Tropical Mahogany
Overview: Harder, denser woods like mahogany and koa that are used on the back and sides of a guitar are sometimes used as tops. Their stiffness initially translates into a bright tone and tends to need more play-in time to open up, but the more a mahogany-top guitar is played, the more it develops overtones that contribute to a fuller, richer sound. A mahogany-top guitar might appeal to rootsy players who like a little extra punchiness in their tone.
Origin: India, Central and South America
Goes Well With: Blues and roots players, anyone who likes an slightly more burly or punchy quality to their tone.
Mahogany Popular Models
Top Woods Detail
Hard Woods vs. Soft Woods
Guitar top woods fall into two general categories: hardwoods and softwoods. So what are softwoods and hardwoods, and what’s the difference between a softwood top and a hardwood top?
Topwoods
The unique acoustic properties of top woods help color a body shape’s fundamental sound. The key is to find the wood that matches up best with your playing style, like the warmth of a cedar top for fingerpicking and the feeling of responsiveness in your hands.
Explore All Acoustic Features
Top Woods
The type of wood used for a guitar’s soundboard has a major impact on its tonal properties.
Series
Each acoustic series boasts a unique package of visual details that enhance the aesthetic appeal.
Electronics
Our inspired proprietary pickups faithfully reproduce the natural nuances of a Taylor guitar’s voice.
Specialty
Guitars with a unique musical personality, including 12-string, 12-fret, nylon, baritone and travel.
Finishes
Taylor’s eco-friendly, UV-curable finishes protect your guitar and keep it looking and sounding great.
Bracing
Bracing patterns, such as our new V-Class design, bring out each guitar’s unique voice.
Necks
Our patented neck design ensures superb intonation, playability, and lasting stability.
Cutaways
Our elegant cutaways add to a guitar’s shapeliness and broaden your playing range.
Armrests
An armrest softens the edge of a guitar body to create a more comfortable playing experience.
