The Truth About Tonewood: Sound, Craft, and Controversy

Markland Guitarworks
Nov 9
3 min read

The Soul of Every Instrument

We believe that the soul of every instrument begins with its tonewood. In a world dominated by machines and synthetic materials, a guitar made from fine tonewood represents more than craftsmanship—it represents connection: between sound and nature, maker and musician, art and science.

Tonewood refers to select types of wood chosen for their ability to shape an instrument’s sound, resonance, and tonal character. Each species has unique acoustic properties—defined by its density, stiffness, and grain pattern—that influence how the instrument vibrates and projects sound.

Why Tonewood Matters

The choice of wood is not merely aesthetic; it defines the voice of the guitar. The combination of resonance, sustain, and frequency response gives each instrument its unique tonal fingerprint.

At Markland, we treat each piece of wood as a singular creation of nature—never identical, never repeatable. Every guitar becomes one-of-a-kind, both in tone and visual beauty.

Beyond sound, tonewood represents heritage and rarity. Its natural patterns, figure, and acoustic behavior have fascinated luthiers and musicians for centuries. Our tonewood selection is made with the same philosophy we apply to design: 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 always been at the heart of the guitar’s voice. Yet today, it’s also at the center of global debates—about sustainability, legality, and ethics in wood sourcing.

1. Endangered Species and Regulations

Traditional woods such as Brazilian rosewood and ebony are now protected under CITES due to overharvesting and illegal trade. This means tighter export restrictions and higher prices.

“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 not just material — it’s an acoustic foundation. Each species carries distinct physical properties: density, stiffness, internal damping, and grain orientation. These factors determine how sound waves travel through the wood, influencing resonance, sustain, and tonal balance.

When shaped by skilled hands, tonewood becomes an extension of acoustic engineering — where structure, vibration, and craftsmanship converge. — it starts with an understanding of how wood behaves as 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.