Spalted maple guitars create beautiful patterns in the wood grain, making each guitar one-of-a-kind.
With its rich tone and stunning visuals, a spalted maple guitar can take your music to new heights. These unique instruments have been crafted from rare wood, giving them a distinct sound and look, unlike any other guitar. You’ll be able to easily create memorable melodies as you explore all of its possibilities. It will turn heads wherever you go.
In this review, we’ll be taking an in-depth look at this amazing instrument and exploring all its features so that you can make an informed decision before purchasing one of these beauties. Read on to learn more about this amazing product!
Table of Contents
Spalted Maple Guitar Comparison 2023
No | Name | Image | Best For | Rating | Details |
1 | [amazon link=”B084JMXFFV” /] | [amazon fields=”B084JMXFFV” value=”thumb”] | Best for aesthetic | [amazon fields=”B084JMXFFV” value=”star_rating”] | [amazon fields=”B084JMXFFV” value=”button”] |
2 | [amazon link=”B00HT5H74Q” /] | [amazon fields=”B00HT5H74Q” value=”thumb”] | Best live sound | [amazon fields=”B00HT5H74Q” value=”star_rating”] | [amazon fields=”B00HT5H74Q” value=”button”] |
3 | [amazon link=”B086MH14TL” /] | [amazon fields=”B086MH14TL” value=”thumb”] | Best for new players | [amazon fields=”B086MH14TL” value=”star_rating”] | [amazon fields=”B086MH14TL” value=”button”] |
4 | [amazon link=”B004G91RFS” /] | [amazon fields=”B004G91RFS” value=”thumb”] | Best for multiple genres | [amazon fields=”B004G91RFS” value=”star_rating”] | [amazon fields=”B004G91RFS” value=”button”] |
5 | [amazon link=”B00PLJOHHM” /] | [amazon fields=”B00PLJOHHM” value=”thumb”] | Best lightweighting | [amazon fields=”B00PLJOHHM” value=”star_rating”] | [amazon fields=”B00PLJOHHM” value=”button”] |
- Best for aesthetic: [amazon link=”B084JMXFFV” title=”EVH Wolfgang Spalted Maple guitar” /]
- Best live sound: [amazon link=”B00HT5H74Q” title=”Ovation CE44P-SM Acoustic-Electric Spalted Maple Guitar” /]
- Best for new players: [amazon link= “B086MH14TL” title= “Kala U-Bass Spalted Maple Guitar”/]
- Best for multiple genres: [amazon link=”B004G91RFS” title=”ESP LTD B-205SM Spalted Maple Guitar” /]
- Best lightweighting: [amazon link=”B00PLJOHHM” title=”Cordoba C5-CET Limited Spalted Maple Guitar” /]
[amazon bestseller=”Spalted Maple Guitar” items=”20″ ]
Spalted Maple Guitar Reviews 2023
Best For Aesthetic – EVH Wolfgang Spalted Maple Guitar
[amazon box=”B084JMXFFV” ]
The EVH Wolfgang Spalted Maple guitar is an excellent choice for musicians of all levels. This electric guitar has impressive features that appeal to experienced players and those just starting. The guitar’s body is made from spalted maple, a hardwood with unique grain patterns that add visual beauty. It also has a striking quilt maple top and a gloss finish, giving it an extra touch of elegance.
The EVH Wolfgang Spalted Maple guitar boasts two powerful humbucking pickups with a three-way toggle switch, allowing you to choose from bright single coil tones or more powerful humbucker tones. The custom Floyd Rose bridge provides improved intonation and sustain, while the oiled neck provides a smooth and comfortable playing experience. The guitar is also equipped with an EVH-branded pickup selector switch and truss rod adjustable wheel for precise tonal control.
Pros:
– Rich and full sound
– Unique spalted maple design is eye-catching
– Superb playability
– High-quality build
Cons:
– Can be a bit pricey
Best Live Sound – Ovation CE44P-SM Acoustic-Electric Spalted Maple Guitar
[amazon box=”B00HT5H74Q” ]
The Ovation CE44P-SM Acoustic-Electric Spalted Maple Guitar is an impressive instrument that provides a stunning look and sound. Equipped with an all-solid spalted maple top, this guitar is a great combination of looks and tone. The mid-depth body shape allows for a fuller sound with excellent projection, and the bridge design provides great intonation and a smooth playing experience.
