Scientific name: Acer saccharum
Origin: Northeastern North America
Other names: Hard Maple, Sugar Maple, Rock Maple, Arce duro
Average density: 44lbs/ft3 – 705kg/m3
Uses: Guitar necks, bodies, tops, back and sides, binding
Unlike most other hardwoods, the sapwood of Hard Maple lumber is most commonly used rather than its heartwood. Sapwood color ranges from nearly white, to an off-white cream color, sometimes with a reddish or golden hue. The heartwood tends to be a darker reddish brown. Birdseye figure is most commonly found in Hard Maple, though it’s also found less frequently in other species. Hard Maple can also be seen with curly or quilted grain patterns. Grain is generally straight but may be wavy. It has a fine, even texture. Fairly easy to work with both hand and machine tools. Maple has a tendency to burn when being machined with high-speed cutters such as in a router. Turns, glues and finishes well. Hard Maple oughts to be considered the king of the Acer genus. Its wood is stronger, stiffer, harder, and denser than all of the other species of Maple commercially available in lumber form. For all this characteristics, it is the preferred wood choice for electric guitar and bass necks.