Short answer
Prioritize manufacturing consistency and explore a broader material palette for acoustic guitar backs and sides, as wood species has a minimal impact on perceived sound.
- Field
- Classic Design
- Source
- The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America (2018)
- Method
- Experimental comparison and blind listening tests.
- Sample
- 52 guitarists for sound quality ratings, 31 guitarists for ABX tests.
- Evidence
- Strong effect
Despite traditional beliefs and the high cost of certain woods, the species of wood used for the back and sides of steel-string acoustic guitars has a negligible effect on their perceived sound and modal properties. This classic design research insight is drawn from a 2018 study published in The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America. Using Experimental comparison and blind listening tests. with 52 guitarists for sound quality ratings, 31 guitarists for ABX tests., researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: Prioritize manufacturing consistency and explore a broader material palette for acoustic guitar backs and sides, as wood species has a minimal impact on perceived sound.
Wood choice for acoustic guitar backs has minimal impact on perceived sound quality.
Despite traditional beliefs and the high cost of certain woods, the species of wood used for the back and sides of steel-string acoustic guitars has a negligible effect on their perceived sound and modal properties.
The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America · 2018
Key Findings
- 01Bridge-admittance measurements showed only minor differences in modal properties between guitars, largely attributable to manufacturing variability.
- 02Guitarists' overall sound quality ratings were very similar across all six guitars.
- 03Blinded ABX tests indicated that guitarists could not reliably distinguish between the guitars based on sound or feel.
Application
Design takeaway
Prioritize manufacturing consistency and explore a broader material palette for acoustic guitar backs and sides, as wood species has a minimal impact on perceived sound.
How to apply
When designing or specifying materials for acoustic instruments, conduct objective measurements and user testing to validate the perceived benefits of material choices, especially those based on tradition or perceived prestige.
Project actions
- 01When researching materials for a design project, look for studies that objectively measure performance and user perception.
- 02Be critical of traditional material choices and consider if they are based on evidence or convention.
Method & Evidence
Variables
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- +Controlled experimental design with identical guitars.
- +Objective acoustic measurements (bridge admittance).
- +Blind testing protocols to minimize bias.
Limitations
The study used a limited number of guitars and participants. The specific acoustic properties measured (bridge admittance) might not capture all nuances of sound perception.
Reliability & validity
The study's reliability is supported by the use of objective measurements and blind testing. Validity is strong for the specific context of steel-string acoustic guitars and the tested woods, but may be limited when generalizing to other instrument types or materials.
Think critically
To what extent do cultural perceptions and historical context influence the perceived value of materials in design, even when objective performance differences are minimal?
Design Principles
"Perceived quality is often influenced by a complex interplay of factors, and assumptions about material impact should be empirically validated."
This research challenges long-held assumptions in instrument design and manufacturing. It suggests that designers and manufacturers can explore a wider range of materials, potentially leading to more sustainable and cost-effective production without compromising perceived quality.
What This Means for Your Design
Even though fancy woods are often used for the back of guitars, it turns out they don't make a big difference to how the guitar sounds or feels to most players.
How to use in your project
- 1.Reference this study when justifying material choices, particularly if you are considering alternatives to traditional or expensive options for acoustic instruments or similar products.
Add to My Project
Quick Cite
Paragraph starter
Research by Carcagno et al. (2018) on steel-string acoustic guitars found that the species of wood used for the back and sides had a negligible impact on perceived sound quality and modal properties. This suggests that designers can explore a wider range of materials, potentially leading to more sustainable and cost-effective production without compromising user experience, and that manufacturing consistency may be a more significant factor in perceived quality.
Source
The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America
Effect of back wood choice on the perceived quality of steel-string acoustic guitars
journal · 2018
View sourceQuestions About This Research
- What does the research say about wood choice for acoustic guitar backs has minimal impact on perceived sound quality?
- Prioritize manufacturing consistency and explore a broader material palette for acoustic guitar backs and sides, as wood species has a minimal impact on perceived sound. Evidence: The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America (2018).
- Why does "Wood choice for acoustic guitar backs has minimal impact on perceived sound quality." matter for design?
- This research challenges long-held assumptions in instrument design and manufacturing. It suggests that designers and manufacturers can explore a wider range of materials, potentially leading to more sustainable and cost-effective production without compromising perceived quality.
- How can designers apply this research?
- Prioritize manufacturing consistency and explore a broader material palette for acoustic guitar backs and sides, as wood species has a minimal impact on perceived sound.
- What were the main findings?
- Bridge-admittance measurements showed only minor differences in modal properties between guitars, largely attributable to manufacturing variability.. Guitarists' overall sound quality ratings were very similar across all six guitars.. Blinded ABX tests indicated that guitarists could not reliably distinguish between the guitars based on sound or feel.
- What research method was used?
- Experimental comparison and blind listening tests. with 52 guitarists for sound quality ratings, 31 guitarists for ABX tests..
- How strong is the evidence?
- Evidence strength is rated Strong effect, based on a 2018 journal from The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America.
- What should I do differently in my next project?
- When designing or specifying materials for acoustic instruments, conduct objective measurements and user testing to validate the perceived benefits of material choices, especially those based on tradition or perceived prestige.
- What are the limitations?
- The study focused on steel-string acoustic guitars and a specific set of woods; results may differ for classical guitars or other instrument types. The 'dimly lit room' and 'welder's goggles' were used to control for visual bias, but other sensory or psychological factors might influence perception.