The onboard electronics are top-notch, with an Ovation preamp system designed to bring out the best in your guitar’s tone. The CE44P-SM also features scalloped bracing that enhances the clarity and response of its sound while adding resonance and projection to its notes.
Pros:
– Beautiful spalted maple finish
– Built-in tuner and preamp for fine-tuning sound
– Solid construction with a comfortable feel
– Affordable price tag considering the features
Cons:
– Requires occasional setup adjustments due to the wood’s natural changes
Best For New Players – Kala U-Bass Spalted Maple Guitar
[amazon box=”B086MH14TL” ]
The Kala U-Bass Spalted Maple Guitar is an incredible instrument and a great choice for anyone looking to take their musical journey to the next level. The spalted maple construction gives the instrument a unique look and sound, making it stand out from the crowd. It provides most of the features you would expect from a top-of-the-line bass guitar and more.
The custom pickup and preamp system provide a range of tones that are perfect for any genre, while the onboard chromatic tuner ensures your instrument always sounds its best. It’s also incredibly lightweight and comfortable to play, making it perfect for long practice sessions and live performances.
Pros:
– Rich and full sound with great sustain
– Lightweight and comfortable to play
– Easy to transport due to its small size
– Wide range of tones available with the UBass pickup system
Cons:
– May require heavier strings when using a low tuning
Best For Multiple Genres – ESP LTD B-205SM Spalted Maple Guitar
[amazon box=”B004G91RFS” ]
The ESP LTD B-205SM Spalted Maple Guitar is a great choice for any musician looking for an instrument with a unique sound and look. Featuring a spalted maple top, flame maple neck, and ebony fretboard, this guitar offers players the perfect combination of beauty and performance. The set-in neck construction ensures stability and comfort, while the three-way pickup selector offers many tonal possibilities. From powerful rock riffs to mellow jazz, the ESP LTD B-205SM can do it all.
For players who want a great-sounding guitar with a visually stunning look, the ESP LTD B-205SM Spalted Maple Guitar is an excellent option. The sound is rich and full, with plenty of sustain and clarity thanks to the high-quality construction. The unique spalted maple top adds an unmistakable visual flair to any performance.
Pros:
– Beautiful spalted maple finish
– 5-piece neck for increased durability and stability
– Mahogany body for a rich tone with full sustain
– Fishman Fluence Modern Humbucker pickups offer great versatility
Cons:
– Neck may require some setup adjustments
Best Light Weighting – Cordoba C5-CET Limited Spalted Maple Guitar
[amazon box=”B00PLJOHHM” ]
The Cordoba C5-CET Limited Spalted Maple Guitar is a great choice for any musician looking for an instrument with a classic yet distinct look. This model features a solid spalted maple top, mahogany back and sides, and an abalone rosette and bridge. The neck’s material is African mahogany, and the fingerboard is rosewood, making this guitar an excellent blend of classic tonewoods. The C5-CET also includes a Fishman Presys+ pickup system, which allows players to plug in and amplify their instruments.
The sound of this guitar is truly remarkable. The solid spalted maple top combined with the mahogany body gives the guitar a warm yet slightly bright tone. This sounds great for strumming, fingerpicking, flat-picking, and blues-style playing. The Fishman electronics allow the player to dial in the perfect sound when plugged into an amplifier, making this guitar extremely versatile.
Pros:
– Rich, warm tonality offered by maple body and spalted maple top
– Abalone rosette and purfling add a luxurious look
– High-quality Fishman Matrix Pickup System for great amplified sound
Cons:
– A bit pricey due to the limited edition model
Oscar Schmidt OG2CESM Spalted Maple Guitar
[amazon box=”B009LL5T6E” ]
The Oscar Schmidt OG2CESM Spalted Maple Guitar is an exceptionally crafted instrument with superior sound quality, style, and playability. The OG2CESM features a spalted maple top and back with chrome die-cast tuners for easy tuning. This combination of materials creates a warm and rich tone perfect for strumming and fingerpicking styles. The sound of this guitar is also enhanced by its cutaway design, which provides easier access to the higher frets. The electronics package includes two volume and two tone controls and a built-in tuner, making it easy to adjust your sound and get it just right.
