Scientific Name: Acer pseudoplatanus
Origin: Native to Europe and Western Asia, particularly found in the UK, France, and Germany.
CITES Status: Not currently listed under CITES regulations.
Use in Guitar Making
Sycamore is commonly used for acoustic guitar backs and sides, archtop guitar bodies, and decorative veneers. It is sometimes used for necks and fingerboards, particularly in European-built instruments. Its fine grain and light colour make it a popular choice for natural and stained finishes.
Tonal Properties
Sycamore offers a bright, clear tone with strong projection. It shares similarities with maple, providing excellent note separation and a crisp response. It works well for fingerstyle and articulate playing styles due to its balanced high-end frequencies.
Hardness and Workability
Janka Hardness Rating: Approximately 1,150 lbf (5,100 N)
Sycamore is a moderately hard wood, making it relatively easy to work with while still offering good durability. It machines, glues, and finishes well, though figured sycamore can be more challenging to plane due to its interlocking grain.
Grain Structure and Porosity
Sycamore has a fine to medium texture with a typically straight grain, though figured sycamore can display striking flame and curl patterns. It has a moderately open grain that may require some grain filling for a smooth, polished finish.
Sustainability and Ethical Considerations
Sycamore is widely available and sustainably harvested in Europe. It is not considered at risk, and its use in guitar-making is encouraged as a responsible alternative to more endangered hardwoods.
Sycamore remains a versatile and sustainable tonewood, offering a combination of bright tonal characteristics, easy workability, and visual appeal. Its use in both acoustic and electric guitars continues to grow as luthiers explore sustainable and locally sourced alternatives.
