Classic Alder vs. Classic Swamp Ash

[BoraBora]

I plan on ordering another Classic within the next month and I would like to get some input from you guys. I currently have an alder classic with a 1-piece maple neck. I think this combination sounds great, but I'm thinking of going with swamp ash this time around with possibly a rosewood fingerboard. I'm a big fan of transparent colors and I realize swamp ash looks better with transparent colors.

For those of you that have Classics or have played Classics in both wood types, which wood type do you think sounds "better" or more "vintage"?

Also, what type of rosewood would you recommend for the fingerboard?

Thanks.

[John Price]

Personally I like hollow swampash with a solid maple neck! Killer tone!..It would compliment the one you already have....

;)

[Stan Malinowski]

I actually have all 4 TA Classic Body/Neck Wood combinations.

In general Alder bodies will be a bit more mid-rangy, while swamp ash bodies tend to balance out the high and lows with the mids better. As far as vintage, which vintage? The earliest Strats were swamp ash/maple necks, migrating to alder/maple necks in the mid-50's, followed by Alder/Rosewood around 1960.

Vintage "Clapton-ese" = Alder/Maple
Vintage "SRV" = Alder/Rosewood
Vintage "Knopler-ese (EARLY Dire Straits)" = Swamp Ash/Maple

My favorite rosewood on a mpale necked "Strat" is Brazilian Rosewood. Seems to be very clear and sparkly to me on a maple neck. TAG doesn't offer Braz RW but offers Madagascar RW which sounds fairly close to me.

[tunacaster]

Man, I love my Hollow Classic, ash body, translucent blonde, maple neck with madgascar rosewood. Roy w/TAG helped with picking this combo and I am glad I took his advise. Good luck with your choice.

[BoraBora]

That is one beautiful Classic.:)

[tunacaster]

Thanks man, the picture doesn't do it justice, beautiful grain in the wood

[tmihm]

Originally posted by BoraBora
That is one beautiful Classic.:)
What BoraBBora said. A classy Classic. :)

[tunacaster]

Thank you