Guitar body differences

[Ohhey]

Hey people, im kinda new here. I was wondering, if the body shape of the guitar affects the tone. Example like a alder body Jackson Rhoads and an alder body Strat, Both with same pickups (SD Jazz/JB). Will the tone of both the guitar differ? (Even if it's played thru a same amp)

 

[J.custom]

I'm guessing if the change in shape also equates to the change in mass of the guitar then yes it may affect the tone. Different shape may also mean that the wood would resonate differently, but not sure about this hypothesis.

 

[Ohhey]

ohh. Thanks alot!

 

[carboxymoron]

Even the exact same shape made from the exact same tree will sound different due to varying density within the wood. Just whether you can hear these differences.

 

[taiku]

Even the exact same shape made from the exact same tree will sound different due to varying density within the wood. Just whether you can hear these differences.

pro's claim that exact same model gtrs even fresh from production will sound different, more so when they age..subtle nuances only pro's can hear...hehehe

 

[skipper53]

Nuances and individual guitar "characteristics," pro or not, when run through a constant amp setting ON IT'S OWN are easy enough to pick up.

Having said that, ultimately a guitar is a piece wood to hold up ur strings over a microphone (pick-ups). So technically speaking, 2 guitars: same wood type, same pickups would sound the same, played through the same amp, by the same person. And I'd say this is true even more so in a live mix.

 

[gjkung]

The shape of the guitar doesn't affect the tone to an extent that is easily detected.

It's not really that important, considering that sometimes I wake up in the morning and find my old guitars sounding different anyway. The human ear is a poor judge as it is extremely susceptible to placebo, mood and prior knowledge.

The nuances that result from the minor differences in wood density of the body and it's shape will be easily dialed out by your amp electronics, if they are there.

Most important thing about body shape is the comfort. An uncomfortable guitar will sound like crap simply because it takes the player "out of his comfort zone" and affects his playing.

 

[bluelime]

Different amount of wood also causes mass difference and thus sustain will not be the same.

 

[ShredAddict]

If i'm not wrong a Jackson Rhoads is neck thru? the construction of the guitar does affect how the guitar sounds but I don't think the tone will differ that much if they are fitted with the same pickups. Should vary around the same tonal region.