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Swamp Ash
Swamp Ash is not a species unto itself but rather, differs from White Ash because of how it has grown. Swamp Ash trees typically root into swampy water, which gives it the name. Swamp Ash is mainly associated with Solid Body, Fender Guitars, in particular, the Telecaster but also early Stratocasters. This White Ash comes from the southern USA and is noteworthy for its very light weight and tonal qualities, hence its desirability for use in musical instruments. Swamp Ash is not used for necks, fingerboards, or for acoustics guitars.
Length: 8′ – 12′
Thickness: 8/4
- Common Name(s): Swamp Ash, Punky Ash, Guitar Ash, Instrument Ash
- Scientific Name: The term “Swamp Ash” does not refer to any particular species of ash (Fraxinus genus), but is generally used by luthiers to describe lightweight wood yielded from ash trees which are usually found in wet or swampy areas.
- Distribution: Generally found in swampy areas in southern states to include: Georgia, Texas, North Florida, South Carolina
- Tree Size: 65-100 ft (20-30 m) tall, 2-5 ft (0.6-1.5 m) trunk diameter
- Average Dried Weight: less than 30-33.6 lbs/ft3
Heartwood: Light to medium brown, often with a reddish hue.
Sapwood: Wide and tends to be a beige or light brown, not always clearly demarcated from heartwood.
Grain: Ash can produce some striking grain patterns or it can be very straight grained and pretty plain. The Swamp Ash is known for producing more interesting patterns such as Cathedral’s, Arches, Oval’s, and Ellipses.
Texture: It’s a medium to coarse texture similar to oak.
Rated as perishable, with poor insect resistance.
Swamp Ash is generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools. It has good bending properties and is known for its excellent shock resistance. It glues, stains, and finishes well, though it can sometimes produce blotchy results when stained; using a pre-conditioner, gel stain, or toner may be necessary to get an even color.
Swamp Ash is mainly associated with Solid Body, Fender Guitars, in particular, the Telecaster but also early Stratocasters. Swamp Ash is not used for necks, fingerboards, or for acoustics guitars.