Maple vs. Mahogany?

[shiloh]

Hi all,
I'm curious, in your opinion, what is the difference in the tone of a mahogany back and sides (Engleman spruce top) vs. a maple back and sides? Same builder. Both are carved, lacquer, etc. Identical instruments, just different woods.

Jill

[JEStanek]

In general, the mahogany will sound warmer and darker than the brighter crisper maple.

Listen to soundfiles on the Folk of the Wood's old pages (http://www.folkofthewood.com/page2518.htm#weber) specifically compare the Mid Mo M1 (Mahog) vs M2 (Maple) or the Weber Hyalite (Mahog)vs the Absaroka (maple).

Jamie

[Rob Gerety]

My bet - if everything but the back and sides is identical - the difference, if any, will be hardly detectable and it's real hard to predict the nature of any small difference that might exist. Might be just as much difference between two different set of mahogany. But, what do I know?

[onassis]

I've always thought that mahogany has a slightly "softer" sound than maple (or in guitars, rosewood). Not less volume, but a softer edge on the attack. Just MHO.

[Santiago]

Yes. I have both maple and rosewood guitars, and I would agree. The maple is brighter but the rosewood is a little more balanced. All depends on the style of music you prefer.

[Michael Lewis]

Maple? Which maple? Hard eastern, red, big leaf, european? They are different.

[shiloh]

Michael,
I love your mandolins! (and what Scotty Gates can do with it ;-)

Would love to have you weigh-in on the mahogany vs. maple. I'm considering buying a mahogany back and sides A, oval hole, "artist quality" Engleman spruce top, lacquer finish.

Thanks,
Jill