Many guitarists still don’t know that there’s a difference between a koa guitar and an acacia guitar – they falsely assume it’s the same wood with two names, but that’s not the case.
The difference between koa and acacia tonewood is subtle, but knowing it can help you make the right choice for your guitar or ukulele.
Koa and Acacia are both popular tonewoods for guitars, but they have distinct differences. Koa is known for its warm, balanced tone with a strong midrange, while Acacia has a brighter and more focused sound with a pronounced treble. Koa also tends to be more expensive and rare, while Acacia is more readily available and affordable.
Let’s look at the tonal differences, visual appeal, and maintenance requirements of koa and acacia.
Although these two tonewoods are fairly similar, it’s worth noting the important differences!
Summary: Acacia vs Koa tonewood
| Characteristics | Koa | Acacia |
| Sound & Tone | Known for its warm, balanced, and clear sound, with pronounced midrange and low-end frequencies. Often used for creating a bright, punchy sound with strong projection. | Acacia tonewood is also known for its bright and warm sound, with a strong midrange and a focused top-end, but with a less pronounced low-end than Koa. It is often used for creating a crisp, articulate sound with good sustain. |
| Color | Koa is typically golden brown to reddish-brown in color, with varying degrees of figure such as curl, quilt, and flame. | Acacia wood is usually medium to dark brown in color, with occasional reddish or golden hues. It often features a distinctive grain pattern that can resemble tiger stripes or wavy lines. |
| Hardness | Koa is a relatively soft and lightweight wood, with a Janka hardness rating of 780 lbf. | Acacia wood is generally harder and more dense than Koa, with a Janka hardness rating ranging from 1,100 to 1,600 lbf depending on the species. This makes it more resistant to wear and tear but also more difficult to work with. |
Is koa the same as acacia?
No, Koa is not the same as Acacia, although they are related and can look similar.
People may confuse Koa and Acacia because they are both members of the same botanical family (Fabaceae) and share similar physical characteristics, such as wood grain patterns and color.
Koa is a specific species of tree (Acacia koa) native to Hawaii, while Acacia refers to a large genus of trees and shrubs found in many parts of the world.
People confuse koa with acacia because there’s an acacia species called koa, so the mistake is understandable.
The Hawaiian koa is commonly referred to as Acacia Koa, which further adds to the confusion.
Koa wood is endemic to Hawaii, while Acacia wood grows in various places worldwide, including Africa and Hawaii.
But also, koa wood is rarer and more difficult to find than Acacia wood, making it more expensive.
Koa has distinct tonal and physical characteristics that set it apart from other Acacia species used in guitar making, such as its warm, balanced sound and beautiful figuring.
While some Acacia species may resemble Koa in appearance, they generally have different tonal properties and may be less expensive and more readily available.
Additionally, some species of Acacia, particularly Acacia koa, are sometimes referred to as Koa, which can further contribute to the confusion between the two.
However, Koa and Acacia tonewoods have distinct differences in terms of their sound and price.
Is koa a type of acacia?
So, you’re wondering if koa is a type of acacia? Well, let me tell you, it’s not as simple as a yes or no answer.
Koa belongs to the pea/legume family, Fabaceae, the same family that acacia belongs to.
However, while there are many species of acacia, koa is its own unique species, Acacia koa.
It’s actually an endemic species to the Hawaiian Islands, meaning it’s only found there.
Koa is a flowering tree that can grow quite large and is known for its beautiful wood, used for everything from surfboards to ukuleles.
So, while koa and acacia may be distant cousins in the plant family tree, they are definitely their own distinct species.
Check out my round up of the best ukeleles to see some beautiful koa wood instruments
Koa tonewood vs acacia tonewood: the similarities
Koa and Acacia tonewoods have some similarities in terms of their tonal and physical characteristics.
Tonal similarities
- Both Koa and Acacia tonewoods produce warm, balanced tones with good sustain and projection.
- They both have excellent midrange frequencies that cut through a mix and provide clarity to the overall sound.
- Both tonewoods can produce bright and clear sound with good definition and articulation, making them suitable for fingerstyle playing.
Physical similarities
- Both Koa and Acacia have a similar working and finishing properties, which means they are relatively easy to work with and can be finished to a high standard.