The OG2CESM looks as good as it sounds, with a sleek spalted maple top finished in a sunburst finish that will look stylish no matter where you take it. The playability of this guitar is excellent, offering a comfortable playing experience and smooth fret transitions. The action on the strings is also adjusted to your liking. It also comes with an included gig bag to keep your guitar safe while transporting it to gigs or studio sessions.
Pros:
– Stylish spalted maple finish
– Wide tonal range with 3 single coil pickups
– High-quality construction and materials
– Adjustable bridge for playability and sustain
Cons:
– Requires setting up before starting to play
Ibanez GSR205SM 5 String Spalted Maple Guitar
[amazon box=”B01CLM42QM” ]
Ibanez’s GSR205SM 5 String Spalted Maple Guitar is an incredible instrument that can bring amazing sounds and tones to your music. It features a sleek, modern design with great looks to boot. Its body is made of spalted maple, which adds warm and rich tonal qualities to the sound. The neck of this guitar is a bolt-on design with a rosewood fretboard and medium frets. The double-cutaway body shape allows easy access to the higher frets, making it easier to play complex chords or melodies.
The Ibanez GSR205SM guitar is powered by two high-output humbucking pickups that can provide great sound for various musical styles. With its 5-way selector switch, you can choose from a range of tones to get the exact sound you’re looking for. You can adjust the tone and volume knobs to fine-tune your sound further.
Pros:
– Unique spalted maple top offers an eye-catching aesthetic
– 5 piece mahogany/maple neck provides stability and comfort
– Phat II active bass boost system provides extra punch to your sound
– Accu Cast B150 bridge ensures smooth sustain and intonation
Cons:
– Single coil pickups can be limited in the range of tones available
TARIO 12 String Spalted Maple Guitar
[amazon box=”B0BN5DP1J6″ ]
The TARIO 12 String Spalted Maple guitar is a unique instrument that stands out from the crowd. It has a lush, warm tone and is crafted with high-quality maple wood. The spalted maple top gives this guitar an eye-catching look that distinguishes it from others. The body is designed with a sculpted top, which helps to create the deep, rich sound for which this instrument is known. The product has a mahogany neck and a rosewood fingerboard with 22 frets. This combination of woods creates an incredibly warm tone and makes it easy to play complex chords.
The hardware on the TARIO Spalted Maple Guitar is also top-notch, with a Tune-O-Matic bridge and Grover tuners. This ensures that the guitar remains and can stay in tune even after hours of playing. The TARIO Spalted Maple Guitar pickups are humbuckers, providing plenty of power and clarity. The tone can be adjusted with the two-knob controls on the guitar, giving you a wide range of sounds to choose from.
Pros:
– Beautifully crafted spalted maple body
– Rich, warm tones with excellent sustain
– Easy playability due to slim neck design and low action
– High-quality pickups for a versatile range of tones
– Sturdy construction with solid tuning stability
Cons:
– Pronounced fragility of the spalted maple body
Sawtooth 6 String ET Hybrid Electric Spalted Maple Guitar
[amazon box=”B0B14FS9LJ” ]
The Sawtooth 6 String ET Hybrid Electric Spalted Maple Guitar combines traditional and modern design elements. The spalted maple top provides a distinctive look and adds to this guitar’s already impressive sonic depth. The neck and body are crafted from mahogany, providing a powerful tone with rich resonance. The fretboard is made from rosewood, adding warmth and clarity to your sound. The 24 frets offer ample room to play lead lines or chords and make bends and vibrato easier. The body is sculpted for added comfort and stability, making it easy to play for hours.
