So, you’ve probably heard about Bubinga and wondering if it’s any good for guitars. Maybe you’ve seen it mentioned in some forums or even on a few high-end instruments.
I’ve had a chance to dig into what makes this wood cool, and I’m here to tell you, it’s got some unique qualities that make it worth a closer look.
Here’s what you need to know.
Quick Look: What’s Bubinga All About?
Alright, before we get too deep, here’s a quick overview of Bubinga:
- Type of Wood: It’s a hardwood, known for being dense and strong.
- Tone: Warm, with a nice sustain and bright mids.
- Looks: Ranges from pinkish-red to dark reddish-brown, often with cool streaks of purple or black.
- Uses: Often used as a laminate top on electric guitars or as the back and sides of acoustics. Not so much as a solid body wood because it’s pretty heavy.
With that in mind, let’s see what Bubinga really brings to the table for different types of guitars.
What Makes Bubinga Special?
Bubinga comes from the Guibourtia genus and is native to Africa. People sometimes call it African Rosewood even though it’s not technically rosewood.
What’s cool about Bubinga is its dense and tough nature, which gives it some interesting tonal properties. It’s also got a pretty unique look, which helps it stand out in the crowd of guitar woods.
The color of Bubinga can vary quite a bit—sometimes it’s a soft pinkish-red, other times it’s more of a deep, rich brown. You might also see some wild grain patterns, like quilted or flamed, that make the wood look even more striking.
Working with Bubinga: Not the Easiest
Bubinga is a beautiful wood, but it can be a bit tricky to work with. It’s dense and hard, which can make it tough on tools.
If you’re building a guitar, you’ll need to be careful when cutting and shaping Bubinga because the grain can be a little unpredictable. But if you’re willing to put in the work, the results can be really rewarding.
Now, let’s talk about how Bubinga stacks up for different types of guitars.
Bubinga and Electric Guitars
You might not think tonewood matters much in electric guitars, but it still has a role in shaping the sound. So, how does Bubinga perform?
Bubinga as a Body Wood
Bubinga is usually used as a laminate top rather than the main body wood in electric guitars. Why? Because it’s heavy—way heavier than woods like alder or basswood. While its density gives it a warm tone and great sustain, the weight can be a bit much for a solid body.
That said, Bubinga as a top veneer can add some serious tone and looks to an electric guitar. It pairs well with lighter woods, boosting the sound without making the guitar too heavy to handle.
Bubinga in Necks and Fretboards
Bubinga is strong and durable, making it a good choice for necks. It’s not as common as maple or mahogany, but it’s used by brands like Ibanez in some of their laminate necks. The wood’s hardness helps keep the neck stable and adds some brightness to the sound.
As a fretboard, Bubinga isn’t as popular. It’s hard and smooth enough, but players often go for ebony or rosewood instead. Still, if you’re looking for something a bit different, Bubinga can give you a unique feel and tone.
Bubinga for Acoustic Guitars
Acoustic guitars really let tonewoods shine. The wood used in the back, sides, and top plays a huge role in the sound. So, how does Bubinga do?
Bubinga for Back and Sides
Bubinga is a solid choice for the back and sides of an acoustic guitar. Its density gives the guitar a full, rich sound, with good sustain and volume. The warmth of Bubinga helps balance out the mids and highs, making the guitar sound well-rounded.
One thing to watch out for: Bubinga can be tough to bend for the sides of a guitar. The wood is hard and can crack if you’re not careful. But if you get it right, the results are stunning—both in looks and sound.
Bubinga as a Top Wood
Bubinga can be used as a top wood, but it’s not the most common choice. The wood’s density can make the sound a bit too warm or muted for a top, where you usually want something that’s more responsive and bright.
Spruce or cedar is often preferred for acoustic tops because they give a quicker response.
Still, if you use Bubinga as a top, you can expect a loud, clear tone with great sustain, especially in bigger guitars.
Bubinga and Bass Guitars
Bubinga’s got some great qualities for bass guitars, too. The wood’s density helps it produce a strong, clear low end without getting muddy. Bubinga is often used in laminate necks or as a top wood on basses, where it adds strength and tonal depth.
Bubinga in Bass Necks and Bodies
For bass necks, Bubinga’s hardness and strength are big pluses. The wood helps keep the neck stable over time, which is key for keeping the bass in tune and sounding great. Bubinga also adds some brightness to the tone, making each note punchy and clear.
Like with electric guitars, Bubinga is usually used as a laminate or veneer on bass bodies instead of as a solid body wood. The weight of Bubinga makes it a bit too heavy for full-body use, but as a top wood, it enhances the bass’s sound and look.
So, Should You Consider Bubinga?
So, is Bubinga a good tonewood for guitars? Yes, but there’s a catch.
Bubinga’s got a lot going for it: warm tone, strong sustain, and it looks amazing. It’s a versatile wood that can be used in different parts of the guitar, from tops and backs to necks and fretboards.
But Bubinga’s density and weight can make it tough to work with, and it’s not the best choice for a solid body guitar.
If you’re a luthier or player who loves warm tones and doesn’t mind a little extra weight, Bubinga is a fantastic option. But if you’re looking for something lighter and easier to handle, you might want to check out other woods.
FAQ: Bubinga Tonewood Questions Answered
Q: Is Bubinga eco-friendly?
A: Bubinga isn’t endangered, but some species are regulated under CITES, so you’ll want to make sure it’s sourced responsibly.
Q: How does Bubinga compare to rosewood?
A: Bubinga is similar to rosewood in tone, but it’s a bit brighter and has less low-end. It’s a great alternative if you want something different.
Q: Can Bubinga be used in custom guitars?
A: Definitely. Bubinga’s unique look and sound make it a popular choice for custom builds, especially if you want something that stands out.
Q: Is Bubinga good for all parts of the guitar?
A: Bubinga is most often used as a laminate top or for backs and sides. It’s less common as a solid body wood because it’s heavy, but it’s great for necks and sometimes fretboards.
Q: Does Bubinga need special care?
A: Bubinga can be a bit oily, so regular cleaning and conditioning are a good idea to keep it in top shape.
Worth Reading: Types Of Guitar Woods (Polish Article)
Final Thoughts: Where Bubinga Fits in the Guitar World
Bubinga is a tonewood that offers a lot to those who appreciate its unique qualities. It’s not for everyone, but if you like its warm tone, strong sustain, and striking appearance, it’s definitely worth a look.
Whether you’re building a custom guitar or just looking for something different, Bubinga is a tonewood that stands out in the guitar world.