Woods and tone

dum dee dum...How much does wood play a factor in the tone of an instrument? If it its clearly significant then what sort of woods give what tones and the like. Is it the fingerboard and neck wood or body wood that leaves a bigger emphasis?
Also wouldn't it be the pickups that are the main element for the tone - then mixed with a preamp or just regular amp?

Thanks in Advance...o and one more minor thing - Is there really anyway to describe a tone? I can identify what it is and hear a difference but its near indescribable

 

searching...too bad i remembered the search feature after i posted .... don't bother posting here unless i've alreaedy wasted your time enough so that you feel you must make something of yourself