The Truth About Tonewood: Sound, Craft, and Controversy

Nov 30, 2025
4 min read

At the heart of every finely crafted instrument lies its tonewood. In an era increasingly shaped by industrial processes and synthetic materials, a guitar built from high-grade tonewood embodies far more than skilled workmanship—it represents a profound connection: between sound and the natural world, between luthier and musician, between artistic intuition and acoustic science.

Tonewood refers to carefully selected wood species prized for their ability to influence an instrument’s timbre, resonance, and dynamic response. Each species carries its own acoustic signature—determined by intrinsic properties such as density, stiffness-to-weight ratio, internal damping, and grain structure—that directly affect how the instrument vibrates, sustains, and projects sound.

Why Tonewood Matters?

Tonewood selection is far more than an aesthetic decision—it fundamentally shapes the instrument’s voice. The interplay of resonance, sustain, and frequency response forms the tonal fingerprint that makes each guitar distinct.

At Markland, every piece of wood is regarded as a singular creation of nature—irreproducible and unmatched. No two sets are ever the same, which means every instrument we craft is inherently unique in both tone and visual character.

Beyond its acoustic function, tonewood carries history and rarity. Its grain patterns, figure, and vibrational behavior have captured the fascination of luthiers and musicians for centuries. Our approach to tonewood selection follows the same principles that guide our design philosophy: Authentic · Natural · Engineered.

Choosing the Right Tonewood

Selecting the ideal tonewood depends on your playing style, technique, and tonal preference:

Cedar – Warm and responsive. Ideal for fingerstyle players seeking subtle dynamics.
Spruce – Clear, articulate, and powerful. Perfect for strummers or players who want more projection.
Mahogany – Strong midrange and natural compression; loved for its vintage tone.
Rosewood – Rich lows and sparkling highs; the classic choice for balanced depth.
Maple – Bright, focused, and punchy; great for stage performance.

A deeper understanding of tonewood helps musicians make informed decisions—whether buying their first handmade guitar or commissioning a full custom build.

The Tonewood Controversy

Tonewood has long been the core of a guitar’s sonic identity. But in today’s world, it also sits at the crossroads of global discussions—raising critical questions about sustainability, responsible sourcing, and the ethics surrounding the use of rare and protected woods.

1. Endangered Species and Regulations

Historically prized tonewoods such as Brazilian rosewood and ebony are now listed under CITES protections due to decades of overharvesting and illicit logging. As a result, these species face strict international trade regulations, limited availability, and significantly increased costs. For luthiers and musicians, this means navigating complex documentation, restricted export pathways, and a shrinking supply of legally sourced material.

“Traditional tonewoods are under pressure—rising prices, tightening supplies, and ecological concerns are reshaping the guitar industry.” - Guitar World

2. Sustainability and Ethical Sourcing

Modern luthiers face the challenge of balancing tone and responsibility. Illegal logging, deforestation, and poor working conditions in tropical regions have forced guitar makers to rethink sourcing practices.

Some are now turning to certified sustainable forests, reclaimed wood, or alternative species like maple, sapele, or koa—offering both tonal beauty and environmental responsibility.

3. The “Tonewood Myth” Debate

There’s an ongoing debate in the community: How much does tonewood really affect sound?While some argue it’s the builder’s design and craftsmanship that matter most, others believe tonewood’s character remains irreplaceable.

Tonewood Optimization Through Design and Craft

Every instrument begins with respect — for tone, craftsmanship, and the environment. We believe tonewood should be treated not just as a material, but as a living element that deserves thoughtful engineering and responsible use.

Authentic – Each Markland guitar is built with genuine, solid tonewoods selected for their tonal character and integrity.
Natural – We source from verified, ethical suppliers, prioritizing sustainable and traceable materials.
Engineered – Through precise design and structural optimization, we bring out the best performance from every tonewood, ensuring stability, balance, and long-term resonance.

From construction to finishing, we work with non-solvent coatings and natural oils, reducing environmental impact while preserving the wood’s natural voice. Each guitar represents the harmony between craft, innovation, and sustainability—built to sound true and endure.

A Living Legacy

Tonewood is more than a raw material — it is the acoustic foundation of the instrument. Each species embodies a unique set of physical characteristics: density, stiffness, internal damping, and grain orientation. These parameters shape the way sound waves propagate through the wood, ultimately defining its resonance, sustain, and overall tonal balance.

In the hands of a skilled luthier, tonewood transforms into a medium of acoustic engineering — a place where structure, vibration, and craftsmanship intersect. Every curve carved and every thickness refined begins with a deep understanding of wood as a living, resonant conduit for sound.

Want to Build Your Own Custom Guitar?

Whether you seek the warmth of mahogany, the brilliance of spruce, or the clarity of maple, we’ll guide you through each choice to match your playing style and tone approach.

Start your custom build today. Contact us at admin@marklandguitarworks.com or you can visit our Instagram.