Pau Ferro Tonewood: Benefits for Electric, Acoustic & Bass Guitars

by Joost Nusselder | Updated on:  February 5, 2023

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With all the different tonewoods out there, it’s hard to know what makes one better than the other. 

Now Pau Ferro is one of the newer popular tonewoods you’ll mostly find used in making fretboards. 

So, what exactly is it?

Pau Ferro Tonewood- Benefits for Electric, Acoustic & Bass Guitars

Pau Ferro is a dense and hard tonewood used in guitar making, known for its bright and articulate sound with a strong midrange and clear high-end response. It also offers excellent sustain, and its beautiful appearance with a dark, chocolate-brown color and figured grain pattern adds to its visual appeal.

But is it right for you? Let’s explore that.

In this article, I’ll dive into what Pau Ferro is, its tonal qualities, and why it’s so popular with guitarists. Plus, I’ll cover some of the drawbacks of using this tonewood.

What is Pau Ferro tonewood?

Pau Ferro is a type of tonewood commonly used to make musical instruments, mainly acoustic guitars. But it’s also used to make fretboards for electric guitars

Pau Ferro is a South American hardwood that’s used in the making of guitars.

It’s known for its durability and tonal qualities. It’s also a relatively rare wood, making it quite expensive.

It is also known by several other names, including Morado, Bolivian Rosewood, Santos Rosewood, and several others, depending on the region where it is harvested.

Pau Ferro is a dense and hard wood with a tight, even grain pattern that gives it excellent tonal properties. 

Pau Ferro is used to make guitars because it is a dense and hard wood that offers excellent tonal properties, including a bright and articulate sound with a strong midrange and clear high-end response.

It also has excellent sustain, which makes it a popular choice among guitar players.

In addition to its tonal properties, Pau Ferro is also prized for its beautiful appearance.

It has a dark, chocolate-brown color with subtle reddish and purple tones, and it often exhibits a striking, figured-grain pattern that adds to its visual appeal.

While it’s not as common as other tonewoods like rosewood or maple, it’s becoming more widespread in the market.

Pau Ferro is often used for fretboards on both acoustic and electric guitars, but it can also be used for heavy solid bodies.

Overall, Pau Ferro is popular with guitar makers and players who want a tonewood with excellent tonal properties, sustain, and visual appeal.

What type of Pau Ferro is used to make guitars?

Different species of Pau Ferro wood are used to make guitars, depending on the region where it is harvested. 

The most common species used for guitars are from the Dalbergia genus, including Dalbergia nigra, Dalbergia spruceana, and Dalbergia paloescrito. 

These species are known for their dense and hard properties, as well as their beautiful appearance and excellent tonal properties, making them popular choices for guitar makers.

All of the Pau Ferro species can be used by luthiers to make guitar parts, especially fingerboards.

It’s worth noting that some countries have restrictions on the harvesting and export of certain species of Pau Ferro.

Guitar makers may therefore choose to use alternative tonewoods or sustainably sourced Pau Ferro to ensure ethical and legal practices.

What does Pau Ferro tonewood sound like?

Pau Ferro tonewood is known for producing a bright and articulate sound with a strong midrange and clear high-end response. 

It has a balanced tonal character with a pronounced note definition, making it ideal for guitar players who want a precise and detailed sound. 

The wood’s density and hardness also contribute to its excellent sustain, which helps to keep notes ringing out for a longer period of time. 

When relying on an electromagnetic system to detect vibrations, the wood used in the guitar’s neck and body can directly affect the sound plugged into an amplifier or loudspeaker.

Pau Ferro’s warmth and articulation are highly discussed arguments among guitarists, with some preferring its high-end response and others feeling that it can numb the clean tone of their pickups. 

However, most agree that Pau Ferro contributes to stress-free playing and a highly responsive sound.

Overall, Pau Ferro produces a rich, full-bodied sound well-suited for various musical genres, from jazz to rock to country.

Check out my extensive review of the Fender Player HSH Stratocaster with a Pau Ferro fingerboard

What does Pau Ferro look like?

Pau Ferro is a beautiful tonewood with a dark, chocolate-brown color with darker streaks or markings that give it a distinctive appearance. 

It has a tight and uniform grain pattern with a fine texture, which makes it ideal for guitar fretboards and tops. 

The wood’s color and grain pattern can vary depending on the specific species used and how it is cut and finished. 