- They both have a good strength-to-weight ratio, which means they can be used for structural parts of an instrument without adding too much weight to the overall instrument.
- Both tonewoods are relatively stable and resistant to changes in humidity and temperature, which is an essential quality for instruments that are frequently exposed to varying environmental conditions.
Despite their similarities, there are still some significant differences between the two tonewoods, including their density, hardness, weight, availability, and cost.
Therefore, the choice between Koa and Acacia tonewoods will depend on the specific sound, look, and budget of the instrument you’re building or purchasing.
Koa tonewood vs acacia tonewood: the differences
In this section, we’ll go over the differences between these two tonewoods in relation to guitars and ukuleles.
Origin
First, let’s look at the origin of the Koa tree and the acacia tree.
Acacia and Koa trees are two different species of trees with distinct origins and habitats.
While both trees are known for their unique characteristics and uses, there are several differences between them, particularly in terms of their origins and where they grow.
Acacia trees, also known as wattles, belong to the Fabaceae family and are native to Africa, Australia, and parts of Asia.
They are fast-growing, deciduous, or evergreen trees that can reach up to 30 meters in height.
Acacia trees are characterized by their feathery leaves, small flowers, and pods that contain seeds.
Acacia trees are known for their many uses, including providing timber, shade, and fuel.
They also have medicinal properties and are used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments.
Acacia trees grow in a wide range of habitats, from arid deserts to rainforests, but they thrive in warm, dry climates with well-drained soils.
On the other hand, Koa trees are native to Hawaii and are part of the Fabaceae family.
They are also known as Acacia koa and are characterized by their large, broad leaves and beautiful, reddish-brown wood.
Koa trees can reach up to 30 meters in height and are found in high-elevation areas, typically between 500 and 2000 meters above sea level.
Koa trees are highly valued for their wood, which is used in the production of musical instruments, furniture, and other high-end products.
Koa wood is prized for its unique colors and grain patterns, enhanced by the unique soil and climate conditions in Hawaii.
In summary, while both Acacia and Koa trees are part of the Fabaceae family, they have distinct differences in their origins and habitats.
Acacia trees are native to Africa, Australia, and parts of Asia and grow in a wide range of habitats. In contrast, Koa trees are native to Hawaii and are found in high-elevation areas.
Color and grain pattern
Koa and Acacia are two popular tonewoods used in the construction of acoustic guitars and other musical instruments.
While both woods share certain characteristics, they have some distinct differences in their color and grain patterns.
Koa wood has a darker, richer color and a straight grain pattern, while Acacia wood has a lighter brown color with streaks and a more prominent grain pattern.
The grain pattern of Acacia wood can vary significantly depending on the specific species of tree it comes from.
Color
Koa has a rich, golden-brown color with subtle, darker streaks and hints of red and orange.
The wood has a highly figured grain pattern, with a natural shimmer and chatoyancy (optical phenomenon where the surface appears to shimmer as it reflects light from different angles).
The color and figuring of Koa can vary depending on the location where it was grown and harvested, with Hawaiian Koa being highly prized for its unique coloring and patterns.
Acacia, on the other hand, has a range of color variations, depending on the species and the specific region it is grown in.
Some types of Acacia tonewood have a warm, reddish-brown color, while others have a more golden, honey-colored appearance.
The grain patterns of Acacia are generally straight or slightly wavy, with a consistent texture throughout the wood.
Grain pattern
The grain pattern of Koa is highly distinctive, with a complex, swirling pattern that is unique to each piece of wood.
The grain is often highly figured, with prominent curls, waves, and even tiger stripes.
The highly figured grain of Koa can add a unique visual dimension to an instrument, and many guitar makers consider it to be one of the most visually stunning tonewoods available.
Acacia, in contrast, has a more consistent and uniform grain pattern. The grain is generally straight or slightly wavy, with a fine, even texture.
While Acacia may not have the dramatic figuring of Koa, it is prized for its warm, balanced tonal characteristics and versatility.
Sound and tone
Acacia and Koa are both tonewoods commonly used in the construction of high-quality acoustic guitars.
While there are some similarities between the two woods, there are also significant differences in tone and sound.
Acacia is known for its warm, rich, and balanced tone. It has a broad dynamic range and a well-defined midrange, with good sustain and projection.
