Which Rosewood Back is More Sought After?

[Osage]

Both look nice. Some people will like 1, others 2. Personally, I don't have a preference. If I were buying one of them, it would all come down to how the guitar sounded.

If you're wondering about value, I would expect those two sets to cost about the same from a wood supplier.

[bobster7]

Both look a little low grade. What is the price range of these guitars? I’d take number 2 if I had to choose but I’d likely pass on both.

[sinistral]

Originally Posted by bobster7

Both look a little low grade. What is the price range of these guitars? I’d take number 2 if I had to choose but I’d likely pass on both.

If I’m not mistaken, these are both John Mayer signature OM models, so roughly $4k.

[ljguitar]

Hi Dave…

I've never sought a guitar for the characteristics of the visual, but for the tone and playability.

[musicman1951]

I have no idea. Practically speaking, I don't spend much time worrying about something only my belly can see while I'm playing. I'd get the guitar that sounds the best.

[davenumber2]

Originally Posted by musicman1951

I have no idea. Practically speaking, I don't spend much time worrying about something only my belly can see while I'm playing. I'd get the guitar that sounds the best.

We have a winner!

[Dru Edwards]

Purely on aesthetics, I'd like to see #2 in person. If it still looked as dark I'd prefer #1 (again, for aesthetics).

[pdx]

Obviously the one that sounds better.

At times I wonder if our hobbies are attempted microcosms of the stock market. I dig watches, pool cues and guitars. I can’t go to a forum without folks talking about perspective prices should they consider selling down the line. It bums me out that. I recall a time when people bought what they liked and enjoyed it. Now it seems everything is a potential investment. I know my coffee hasn’t kicked in yet, but seriously folks. In the immortal words of Frank Zappa, “shut up n’ play yer guitar”.

[LakewoodM32Fan]

Obviously as others have mentioned, tone is king, but to answer the OP's question (sort of)...

I think EIR is so common, I'm not many people actually seek a certain type/pattern of it. Just about every variant I've seen and owned (on guitars that aren't entry level) has pretty uniform straight grain and I've never given the aesthetics a second thought.

Now flamed and/or sinker mahogany, other species of rosewood (madi, panamanian, brazilian) can have beautiful figuring which may appeal to some (and not to others). And in those cases, as well as maple, koa, etc. I will look at certain figuring, flame, or other patterns and include that in my factor for purchasing, but I don't think I've ever given a thought to how EIR looks (or standard mahogany) because those tonewoods are on plenty of instruments and in general have pretty similar aesthetics.

I'll also add that the difference in color may be inherent in the cuts of wood, but it may also be due to a factory applied stain. The way to tell would be to compare the color of the EIR by looking into the soundhole at the side that isn't stained/finished by the builder.

[Jim Comeaux]

Both my Yamaha LL-16 and my FG-830 are very much #2, but I think that I would prefer #1 just from a cosmetic view. To me it looks more like Brazilian.

[blews]

Originally Posted by Quickstep192

I might withhold judgement until I saw both in person. I’d bet the grain in #2 looks more interesting in person than it does in a photo.

They’re both nice, so it would come down to sound for me.

Yup - all about the tone...........

[Wellington]

They're both super nice but I'd pick #1 if I had to choose based on looks.

[Dotneck]

I like the top one.

[Shadowfox]

For me light grained Rosewood makes it feel like lower quality. I know that's not true, but it does seem like, if I wanted light grained, I'd go for hog lol.

[L20A]

I like the lighter color on #1.
With that out of the way, can you play both guitars?

I pick my guitars by their tone first.