Some guitar makers may choose to enhance the natural beauty of Pau Ferro by adding a glossy or satin finish, which can bring out the wood’s rich color and figure. 

In summary, Pau Ferro adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to guitars, and it is a popular choice among guitar players who appreciate its aesthetic qualities.

Is Pau Ferro used for electric guitars?

Yes, Pau Ferro is commonly used for electric guitar fretboards, and it can also be used for the bodies of solid-body electric guitars. 

Its tonal properties make it a suitable choice for electric guitars, as it produces a bright and articulate sound with a strong midrange and clear high-end response, which can help electric guitars cut through the mix in a band setting. 

The wood’s density and hardness also contribute to its sustain, which is important for electric guitar players who often use techniques like bending and vibrato to shape their notes. 

Overall, Pau Ferro is a versatile tonewood that can be used for a wide range of guitar styles and genres, including electric guitars.

The use of Pau Ferro in solid bodies

Solid-body guitars built with pau ferro are heavy and offer a warm and clear sound, relying on electromagnetic pickup systems to directly detect the string’s vibrations. 

When plugged into an amplifier or loudspeaker, the sound is loud and clear, making it a popular choice among guitarists.

The use of Pau Ferro in solid bodies can provide a very focused and articulate sound.

It is also resistant to humidity and temperature changes, making it a great option for guitars that will see frequent use.

Is Pau Ferro used for acoustic guitars?

Yes, Pau Ferro is commonly used for acoustic guitar backs and sides, as well as for fretboards and bridges. 

Pau Ferro is a unique tonewood that offers a quality sound for acoustic guitars. This hardwood is open-pored and offers highs that are articulate and clear. 

While not as common as other tonewoods, Pau Ferro is a heavy and widespread hardwood often used for necks and solid bodies.

It is a dense and hard tonewood that offers excellent tonal properties, including a bright and articulate sound with a strong midrange and clear high-end response. 

Its density also contributes to its excellent sustain, which is important for acoustic guitar players who want their notes to ring out for a long time. 

Pau Ferro’s beautiful appearance with a dark, chocolate-brown color and figured grain pattern also make it a desirable choice for acoustic guitar makers and players. 

Overall, Pau Ferro is a versatile tonewood that can be used for both acoustic and electric guitars.

Is Pau Ferro used for bass guitars?

Yes, Pau Ferro is sometimes used for bass guitar fretboards, as well as for bass guitar bodies. 

While it’s not as common as other tonewoods like ash or alder, it can provide a unique tonal character that some bass players prefer. 

Pau Ferro boasts a smooth and clear sound that complements the low frequencies of bass guitars. 

The wood’s makeup is decidedly low in harsher overtones, providing a depth and snappier sound that is comparable to maple.

Pau Ferro’s tonal properties, including a bright and articulate sound with a strong midrange and clear high-end response, can help bass players cut through the mix in a band setting. 

Its density and hardness also contribute to its sustain, which is important for bass players who want their notes to ring out for a long time. 

Overall, Pau Ferro is a versatile tonewood that can be used for a range of guitar styles, including bass guitars.

Is Pau Ferro a good wood for the guitar neck? 

Yes, Pau Ferro is a good wood choice for guitar necks.

It is a dense and strong wood with good tonal properties, and it is often used as an alternative to rosewood for fingerboards and necks. 

Moreover, Pau Ferro has great tonal qualities and produces a bright, clear tone that can be quite versatile.

Its density also helps with sustain and articulation.

Pau Ferro is known for its stability and durability, which can help improve the longevity and playability of a guitar.

It is also a visually attractive wood with a range of grain patterns, which can add to the aesthetics of a guitar. 

It produces that attractive grain pattern on the neck, often preferred by guitarists.

Overall, Pau Ferro is a great choice for guitar necks and can produce a high-quality instrument.

Is Pau Ferro good for the guitar body?

Yes, Pau Ferro can be a good choice for guitar bodies, although it is not as commonly used as some other woods like ash, alder, or mahogany. 

Pau Ferro has a dense, tight grain pattern which can help produce a clear, focused sound with good sustain and balanced frequency response.

It is also known for its stability, durability, and resistance to wear and tear, which can help ensure a long-lasting guitar.

However, Pau Ferro is a relatively heavy wood, so it may not be the best choice for those who prefer a lighter guitar.

Additionally, Pau Ferro can be more difficult to work with than other woods, so it may require more effort to shape and finish properly. 

Ultimately, the choice of wood for a guitar body will depend on personal preference, playing style, and the desired tonal characteristics.