The Sawtooth 6 String ET Hybrid Electric Spalted Maple Guitar is equipped with a pair of humbucker pickups that provide an array of warm and bright tones. The guitar also features two volume and two tone knobs, allowing you to dial in a wide range of tonal possibilities. The three-way selector switch allows you to customize your sound to match the style of music you’re playing.
Pros:
– Unique spalted maple design with subtle grain patterns for a visually stunning look
– Offers exceptional sustain
– Good clarity of sound
– Easy-to play-neck
– Wide tone range
Cons:
– May not be suitable for those looking for a traditional electric guitar sound
Gstyle Left-handed Electric Guitar Spalted Maple Guitar
[amazon box=”B088YMRRZD” ]
The Gstyle Left-handed Electric Guitar is a reliable, versatile instrument that is perfect for any aspiring left-handed guitarist. From the spalted maple top to the three single-coil pickups, this guitar offers an outstanding playing experience. The guitar’s body features a double cutaway shape, allowing greater access to all parts of the fretboard. The neck is smooth and comfortable, even for extended periods of playing. The three single-coil pickups provide a range of tones, from clean to distorted. Whether you’re looking for a classic blues sound or more modern rock, this guitar has you covered.
The double cutaway design makes accessing all parts of the fretboard easy, and the neck is smooth and comfortable for extended periods of play. The responsive tuning machines ensure precise intonation, while three single-coil pickups provide a range of tones from clean to distort.
Pros:
– Unique spalted maple design for the distinct style
– Left-handed design adds comfort and playability
– High-quality construction with reliable intonation and tuning stability
– Versatile sound to cover many musical genres
Cons:
– May require additional setup and maintenance to keep up with regular use
Sawtooth Natural Series Left Handed Spalted Maple 24 Fret Electric Guitar
[amazon box=”B09CF3LJ14″]
The Sawtooth Natural Series Left Handed Spalted Maple 24 Fret Electric Guitar is a remarkable instrument, offering the very best in modern electric guitar design. With its unique blend of spalted maple and natural wood finish, this guitar will turn heads wherever you take it. The body is crafted with solid spalted maple and features a unique design with a 24-fret fretboard and two humbucking pickups. The guitar also includes a five-way pickup selector switch, master volume, tone control knobs, and a tremolo bridge system for superior sound.
The Spalted Maple body provides a beautiful mahogany look that will please both beginners and experienced players. Specialists carved the neck from a single piece of maple, and it features a rosewood fretboard with 24 jumbo frets, giving you access to the full range of notes. The two humbucking pickups are powerful yet articulate, providing clarity and sustain for even the most complex musical passages.
Pros:
– 24 frets for a greater range of notes
– The design is great for left-handed guitarists
– Spalted maple body produces a unique sound and look
– Sawtooth Natural Series designed for optimal performance
Cons:
– May need additional setup to have the best sound quality
Schecter C-1 Exotic Electric Spalted Maple Guitar
[amazon box=”B0876GBPK3″ ]
The Schecter C-1 Exotic Spalted Maple Electric Guitar is an instrument that will take your music to the next level. This superbly crafted guitar features a spalted maple body, providing not just an impressive aesthetic but also a smooth and balanced sound. The neck on this instrument has been expertly crafted from maple, giving it a warm and mellow tone, while the rosewood fingerboard gives it a beautiful resonance. The neck is also equipped with 24 jumbo frets, allowing easy access to all notes on the fretboard.
The pickups in this guitar are active EMG 81 & 85 humbuckers, giving you plenty of power and clarity. These pickups are perfect for aggressive playing, allowing you to cut through the mix and get your point across. Furthermore, this guitar also comes with a 3-way switch and master volume and tone knobs, giving you full control over your sound.
Pros:
– High-end Schecter craftsmanship
– Ultra lightweight design with beautiful Spalted Maple Top
– Enhanced resonance and sustain from the exotic woods used in construction
– Versatile tone controls offer a range of tonal possibilities
Cons:
– May demand professional setup for optimum performance
Guild F-2512E Maple Guitar
[amazon box=”B07R3BNJKG” ]
The Guild F-2512E Maple Guitar is an impressive guitar for modern musicians. Its sound is both powerful and articulate. The neck features a slim profile with a rosewood fingerboard, allowing easy transitioning between chords. The nut is made from bone, and the saddle is from graphite, giving the guitar a vibrant tone. The pickup configuration features two humbuckers with coil tap switches to give you more versatility in your sound.