Acacia is often compared to mahogany, but with a slightly brighter and clearer sound.
On the other hand, Koa has a more complex and colorful tone, with a pronounced midrange and bell-like clarity.
Koa produces a sound that is both bright and warm, with excellent sustain and projection. It is often used in high-end instruments and is prized for its unique tonal character.
Koa tonewood is known for its warm, rich, and full-bodied tone. It has a strong bass response with a pronounced midrange and a slightly scooped treble.
The sound is often described as “sweet” and “mellow,” making it ideal for playing fingerstyle or strumming chords.
Ever wondered how many chords there actually are on a guitar?
Density, hardness, and weight
In general, Koa is denser, harder, and heavier than Acacia tonewood.
Density
Koa is a denser wood than Acacia, which means it has a higher mass per unit volume. The denser wood typically produces a richer, fuller sound and more sustain.
Koa’s density ranges from 550 kg/m³ to 810 kg/m³, whereas Acacia’s density ranges from 450 kg/m³ to 700 kg/m³.
Hardness
Koa is also a harder wood than Acacia, which means it has higher resistance to wear, impact, and indentation.
This hardness contributes to Koa’s excellent sustain and projection.
Koa has a Janka hardness rating of around 1,200 lbf, whereas Acacia has a Janka hardness rating of around 1,100 lbf.
Weight
Koa is generally heavier than Acacia, which can affect the overall balance and feel of the instrument.
Heavier wood can produce a more powerful sound but may also cause fatigue during long playing sessions.
Koa typically weighs between 40-50 pounds per cubic foot, whereas Acacia weighs between 30-45 pounds per cubic foot.
It’s worth noting that the density, hardness, and weight of a particular piece of wood can vary depending on several factors, including the tree’s age, growing conditions, and harvesting method.
Therefore, while these general differences between Koa and Acacia hold true, there can be some variation between individual pieces of tonewood.
Maintenance and care
Both woods require regular maintenance to maintain their appearance and sound quality, but Acacia wood is generally easier to maintain due to its resistance to water and oils.
Koa wood is more prone to damage from water and oils and requires more careful handling and maintenance.
Also read my complete guide on Cleaning A Guitar: What You Need To Take Into Account
Uses
Let’s compare what guitar and ukulele parts are made from these woods.
Generally, koa or acacia are used by luthiers to make ukuleles rather than guitars but this doesn’t mean guitars are excluded.
Both Koa and Acacia tonewoods are used in the construction of guitars and ukuleles, but they are used for different parts of the instruments.
Koa is often used for the soundboards (tops) and backs of high-end acoustic guitars and ukuleles.
The unique tonal qualities of Koa make it an excellent choice for soundboards as it produces a clear, bright, and resonant tone.
Koa is also used for the sides of some guitars and ukuleles, where its density and hardness provide stability and enhance sustain.
In addition to its tonal properties, Koa is also prized for its distinctive grain patterns and figure, making it a popular choice for aesthetic reasons.
Acacia is also used in guitar and ukulele construction but is typically used for different parts than Koa.
Acacia is often used for the sides and backs of acoustic guitars and ukuleles, as well as for necks, bridges, and fingerboards.
Acacia’s warmth, balanced tone, and good sustain make it an excellent choice for these parts, and its lower density and weight make it a suitable alternative to other tonewoods like mahogany.
In summary, Koa is typically used for the soundboards and backs of guitars and ukuleles, while Acacia is often used for the sides, backs, necks, bridges, and fingerboards of these instruments.
Price and availability
Koa and Acacia tonewoods differ in price and availability due to various factors, such as the wood’s rarity, quality, and demand.
Koa is known for its unique tonal character, striking grain patterns, and historical significance to Hawaiian culture.
As a result, Koa is in high demand, and its availability can be limited.
Koa is also a slow-growing tree that takes many years to mature, further contributing to its rarity.
The limited availability and high demand for Koa result in a higher price tag than Acacia.
High-quality Koa soundboards, for example, can cost several thousand dollars.
Acacia, on the other hand, is more readily available and generally less expensive than Koa. Acacia grows faster than Koa, and its range is wider, making it easier to source.
Moreover, Acacia trees are found in various regions worldwide, which increases their accessibility to guitar makers globally.
