Our Woods
At Dammann, we try to shy away from the endangered and exotic species trees wherever possible. We have discovered that right here in Charlottesville, and the surrounding area, we have a beautiful array of tone woods right at our fingertips!!!
These locally harvested woods are also quick growth and regrowing trees.
Cedar Tops
Cedar has a warm, rich tone with a gorgeous sustain. A fingerpicker’s dream come true! The straight dark grains make it a sight to see.
Watch a video demonstration.
Cherry
Cherry is a vibrant, bright, and reflective tone wood. With qualities similar to maple, it is a very well rounded sound with plenty of bounce. Cherry generally contributes a dry, clear sound with the direct character of Maple. Similar to Maple, Cherry requires some time to open up, but once it does the overtones broaden to create a sound that is both warm and direct, but also rich in overtones. Because of its strength and stability, we often use cherry to make necks for our instruments.
Watch a video demonstration.
Black Locust
With a grain and a shimmer similar to Osage Orange, our locally-cut Locust offers a lighter array of shades, ranging from a pale wheat color to darker golden yellow. Tonally Locust offers an interesting blend between rosewood and mahogany. It shares a snappy response and note definition with mahogany and the power, resonance, and overtones common to rosewood. We often use locust laminate pieces in the center of our necks to add still more rigidity and strength. A great wood for flatpickers and fingerpickers alike!
Watch a video demonstration.
Osage Orange
Osage has a tone much like the tone of Rosewood. In color, it is a beautiful deep orange with hints of tans and umber. With age this color deepens even more.
It’s brilliant high end matches nicely with the robust lows it produces. Unlike rosewood, Osage tends to be even from highs, to lows, and mids.
Watch a video demonstration.
Black Walnut
Black Walnut as a tone wood has a rich deep, thick, mahogany-like tone. The lows are silky and subtle with amazing sustain. The high end is mellow, but cuts through very well.
Walnut is the darkest of the local woods we use. It ranges in color from light to dark brown. Despite being a hard tone wood, walnut is lightweight, making it a good choice for our solid body electric basses and neck blanks.
Watch a video demonstration.