Is Pau Ferro good for fretboard?

Yes, Pau Ferro is an excellent choice for a guitar fretboard.

It is a dense and hardwood that can withstand wear and tear, and it has a tight, straight grain pattern that makes it easy to work with and finish. 

Pau Ferro is also known for its tonal qualities, which can enhance the sound of a guitar.

It has a clear, focused tone with a balanced frequency response, making it suitable for various playing styles and genres.

In addition, Pau Ferro has a beautiful appearance with a range of colors and grain patterns, which can add to the overall aesthetics of a guitar. 

It is also a sustainable and eco-friendly wood choice, as it is not an endangered species and is widely available. 

Overall, Pau Ferro is a great choice for a guitar fretboard and is used by many professional guitar manufacturers and luthiers.

Is Pau Ferro hard to work with?

Luthiers have their preferences regarding the woods they work with to build guitars. 

So is Pau Ferro difficult to work with?

Well, yes and no. 

As a result of its relative density, it can dull the edges of cutting instruments. Because of its oily character, similar to rosewood, it might not be easy to glue. 

The Pau Ferro we’ve recently seen on fingerboards is smooth and has very few open pores, so it’s made to be almost perfect. 

Pros and cons of Pau Ferro tonewood

Pau Ferro is great tonewood and a popular choice for fingerboards.

But what are the pros and cons of Pau Ferro for guitar construction?

Pros

  • Pau Ferro is very dense and produces a powerful and focused tone on the guitar.
  • It’s also a great choice for fretboards, as it has good stability and durability. This makes it a great choice for guitars that will see a lot of use.
  • Pau Ferro also has an attractive grain pattern, which can often be seen on fingerboards.
  • Produces a bright, clear tone.
  • Resistant to humidity and temperature changes.
  • Relatively affordable tonewood compared to other options.

Cons

  • Can be difficult to work with due to its density.
  • Susceptible to scratches and surface damage from wear and tear more easily than some other tonewoods.
  • Its brighter tone may not suit certain types of music or guitarists who prefer a warmer sound.
  • The density of Pau Ferro can make it more difficult for the wood to vibrate freely, resulting in a less responsive sound.

Differences with other tonewoods

In this section, we’ll compare Pau Ferro to other common tonewoods.

Pau Ferro vs rosewood tonewood

Pau Ferro is often compared to rosewood, as it offers similar tonal characteristics. While they are not identical, the differences are not apparent to the average player. 

Rosewood is known for its warm and rich tone, with solid lows and mids and a clear high end.

Pau Ferro has a similar tone but with a more focused midrange and slightly less prominent lows and highs.

It has a faster attack than rosewood, making it a popular choice for players who switch between playing techniques effortlessly.

Pau Ferro is a great tonewood option for those looking for a warm and brighter sound than rosewood. 

Also, Pau Ferro has a brown color and hard, strong, and resistant characteristics not affected by the passing years. 

Pau Ferro is denser than rosewood, which can make it more durable and resistant to wear and tear over time.

I also want to briefly mention sustainability: rosewood is a CITES-protected species, so it can be difficult to source legally and sustainably.

Pau Ferro, on the other hand, is generally considered a more sustainable choice.

Therefore, Pau Ferro is generally much cheaper than rosewood, reflected in a guitar’s price. 

Pau Ferro vs walnut tonewood

Pau Ferro and walnut are both popular tonewoods used in the construction of musical instruments, particularly guitars, but they have some notable differences.

Pau Ferro is a very hard and dense wood, with a fine and even texture.

It has a warm, balanced tone with good clarity and definition, making it suitable for a wide range of playing styles. 

Pau Ferro is also known for its stability, which means it is less likely to warp or change shape over time due to changes in temperature or humidity.

Walnut, on the other hand, is a softer wood with a coarser texture.

It has a warm, full-bodied tone with good sustain, but it can be less bright and articulate than Pau Ferro. 

Walnut is also less stable than Pau Ferro, which means it may be more susceptible to warping or changes in shape over time.

In terms of appearance, Pau Ferro is known for its beautiful grain patterns, which can range from straight and even to wild and unpredictable.

It has a rich, reddish-brown color that can darken over time. 

Walnut, on the other hand, has a more subdued color and grain pattern, with a range of brown tones that can include darker streaks and knots.

Overall, both Pau Ferro and Walnut are excellent tonewoods.

Still, they have different tonal and visual characteristics that may make one more suitable for a particular playing style or aesthetic preference.