As a result, the cost of Acacia tonewood is typically lower than that of Koa, and it is a more affordable option for those looking for a good tonewood on a budget.
In summary, the cost and availability of Koa and Acacia tonewoods differ significantly.
While Koa is in high demand, rare, and expensive, Acacia is more readily available and less expensive.
The cost of Koa is due to its limited availability, long maturation period, unique tonal character, and aesthetic appeal, while the cost of Acacia is lower due to its wider availability, fast growth, and suitability for different guitar and ukulele parts.
What are the benefits of choosing koa or acacia tonewood?
Choosing Koa or Acacia tonewood for your instrument can offer several benefits:
Benefits of Koa tonewood
- Unique tonal character: Koa tonewood produces a rich, full, and resonant tone that is highly sought after by musicians and luthiers. It has a distinct bell-like clarity and pronounced midrange, making it ideal for fingerstyle playing and strumming.
- Aesthetic appeal: Koa is known for its striking curly or tiger-striped grain patterns, which gives it a unique and beautiful appearance. The unique grain patterns of Koa make each instrument visually distinctive, and its visual appeal adds to its desirability and value.
- Historical significance: Koa is native to Hawaii, and its use in Hawaiian culture and music dates back centuries. Using Koa tonewood can, therefore, add a sense of cultural significance and heritage to your instrument.
Benefits of Acacia tonewood
- Warm and balanced tone: Acacia tonewood produces a warm, balanced, and versatile sound with good sustain and projection. It has a similar tonal character to mahogany but with slightly brighter and clearer sound.
- Affordability: Acacia is generally less expensive than Koa, making it an affordable option for those looking for a good tonewood on a budget.
- Availability: Acacia is more widely available than Koa, and its range is wider, making it easier to source. This makes it a suitable alternative to other tonewoods that may be harder to find.
Overall, the choice between Koa or Acacia tonewood will depend on your personal preference, the type of instrument you are building or purchasing, and your budget.
Both tonewoods offer unique tonal and aesthetic qualities that can enhance the sound and appearance of your instrument.
How long do koa and acacia tonewood last?
So, if you buy an acoustic guitar, electric guitar, bass guitar, or ukelele made out of koa or acacia, how long will it last?
The lifespan of an acoustic or electric guitar, bass guitar, or ukulele made out of Koa or Acacia tonewood will depend on several factors, including the quality of construction, how well the instrument is maintained, and how often it is played.
If an instrument is well-made using high-quality Koa or Acacia tonewood and is well-maintained, it can last for decades or even a lifetime.
Proper care, such as keeping the instrument clean and properly humidified, can help prolong its lifespan and ensure it remains in good playing condition.
However, it’s worth noting that tonewood is just one of the many factors that can impact the lifespan of an instrument.
Other factors, such as the quality of construction, the type of finish used, and the type and frequency of use, can also affect how long an instrument will last.
In summary, an acoustic or electric guitar, bass guitar, or ukulele made out of Koa or Acacia tonewood can last for many years or even a lifetime if it is well-made and properly maintained.
However, the lifespan of the instrument will depend on several factors, including the quality of construction, maintenance, and use.
FAQs
Which is used for acoustic guitars: acacia or koa?
Both acacia and koa are used for acoustic guitars, but koa is more commonly used and considered to be a higher-end tonewood.
Koa is a native wood to Hawaii and is known for its rich and warm tone with pronounced midrange frequencies.
It also has a distinctive grain pattern that is highly prized for its beauty. Acacia, on the other hand, is a more affordable alternative to koa and is often used as a substitute.
Acacia has a similar tone to koa but with slightly less depth and complexity.
Ultimately, the choice between acacia and koa for an acoustic guitar will depend on personal preference, budget, and availability.
Koa and Acacia are both used as tonewoods for the top, back, and sides of acoustic guitars.
Which is used for electric guitars: acacia or koa?
While both acacia and koa can be used for electric guitars, koa is more commonly used in high-end electric guitars.
Koa has a unique and highly sought-after tonal quality, with a warm and bright sound that is well-suited for electric guitars.
Additionally, koa has a beautiful and distinctive grain pattern that makes it a popular choice for the top or body of electric guitars.
Acacia, on the other hand, is more commonly used for acoustic guitars or as a veneer or decorative accent in electric guitars.