The Guild F-2512E Maple Guitar is a great instrument for players of any level, from beginners to
professionals. The hardware of this instrument is top-of-the-line, featuring Grover tuning machines and a Tonepros bridge and tailpiece. This combination provides superior tuning stability and intonation. It’s comfortable to play, and the sound quality is outstanding.
Pros:
– Quality tonewood materials deliver a bright, crisp tone with excellent sustain
– Maple top and mahogany back provide maximum resonance and clarity
– 24 jumbo frets for easy playability
– Grover tuners provide great tuning stability
Cons:
– High price tag may not be affordable to all players
Ibanez EWP14OPN Exotic Wood Piccolo Acoustic Guitar
[amazon box=”B01B8IRSHU” ]
The Ibanez EWP14OPN Exotic Wood Piccolo Acoustic Guitar is an impressive and unique instrument that offers a unique sound. The top of the piccolo is decorated with an intricate soundhole pattern, adding an extra element of visual beauty to the instrument. The neck is made from rosewood, giving both hands a smooth and comfortable playing experience. This piccolo also features high-quality tuners, bridge components, and a specially designed preamp, all working together to create a distinctive tone.
The Ibanez EWP14OPN Exotic Wood Piccolo Acoustic Guitar is an excellent choice for those looking for a different sound. This instrument offers players a wide range of tones and textures, making it perfect for solo performances or ensemble playing. The neck is comfortable to play with, and the preamp ensures that the tone remains true even when amplified. And with its beautiful visual design, the guitar is sure to be an eye-catching addition to any stage.
Pros:
– Compact size makes it easy to transport and play
– Rich, full sound with a warm tone
– Easy to hold, thanks to its lightweight
– Intricate design featuring exotic woods gives the instrument a unique look and feel
– Versatile range of tones that can be explored through various playing styles.
Cons:
– The neck construction may be a bit narrow
Kadence Wooden Acoustic Guitar
[amazon box=”B07KXNKLJ2″ ]
The craftsmanship behind the Kadence Wooden Acoustic Guitar is impeccable. Every guitar is hand-crafted with care and attention to detail that you don’t often find with other brands. The body style is available in a range of woods and finishes, so you can find the perfect guitar for your musical style and look.
Kadence Wooden Acoustic Guitar has various features to make it stand out from the rest. Kadence offers pickups and preamps for an even more tailored experience for those looking to take their sound a bit further. What sets these acoustic guitars apart from the rest is the amazing tone they produce. They have a bright, full-bodied sound that is perfect for strumming, fingerpicking, and soloing. The way the strings resonate with the body creates a beautiful sound that will capture any audience.
Pros:
– Rich, warm and well-balanced sound
– Solid construction for durability
– Various classic body styles to choose from
– Affordable price point for beginners
Cons:
– Intonation may not always be perfect
Spalted Maple Guitar Benefits
Spalted maple guitars have become increasingly popular among guitarists over the last few years. With its beautiful, unique grain patterns and vibrant colors, it’s easy to see why this type of wood is so sought.
But there are other benefits to using a spalted maple guitar for your instrument beyond looks. It has a range of tonal qualities that make it an ideal choice for many playing styles. From increased resonance and sustain to a brighter overall sound, spalted maple guitar can create a wide variety of tones.
It also offers greater resistance against scratches and dings than other types of wood due to its harder density, making it more durable in the long run. Spalted maple guitar may be the perfect choice whether you’re looking for a unique look or superior sound quality.
Factors To Consider When Choosing Spalted Maple Guitar
Spalted maple guitar is a popular choice for guitarists, and it’s easy to see why. The wood has beautiful grain patterns, with dark streaks running through the light wood. It also has an excellent tonal quality that makes it perfect for making guitars. But before you choose spalted maple guitar for your performance, there are some factors to consider first.
