What are the differences between Ash and Alder? What about Mahogany? How about Maple necks? Here is our quick guide to tone wood nirvana! It's important to remember that all wood is different dependent on the conditions it has grown in and experienced but here is a rule of thumb guide to the tonal characteristics of different wood species. Body Woods Basswood Inexpensive tone wood, which is easy to work with in the factory, easy to cut, sand and finish. Basswood is a soft woo