However, the specific type of wood used for electric guitars can vary depending on the manufacturer and the desired sound and aesthetics of the instrument.
Koa and acacia are both hardwoods that can be used for various parts of electric guitars, such as the body, neck, and fretboard.
Koa is highly valued for its tonal qualities and distinctive appearance, and is often used as a top wood for high-end electric guitars. It can also be used for the body or neck of an electric guitar.
The tonal qualities of koa are generally described as warm, balanced, and articulate, with a bright and clear top end. Koa is also known for its strong midrange and focused low end.
Acacia, on the other hand, is more commonly used for the neck or fretboard of an electric guitar, rather than the body.
It is a hard and dense wood that is highly resistant to wear and tear, making it a good choice for fretboards.
Acacia can also be used as a veneer or decorative accent on the body of an electric guitar, as it has a beautiful grain pattern and warm, rich color.
Which is better: acacia or koa tonewood?
Choosing between acacia and koa tonewood for an acoustic guitar is a matter of personal preference, and there is no definitive “better” option.
Koa is generally considered to be a higher-end tonewood and is known for its rich and warm tone with pronounced midrange frequencies.
It also has a distinctive grain pattern that is highly prized for its beauty.
Koa is often used for high-end and professional-grade acoustic guitars, and as such, it tends to be more expensive than acacia.
Acacia, on the other hand, is a more affordable alternative to koa and is often used as a substitute.
It has a similar tone to koa but with slightly less depth and complexity. Acacia is a popular choice for mid-range and budget acoustic guitars.
Ultimately, the choice between acacia and koa for an acoustic guitar will depend on personal preference, budget, and availability.
If possible, it’s a good idea to play or listen to guitars made with both woods to see which one you prefer.
Is koa or acacia more expensive for guitars?
Alright, folks, let’s talk about the big question on everyone’s mind: is koa or acacia more expensive for guitars?
First things first, let’s break it down.
Koa is a type of wood that is native to Hawaii and is known for its beautiful, rich sound. On the other hand, Acacia is native to various parts of the world and is a more affordable option.
So, which one is more expensive?
Well, it’s a bit of a tricky question because it really depends on the specific guitar you’re looking at.
Generally speaking, guitars made with koa tend to be more expensive because it’s a rarer and more sought-after wood.
However, there are some high-end acacia guitars that can give koa a run for its money.
In general, however, koa tends to be more expensive than acacia because it is rarer and more difficult to source.
Koa wood comes from the Acacia koa tree, which is endemic to Hawaii and has limited availability, while acacia wood is more widely available and can be found in various regions around the world.
Additionally, the appearance and tonal characteristics of koa wood are highly valued by guitar makers and musicians, which also contributes to its higher price.
Is koa or acacia more popular for guitars?
Koa is generally considered to be more popular than acacia for guitars, particularly for high-end acoustic guitars.
Koa tonewood is highly valued for its unique tonal properties, which are warm, bright, and well-balanced with a clear top end, strong midrange, and focused low end.
Additionally, koa has a distinctive appearance with a beautiful grain pattern and rich color that makes it highly sought after by guitar makers and players.
Acacia, on the other hand, is a more versatile wood that is commonly used for a variety of musical instruments, including guitars.
While it does not have the same level of popularity as koa, it is still appreciated by some players for its tonal qualities and durability.
Final thoughts
In conclusion, both koa and acacia are beautiful and versatile tonewoods that can be used to create high-quality guitars with unique tonal characteristics.
Koa is generally considered to be the more premium and sought-after wood, particularly for high-end acoustic guitars.
Its warm, balanced, and articulate sound with a clear top end and strong midrange, combined with its distinctive grain pattern and rich color, make it a highly prized tonewood.
Acacia, on the other hand, is a more affordable and versatile wood that can be used for a variety of musical instruments, including guitars.
While it may not have the same level of popularity as koa, it is still appreciated by some players for its durability, tonal qualities, and beautiful grain pattern.
Read next: Guitar body and wood types | what to look for when buying a guitar [full guide]
I'm Joost Nusselder, the founder of Neaera and a content marketer, dad, and love trying out new equipment with guitar at the heart of my passion, and together with my team, I've been creating in-depth blog articles since 2020 to help loyal readers with recording and guitar tips.
