From an aesthetic standpoint, ash usually looks better with translucent finishes. Alder seems to be in more supply than Swamp ash. Most all pickups have some level of microphonics to them as well. In our experience, Swamp Ash is roughly in the same weight range as Alder. ... For Fender, southern “swamp ash” has always been more common. I was searching the same thing about a year ago and I decided to go with Alder as it seems to have more low-mids making it sound a bit fuller and I'm a low-mid soiled dove! Other times, it’s heavier. Ash is a Lighter color is correct but generally it’s heavier than Alder Nov 27, 2019 #26 That said, alder generally has more mids and is warmer; swamp ash has tight bottom end and more top end presence - almost "scooped" compared to alder. Quote from: Stringtheorist on September 25, 2011, 04:25:11 AM, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y0jfoPbNlT8, Quote from: Cagey on September 28, 2011, 08:54:24 PM, Quote from: Slylock Fox on November 12, 2011, 09:50:01 PM, Quote from: tdale on January 30, 2012, 02:36:58 AM. as well as mounting method, as well as winding method, as well as wire size. What is Heavier Swamp Ash or Alder? It needs to be dried properly and is a lot rarer so therefore costs a lot more than regular "plain" ash. The swamp ash is much lighter and very resonant, a very rich and responsive tonal wood. American Ash is a native North American hardwood found on … Fender Stats are typically made with either an alder body or a swamp ash body. Yes, the pickup captures the vibration of the strings but all the other mechanical aspects of the guitar (solid vs. hollow body, wood, nut, bridge, etc.) What are the opinions on alder for a Tele/Strat body vs. swamp ash? Other times, it’s heavier. I can assure you the differences are very real. I have this secret trick I use if my guitar is sounding "too bright" or something - I move these knobs on my amp called "treble" and "bass" around till it sounds better. I may even use the "tone" knob on one or more of my pedals. Alder body guitars are usually a little bit lighter and are usually found in the older contemporary models from the 1980’s. What is Heavier Swamp Ash or Alder? Punky Ash weighs about the same as standard alder. "Good" swamp ash is hard to come by, especially in a good enough grade to make a guitar or bass body, even a two or three piece. etc. Typically, kiln dried alder wood weighs between 2.2-2.8LB/BF. A nice compromise is chambered swamp ash, the chambers add some additional resonance that warms the swamp ash. The newer Deluxe Fender Stratocasters are usually made with swamp ash bodies, which are slightly heavier. i guess that Swamp ash should normally be lighter than alder but i think that it is more difficult to get a great piece of lightweight ash than a good piece of alder. The grain is open and the color is creamy. Swamp ash used in most American made basses: Average dried weight 30-33.6 lbs/ft3 (481-538 kg/m3) My Ash basses have have always been heavier than my Alder basses. If I feel like tweaking even more I adjust pickup height and angle! Many of the 50's Fenders were made of Swamp Ash. Alder is extremely consistent body to body. If you don't think wood makes a significant difference then build 2 guitars with the same pickups and different wood (I have multiples like that). Like alder, swamp ash is a classic solid body guitar wood. Swamp Ash is a prized wood for many reasons. i guess that Swamp ash should normally be lighter than alder but i think that it is more difficult to get a great piece of lightweight ash than a good piece of alder. ... For Fender, southern “swamp ash” has always been more common. It's amazing what you can do with electric as opposed to acoustic guitars these days. What tonal differences should I expect to hear? Keep in mind 2 bodies of the same type of wood can be quite different. Alder Strat bodies can be as low as 3lb 2oz while a low swamp ash body rarely gets below 3lb 8oz, while a heavy alder body rarely goes about 4lb 8oz, a swamp ash body can get to mid 5lbs.