As guitar owners, most of us choose our instruments based on the quality of their craftsmanship and the materials used. When it comes to fretboard materials, rosewood is usually a favorite. But thanks to a search for more sustainable guitar-making practices, a new material, sourced from the Indian Laurel hardwood (or Terminalia elliptica), is taking the stage.
Although traditional tonewoods are known for their tonal richness and beauty, they're also under scrutiny because of their impact on the environment. As a result, guitar manufacturers are looking for more responsible alternatives that retain the performance, cost, and sonic characteristics of traditional tonewoods. Enter the Indian Laurel fretboard.
Today, we'll explore the physical and tonal characteristics of Indian Laurel fretboards, how they’ve become so popular, and why they could be the perfect choice for your next guitar.
Indian Laurel, scientifically known as Terminalia elliptica or Terminalia tomentosa, is a dense hardwood tree native to South Asia, particularly India. The Laurel tree features a strong, uniform brown color with beautiful dark strips and a subtle cross-grain, making it the perfect fit for a guitar.
Although typically used in construction and furniture, Indian Laurel now has a following in the world of musical instruments. And specifically, as the new favored fretboard material. The hardwood resembles East Indian rosewood in look and feel, but has some unique features that set it apart. They include:
Like other sectors, the guitar industry is attempting to move toward more sustainable practices to protect our natural resources. And as musicians, many of us are also looking for ways to reduce our impact. Beyond its exceptional quality, Indian Laurel is also special because of its many environmental and economic advantages.
Indian Laurel is widely available throughout India and South Asia, unlike traditional fretboard woods like rosewood, which are now considered environmentally sensitive and are regulated under CITES. However, Indian Laurel isn't listed under CITES or the IUCN Red List, making it a sustainably sourced option.
Indian Laurel is typically more affordable than rosewood, which is great for the overall cost of your guitar. As a cheaper alternative for musicians and manufacturers, it means paying less without compromising quality.
Thanks to its native abundance, there’s a steady supply of Indian Laurel to use. Because it’s reliable and available, there’ll be consistency among any guitars created with this unique hardwood.
It's no surprise that Indian Laurel is a beautiful specimen of hardwood, but beyond its physical value, it also has some amazing tonal capabilities. For guitarists, this is a feature that’s hard to beat.
The use of Indian Laurel fretboards produces a well-balanced sound across the frequency spectrum. Better still, there are no apparent weak spots in the bass, mids, or treble. It also suits a range of playing styles, as the tone it produces is rounded and versatile.
As you play, you can expect an Indian Laurel fretboard to produce tonal qualities similar to rosewood, which is already known for its warmth and richness. If you're a keen-eared guitarist, you might hear a slightly brighter character in Indian Laurel, but the difference is subtle to most players. Some find that it produces more pronounced highs, giving you clarity and definition to lead lines and fingerpicking.
In the midrange response, it’s slightly more restrained compared to rosewood. As a result, you’ll hear a slightly scooped quality that can help you achieve a more modern or articulate sound. Although they’re minor and nuanced, they could make Indian Laurel a preferred choice if you’re looking for a guitar with warmth, clarity, and responsiveness.
There's no doubt we'll see more Indian Laurel fretboards in the guitars of the future, and if you're shopping for a new instrument, it's worth keeping an eye out for. Wondering what makes it such a solid choice for fretboard material? Here are a few things we love.
Although durable and high quality, you still need to do your part to keep your Indian Laurel fretboard in good condition. Follow these tips for simple cleaning and maintenance.
As an up-and-coming alternative to rosewood, Indian Laurel can hold its own when compared to other common fretboard materials. Specifically, when it stacks up against pau ferro. Although pau ferro is already known as a solid rosewood substitute, many players prefer Indian Laurel aesthetically because of its richer, darker colour.
When it comes to feel and tone, Indian Laurel is more similar to rosewood. And if you're already ysed to playing with rosewood, you'll instantly feel how familiar its tactile smoothness and balanced tonal properties are. As a result, Indian Laurel has already earned a top spot in the market, especially for affordable yet high-quality instruments.
There's no doubt that rosewood will continue to lead in high-end guitars, but Indian Laurel is our pick to be the new favorite in mid-range and entry-level instruments.
Thanks to its sustainability, consistent quality, cost effectiveness, and tone, you can expect to find many more guitars featuring Indian Laurel fretboards. In fact, some of the world’s leading guitar brands have already embraced this hardy material across some of their most popular models, including:
As an environmentally and budget-friendly alternative that still delivers on sound and quality, Indian Laurel fretboards have become the go-to material for modern guitars. With concerns about sustainability shaping the music industry and the rest of the world, we can expect to see Indian Laurel become one of the standard fretboard woods.
Hearing from other guitarists about their experiences can help us step outside the box and try something new. Have you played with an Indian Laurel fretboard before? We'd love to hear your thoughts, so share them in the comments.
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