Pau Ferro vs mahogany tonewood

Pau ferro and mahogany are two popular tonewoods used in making guitars.

Pau ferro is a type of wood from South America, while mahogany comes from Africa.

Now, let’s talk about the differences between these two tonewoods. Pau ferro is known for its bright and clear tone, while mahogany has a warm and rich tone.

It’s like the difference between a sunny day and a cozy fireplace. 

Pau ferro is also a harder wood than mahogany, which means it can handle a bit more abuse.

So, if you like to smash their guitar on stage (please don’t), pau ferro might be the way to go.

But wait, there’s more! Mahogany is also known for its sustain, which means the notes ring out for longer.

Mahogany also has a more pronounced midrange, which makes it great for playing blues and rock music. 

Pau ferro, on the other hand, is more versatile and can handle a wider range of music styles.

So, which tonewood is better? Well, that’s like asking if pizza or tacos are better.

It all depends on your personal taste. If you like a brighter and clearer tone, go for pau ferro. If you prefer a warmer and richer tone, mahogany might be more your style. 

Either way, you can’t go wrong with either of these tonewoods.

In conclusion, pau ferro and mahogany are two tonewoods that are used in making guitars.

They have their differences, but both are great options depending on your personal taste.

Pau Ferro vs maple tonewood

First up, we have pau ferro. This Brazilian beauty is known for its warm, rich tone and excellent sustain.

It’s a dense wood, which means it can handle a lot of vibration without losing its clarity.

Plus, it looks pretty darn cool with its dark, chocolatey color, and tight grain pattern. 

On the other hand, we have maple.

This North American classic is all about brightness and clarity. It’s a lighter wood, which means it can really sing when you’re playing those high notes.

It also has a distinctive grain pattern that adds serious visual interest to your guitar. 

So, which one should you choose? Well, that depends on your personal preference and playing style.

If you’re all about those warm, bluesy tones, pau ferro might be the way to go. 

But if you’re more of a shredder who wants every note to ring out crystal clear, maple could be your best bet. 

Of course, there are other factors to consider as well, like the type of guitar you’re playing and the other materials used in its construction. 

But if you’re looking for a tonewood showdown, pau ferro vs maple is definitely one to watch.

Pau Ferro vs acacia tonewood

First up, we have pau ferro. Pau ferro is a type of wood that comes from South America.

It’s known for its dark, chocolatey color and its tight, straight grain. This wood is often used in high-end guitars because of its tonal properties. 

Pau ferro is known for its bright, clear sound, which makes it perfect for playing lead guitar. It’s also very durable, which means it can withstand a lot of wear and tear.

On the other hand, we have acacia tonewood. Acacia is a type of wood that comes from Australia. It’s known for its light color and its wavy grain pattern. 

Acacia is often used in mid-range guitars because of its tonal properties. Acacia has a warm, mellow sound, which makes it perfect for playing rhythm guitar.

It’s also very lightweight, making it easy to carry around.

So, what’s the difference between pau ferro and acacia tonewood? Well, it all comes down to the sound. 

Pau ferro has a bright, clear sound, while acacia has a warm, mellow sound. It really depends on what type of music you’re playing and what type of sound you’re looking for. 

If you’re a shredder, you might want to go with pau ferro. If you’re a strummer, you might want to go with acacia.

Pau Ferro vs ebony tonewood

First up, we have pau ferro. This wood is known for its warm and balanced tone, which makes it a popular choice for fingerstyle players.

It’s also a bit more affordable than ebony, so it’s a great option for those on a budget. 

But don’t let the lower price fool you – pau ferro is still a high-quality tonewood that can produce some seriously sweet sounds.

On the other hand, we have ebony. This wood is often considered the “gold standard” of tonewoods, and for good reason. 

It has a bright and clear tone that’s perfect for lead guitarists who want their notes to really sing.

Plus, ebony is a very dense wood, which means it can produce a lot of sustain. 

However, all that quality comes at a cost – ebony is one of the most expensive tonewoods out there.

So, which one is better? Well, that really depends on your personal preference and playing style.

If you’re a fingerstyle player who wants a warm and balanced tone, pau ferro might be the way to go. 

But if you’re a lead guitarist who wants bright and clear notes with lots of sustain, ebony might be worth the investment.

In the end, both pau ferro and ebony are excellent tonewoods that can produce some amazing sounds.

So, whether you’re strumming chords or shredding solos, just remember that the wood you choose can make all the difference. 

