Fender to Stop Using Swamp Ash on Production Models

[Gear_Junky]

I was always curious: do y'all like ash guitars for a particular tonal aspect or for looks? I guess I never liked that natural look of ash just like I don't like oak furniture, so I never really paid attention. On solid body guitars with transparent finish I tend to mostly like sunburst and things like maple tops on LP-type guitars. But that's just taste. So I'm curious.

[Chocol8]

I was always curious: do y'all like ash guitars for a particular tonal aspect or for looks? I guess I never liked that natural look of ash just like I don't like oak furniture, so I never really paid attention. On solid body guitars with transparent finish I tend to mostly like sunburst and things like maple tops on LP-type guitars. But that's just taste. So I'm curious.

The traditional 50’s Fender sun bursts were ash while the painted guitars were alder, or sometimes ash with a screwed up sun burst under the paint. Ash was selected By Leo for the transparent/burst finished for its grain and appearance vs the rather bland looking alder.

As for the impact on tone and why people buy them today...Other than the obvious desire for nostalgia and historical accuracy, I will avoid that flame fest for now!

[Gear_Junky]

Thank you, interesting. I guess what I mean is that I don't like the look of natural-finished ash, looks like country oak furniture to me. Other than that, under translucent finishes of various colors and sunbursts they look like very nice guitars. 20 years ago I recall being advised by a store guy to get a sunburst Fender instrument vs. a solid color because you could see through and they tended to use fewer planks glued together. Maybe that's true. Maybe it doesn't matter. These days, if I was meticulously shopping, I'd just see if the instrument is resonant and not dull when unplugged.

[mickey]

Guess the ash borer means there will be a future shortage of Cricket bats?

[dearlpitts]

Love ash