering about "Swamp Ash".

The mere though of a piece of wood that's been sitting in the water being used on a fine instrument repulses me.

Why, I ask, would any self-respecting luthier use Swamp Ash (no offense intended, sorry...) on a guitar, bass, or anything?

Hard Ash, White Ash, is not bad at all. I have a Fernandes Gravity 5 bass, with an Ash body/Maple Neck that sounds really good.

Is Basswood better than Ash?

Is Swamp Ash really a feasible wood, "fit" for instruments?

Your comments would be appreciated!

[73jbass]

Maybe you should do a little research before you post.

[Mr. Majestic]

Here we go!

[CapnSev]

Two words: Weight - Tone.

[SDB Guitars]

The principle reasoning behind using "swamp ash" is that it is lighter in weight than hard ash... that's the main benefit over hard ash, as I understand it. That having been said, it is a perfectly viable wood. Why would you find it to be "unfit"? Likely your Fendandes bass is using "swamp ash"... Swamp ash is a trade name, not a species. It just means that the wood has a certain weight for it's volume. My understanding is that when selecting "swamp ash", they just weigh the ash in specidic quantities. Anything under a certain weight is "swamp ash", and everything above that weight is not...

It works easily enough, and once you fill the pores (if you choose to do so... some people don't, depending on the finish applied) it takes a finish as well as most any other wood... also, it can look pretty decent.

Wood choice is highly subjective in solid body construction, and does not have quite as much influence on overall result as it would in a hollow instrument like a guitar, Double Bass, etc. I have made basses out of both "swamp ash" and hard ash... both woods look similar, and work similarly. They are both structurally sound.

[Mike Shevlin]

Shawn - you are a better man than I. I was going to leave a response that would have broken the TB rules significantly.

[Rudyboy98]

Originally Posted by 73jbass

Maybe you should do a little research before you post.

Really...??

Well, since you are so knowledgeable, why not share in the thread and post your opinion?

I started this thread as a basis for learning something, not to "thumb my nose" at others.

I am not a luthier, have never been, and never will be.

That being said, I find it interesting that certain "woods" as defined by name, would not be given 'better names'.

If you hear the term: Swamp Ash, and know nothing else, I would believe exactly this: An ash tree, nearby or in a swamp. Wood from a swamp. It doesn't sound very appealing, wouldn't you say?

However, being given what Shawn said, I appreciate the answer!

Too bad all of us are not as "smart" as you! Speaking of which, you don't come across as "smart" at all.

You sound more like a "smart @**" to me.

[Rudyboy98]

Originally Posted by Mike Shevlin

Shawn - you are a better man than I. I was going to leave a response that would have broken the TB rules significantly.

Read the previous comment. It applies to all jerks with a smart @** attitude.

[Jonsbasses]

With less than 60 seconds of searching and reading, you'd have a lot more information than what you are reading in this thread. You have your answers, now there's no need to call out names or belittle people because of difference in opinion.

[Rudyboy98]

Originally Posted by Jonsbasses

With less than 60 seconds of searching and reading, you'd have a lot more information than what you are reading in this thread. You have your answers, now there's no need to call out names or belittle people because of difference in opinion.

You know what? You're right!

However, notice, that those responses had no real opinion, just a snide remark.

If I am asking for an opinion, perhaps those sharing should have one. Shawn was kind enough to explain more than I knew, without thinking less of my area of expertise, which is simply playing the instrument.

I kind of figured there are no such things as "dumb questions".

Your response is duly noted. Thank you!

[Rick_no7]

I assume we'll get a similar post from him when he finds out what Spalted means.

[stoney]

Originally Posted by Rick_no7

I assume we'll get a similar post from him when he finds out what Spalted means.

+1

[Rudyboy98]

Sorry guys!

I do know what "spalted" is.

Thanks!

[Bass Mule]

Do they really "flame" maple? Or is that just describing the wood's proclivity towards fancy clothes and matching accessories?

[TeeMartin]

Pfft, all the good ash comes straight from Rivendell.

[canshaker]

FWEEEEEEEEP (that was me blowing a whistle)
Someone call for a Thread Diffuser?

From the Warmoth site:
Swamp Ash is a prized wood for many reasons. It is a fairly light weight wood which makes it easily distinguishable from Hard Ash. A Strat® body will normally weigh under 5 lbs. Many of the 50's Fenders were made of Swamp Ash. The grain is open and the color is creamy. This wood is a very nice choice for clear finishes. Swamp Ash is our second most popular wood. It is a very musical wood offering a very nice balance of brightness and warmth with a lot of "pop".

From The Ken Smith Bass site:
SWAMP ASH
(Fraxinus Nigra)
OTHER COMMON NAMES: Ash, Light Ash, Southern Ash, Southern White Ash, Light Weight Ash, Guitar Ash, Soft Ash
Note: Northern White Ash (Hard Ash) is too heavy & dense to produce guitar grade tone wood.

[bassteban]

If you didn't come here for the smart**s remarks, you're here for the wrong reasons.

[musicelectronix]

It would never sieze to amaze me that I have been breathing the same air with some people... shame.. darn shame..

[Lesfunk]

Is it true that Burl maple came from Milton Burl?

[Rudyboy98]

Originally Posted by Lesfunk

Is it true that Burl maple came from Milton Burl?

Very funny!

Maybe so!