When choosing a guitar, two of the most important factors to consider are body shape and tonewood

The history of Pau Ferro tonewood

The history of Pau Ferro as a tonewood is somewhat murky, but it is believed to have been used in guitar making for several centuries. 

The wood is known for its density, strength, and tonal qualities, and has been used in the construction of both acoustic and electric guitars.

Pau Ferro was particularly popular in the 1960s and 1970s, when Brazilian rosewood, another popular tonewood, became scarce due to over-harvesting. 

Many guitar makers began using Pau Ferro as a substitute for Brazilian rosewood, and it has remained a popular choice among guitar builders ever since.

In recent years, Pau Ferro has become subject to restrictions due to its status as an endangered species.

In 2017, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) listed Pau Ferro on its Appendix II, which regulates international trade in endangered species. 

This means that trade in Pau Ferro is now subject to strict regulations to ensure it is sustainably sourced and harvested.

Despite these restrictions, Pau Ferro remains a popular tonewood among guitar makers and players alike, prized for its rich, balanced tone and beautiful appearance.

Is Pau Ferro a durable tonewood?

Yes, Pau Ferro is a very durable tonewood, which is one of the reasons why it is so popular among guitar makers.

The wood is very hard and dense, which makes it resistant to wear and tear, as well as to damage from impact.

In addition to its durability, Pau Ferro is also known for its stability, meaning that it is less likely to warp or change shape over time due to changes in temperature or humidity. 

This is important for the long-term performance of musical instruments, as changes in the shape of the wood can affect the sound quality and playability of the instrument.

Overall, Pau Ferro is a very strong and stable tonewood that is well-suited to the demands of guitar making. 

However, as with any wood, the quality of the Pau Ferro will depend on the specific piece of wood and how it has been processed and treated by the guitar maker.

FAQs

Is Pau Ferro better than rosewood?

So, you wanna know if pau ferro is better than rosewood? 

Well, let me tell you, it’s not a simple yes or no answer.

Historically, rosewood has been a popular material for guitar fretboards, but recent regulations have led to the emergence of pau ferro as a worthy competitor. 

Now, let’s get into the nitty-gritty. Pau ferro is a lighter-colored, sustainable wood that is harder than rosewood and has a tighter grain.

This results in a slightly brighter and sharper tone compared to rosewood. 

However, tonally, pau ferro sits somewhere between rosewood and ebony, which is harder and retains warmth, something that rosewood is known for. 

So, which one is better? It really depends on personal preference and the sound you’re going for. 

Pau ferro might be a better choice if you want a brighter tone, while rosewood might be better if you want a warmer tone.

Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide which one suits your playing style and sound preferences.

Why does Fender use Pau Ferro?

Have you ever wondered why Fender uses Pau Ferro for their guitars? Well, let me tell you, it’s not just because it’s a fun name to say (although that is a bonus). 

Pau Ferro is actually a great alternative to rosewood, which has become more difficult to trade due to international laws.

But don’t worry, Pau Ferro is no second-rate substitute.

It has a similar hardness and oil content to rosewood, which means it produces a great tone and has a nice dark color. 

Plus, it’s a sustainable wood species, which is a big plus in today’s eco-conscious world.

Now, you might be wondering how Pau Ferro compares to rosewood regarding sound.

Well, Pau Ferro has a slightly snappier tone than rosewood, and it’s like a mid-way point between ebony and rosewood.

It’s slightly brighter than rosewood but still has that depth and warmth we all love.

And let’s not forget about the feel of Pau Ferro. It’s smooth and easy to play, and it’s a harder wood than rosewood, which means it’s more durable.

Plus, it has a lighter color than rosewood, which can vary in appearance from light brown to darker streaks.

So, there you have it, folks. Fender uses Pau Ferro because it’s a great alternative to rosewood that produces a similar tone and has a sustainable source. 

Plus, it feels great to play and looks pretty darn cool too. Now, go out there and rock on with your Pau Ferro guitar!

What guitar parts are made of Pau Ferro?

Pau Ferro is primarily used for guitar fingerboards and necks. It can also be used for solid bodies, bridges, and tailpieces.

For the body, pau ferro is not a top choice because of its weight and density.

But, it is becoming more popular in recent years due to its tone and clarity when used on the body as well.

It’s mostly used for fretboard construction due to its stability and durability.

The attractive grain pattern of Pau Ferro makes it a great choice for all of these parts as well as for pickguards and headstocks.

