Player Magazine Q & A (in English)

[Ken Smith]

Originally Posted by Bryan L Williams

If used as a body core on a Smith bass, how might Acer pseudoplatanus compare tonally with Acer rubrum?

Trying to be a wise guy?

I think from what I have seen, the pseudoplatanus is slightly harder and tighter grained than the rubrum as far as basic properties go.

The rubrum here is more plentiful and cut mostly on the slab. Some logs are quartered on occasion for Guitar blocks. When quartered, the edge shows little or no flame in comparison to the slab or grade cut commercial logs with the flame is more prominent on the sides that show when used as a core. That's the visual.

On the tone, depending on the top/back woods, I think the softer rubrum is more favourable. I also want to point out that the macrophyllum is equally desirable for weight and tone. If quilted, the figure is mild but attractive. If flamed, it can be even more attractive than the rubrum around the edges.