Tone
Spalted maple guitar is known for its warm and rich tone, so it’s important to consider how that will affect the sound of your guitar. If you want a bright and articulate sound, there may be better choices than spalted maple for your build. However, spalted maple could be perfect if you’re looking for a deep and mellow tone.
Weight And Stability
Spalted maple guitar is generally lighter than other guitar woods so it may be better for lighter builds. The wood can also be prone to warping or cracking over time due to its lower density and stability. Make sure you consider how the material will react to temperature and humidity changes before you choose it.
Cost
Spalted maple guitar can be more expensive than other types of the guitar due to its rarity, so you may need to factor this into your budget. If cost is a major consideration, consider looking at other, more common options.
Finish
Spalted maple material can be difficult to finish due to its porous nature. Choosing a finish that will protect the wood while still allowing its unique grain patterns to shine through is important. A polyurethane finish is recommended, but you should consider shellac or nitrocellulose lacquer.
Craftsmanship
Since a spalted maple guitar is unique, choosing a guitar maker with experience with this material is important. Look for someone with a good reputation for crafting quality instruments with spalted maple. They will provide you with examples of their work and should be able to answer any questions you may have about the wood.
Considering these factors, your choice of spalted maple guitar will be great and last for years to come. With good craftsmanship and finish, it can become a cherished instrument you’ll love playing for years to come.
FAQs About Spalted Maple Guitar
What is a spalted maple guitar?
Spalted maple guitar is a type of guitar that has a body made of spalted maple.
How does the sound of a spalted maple guitar differ from other guitars?
The spalted maple material adds a unique resonance and depth to the tone that other guitars cannot match.
Is it easy to play a spalted maple guitar?
Yes, playing on a spalt maple guitar can be very comfortable for any level of player due to its lightweight design.
Does the finish of my spalted maple guitar matter?
Of course. A good finish will help protect your instrument from scratches or wear over time and keep your wood looking great for years to come.
Are spalted maple guitars durable?
Sure, they are. These guitars are designed with durability in mind and often feature strong hardwood construction that can hold up against daily use.
Conclusion
Spalted maple guitar is a great choice for any musician. Not only do they look beautiful, but their unique sound and resonance have made them a favorite among experienced players. If you’re looking for an instrument that will stand out from the crowd and provide you with an amazing tone, then the Kala U-Bass Spalted Maple Guitar is worth considering.
[amazon box=”B086MH14TL” ]
No | Name | Image | Best For | Rating | Details |
1 | [amazon link=”B084JMXFFV” /] | [amazon fields=”B084JMXFFV” value=”thumb”] | Best for aesthetic | [amazon fields=”B084JMXFFV” value=”star_rating”] | [amazon fields=”B084JMXFFV” value=”button”] |
2 | [amazon link=”B00HT5H74Q” /] | [amazon fields=”B00HT5H74Q” value=”thumb”] | Best live sound | [amazon fields=”B00HT5H74Q” value=”star_rating”] | [amazon fields=”B00HT5H74Q” value=”button”] |
3 | [amazon link=”B086MH14TL” /] | [amazon fields=”B086MH14TL” value=”thumb”] | Best for new players | [amazon fields=”B086MH14TL” value=”star_rating”] | [amazon fields=”B086MH14TL” value=”button”] |
4 | [amazon link=”B004G91RFS” /] | [amazon fields=”B004G91RFS” value=”thumb”] | Best for multiple genres | [amazon fields=”B004G91RFS” value=”star_rating”] | [amazon fields=”B004G91RFS” value=”button”] |
5 | [amazon link=”B00PLJOHHM” /] | [amazon fields=”B00PLJOHHM” value=”thumb”] | Best lightweighting | [amazon fields=”B00PLJOHHM” value=”star_rating”] | [amazon fields=”B00PLJOHHM” value=”button”] |
With its impressive looks and exceptional playability, this guitar will surely be a hit in your collection. So don’t wait – get yourself a Spalted Maple Guitar today!