It can also be used to make nuts, saddles, and inlays.

Its density makes it a great choice for these parts as well, as it can give the guitar great sustain and articulation.

Overall, Pau Ferro is an excellent tonewood with many benefits for guitar construction. It has good tone, stability and durability, making it ideal for guitars that will be used frequently.

It also has a beautiful grain pattern, making it great for aesthetic parts of the guitar as well.

Is Pau Ferro the same as rosewood?

Are you wondering if pau ferro and rosewood are the same thing?

Well, let me tell you, they are not! While they may look similar, they have some distinct differences.

Historically, rosewood has been a popular choice for fretboards, but due to new regulations, manufacturers are turning to sustainable materials like pau ferro. 

Pau ferro is a lighter colored, sustainable wood that is harder than rosewood and has a tighter grain, resulting in a slightly brighter and sharper tone.

On the other hand, rosewood is known for its warmth and is harder than pau ferro. It’s also tighter-grained than pau ferro, which results in a smoother sound.

So, there you have it! Pau ferro and rosewood may look similar, but they have their own unique characteristics that make them different.

It’s up to you to decide which one suits your playing style and preferences best. 

Is Pau Ferro a cheap tonewood?

No, Pau Ferro is not a particularly cheap tonewood.

It’s generally more expensive than other popular tonewoods but it’s still slightly cheaper than some exotic tonewoods such as ebony and koa.

However, Pau Ferro is usually not too expensive for most budgets and can provide a great tone at an affordable price.

The cost of Pau Ferro varies depending on the source, so it’s important to shop around and find the best deal.

Is maple or Pau Ferro better?

Alright, folks, let’s talk about the age-old debate of maple vs. pau ferro. Which one is better? Well, it all depends on what you’re looking for in a guitar.

Maple is known for its brighter sound and lighter color, making it easier to mix.

On the other hand, pau ferro has a warmer, fuller sound and a darker, reddish vibe.

So, if you want a brighter sound that’s easy to mix, go for maple. 

But if you want a warmer, fuller sound with a darker look, pau ferro is your go-to.

Now, let’s talk about the practical side of things. Maple is lighter in weight, which can be a plus for those who don’t want to lug around a heavy guitar.

Pau ferro, on the other hand, is a bit heavier, but it’s also more durable and resistant to wear and tear.

So, there you have it, folks. It all comes down to personal preference and what you’re looking for in a guitar.

Do you want a brighter sound and lighter weight? Go for maple.

Do you want a warmer, fuller sound and a more durable guitar? Pau ferro is your answer. 

How do you clean a Pau Ferro fretboard?

Alright, folks, let’s talk about cleaning your Pau Ferro fretboard.

First things first, you gotta get rid of all that stubborn gunk. Use some fine steel wool to scrub away any dirt or grime gently.

Once that’s done, it’s time to hydrate that bad boy with some lemon oil. Apply it generously and let it soak in for a bit.

Then, use a damp cloth to wipe it down and remove any excess oil.

Now, if you’re dealing with a maple fretboard, you gotta polish that guitar body too.

For poly-finished gloss guitars, spray some guitar polish on a soft cloth and wipe it down. Easy peasy.

So, to sum it up: clean your Pau Ferro fretboard with steel wool and lemon oil, and enjoy the smooth feel and bright tone it offers.

And remember, when it comes to fretboard tonewood, it’s all about what sounds and feels best to you.

Find my full guide on how to clean a guitar the proper way and make it look like new again here

Is Pau Ferro brighter than maple?

Yes, Pau Ferro is generally brighter than maple.

Because of its high density and hardness, it produces a bright, clear tone with good sustain and articulation.

Maple, on the other hand, produces a warm, round tone that is often preferred for blues and jazz.

So depending on the type of sound you are looking for, either one could be a great choice.

But if you’re looking for a bright, articulate sound, Pau Ferro is a great option.

Conclusion

Now that you know what it is, you can explore the tones of Pau Ferro further by buying a guitar with Pau Ferro components.

Pau Ferro is a dense hardwood with a smooth texture that provides a clear and articulate sound.

It’s used in guitars for its tonal properties, and is known for its durability and resistance to wear and tear. 

It’s a great option for players looking for a darker alternative to rosewood, and a great tonewood option for average players looking for a warm and bright sound.

Tonewood is an important factor in what makes a quality guitar, but not the only one

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.

Check me out on Youtube where I try out all of this gear:

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