Scientific Name: Fraxinus americana (White Ash), Fraxinus excelsior (European Ash), Fraxinus pennsylvanica (Green Ash)
Origin: Found in North America and Europe, with White Ash primarily growing in the eastern United States and European Ash across central and northern Europe.
CITES Status: Not currently listed under CITES regulations, but populations have been impacted by pests such as the emerald ash borer.
Use in Guitar Making
Ash is commonly used for electric guitar bodies due to its balance of strength, weight, and tonal properties. Swamp Ash, a lightweight variant of White Ash, is particularly favoured for Fender-style guitars. Some luthiers also use Ash for necks and acoustic back and sides, though less frequently.
Tonal Properties
Ash provides a bright, resonant tone with pronounced highs, clear mids, and tight lows. Swamp Ash is especially known for its balanced tonal profile and excellent sustain, making it ideal for clean, articulate playing styles.
Hardness and Workability
Janka Hardness Rating: 1,320 lbf (5,870 N) for White Ash, 1,200 lbf (5,340 N) for European Ash
Ash is a hard, durable wood that is relatively easy to work with. It machines well and takes finishes effectively. However, some pieces can be heavy, which is why Swamp Ash is preferred for lightweight guitar builds.
Grain Structure and Porosity
Ash has a prominent open grain with a coarse texture. The grain pattern is often straight but can exhibit interesting figuring, especially in swamp ash. Due to its open pores, grain filling is typically required before finishing.
Sustainability and Ethical Considerations
Although not currently restricted under CITES, Ash populations have been severely affected by the emerald ash borer, particularly in North America. Sustainable forestry and conservation efforts are crucial to preserving its availability.
Ash remains a popular choice in electric guitar construction, offering durability, tonal versatility, and a visually appealing grain pattern. Its future availability will depend on successful pest management and sustainable sourcing.
