What sort of wood is nato?

[A9X]

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.

[FBB Custom]

Originally Posted by Dharmabass

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.

[Suburban]

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


Of course, I may be wrong.

[A9X]

Originally Posted by FBB Custom

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.

[Bassic83]

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

[tjclem]

Nice grain on the top wood..t

[Kavorka]

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."

[A9X]

Originally Posted by Kavorka

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!

[sizzlinusa]

Her is what the book says:
Nato wood
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaJump to: navigation, search

Nato-Body wood is a collective name for wood from Mora trees. The best-known species are Mora excelsa (Mora) and Mora gonggrijpii (Morabukea), with the latter contributing less (occurring in a smaller area).

The wood may vary in appearance, with reddish brown being the dominant color, but in varying shades and often with darker or lighter streaks. The wood is dense and not particularly pleasant; it is not very easy to dry or to work. However, the wood is available in large dimensions and is well above average in properties such as resistance to wear, strength and durability. It finishes well. It is used for heavy construction, industrial flooring, railroad ties, etc. Smaller billets are used to build acoustic and electric guitars.

Because of its availability and price, many Chinese and Korean imported guitars use nato in their inexpensive guitars. BC Rich guitars,[1] Eastwood guitars[2] and others manufacturers often refer to nato as "eastern mahogany" due to the use of the more expensive mahogany wood in higher grade instruments

Thanks Guys

[HogieWan]

You are answering a question that is almost 7 years old

[Beej]

^ And joined today, just to make that one post.



Closet Nato dealer?

[Musiclogic]

Nato dealer??? Would that be a wood pusher???? LMAO

[SJan3]

Originally Posted by HogieWan

You are answering a question that is almost 7 years old

So what? I found his response useful TODAY! It's not all about you..

[KramSttop]

I'm happy with my nato/alder bodied bass. I am a firm believer that ANY device can make a fine instrument - do it right and legendary tone comes from a rusty tin can 2/3 full of molasses.