Gallery Woods
The Lakewood Customshop gives you the opportunity to design your very own guitar from a wide selection of fine tonewoods. For certain parts of the instrument, you can even choose individually selected, photographed, and catalogued woods – each one truly unique.
Below, we present these exceptional tonewoods, so you can select the ones that will define the character of your Customshop guitar.
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Macassar Ebony – Exquisite Elegance with Powerful Sound Macassar Ebony (Diospyros celebica) is one of the most visually stunning and tonally impressive woods used for the back and sides of acoustic guitars. Its dramatic contrast of deep black and warm brown streaks creates a luxurious, high-end aesthetic that makes every instrument a true masterpiece. Tonally, Macassar Ebony is renowned for its exceptional clarity, bright and articulate highs, and tight, well-defined bass response. Its dense and rigid structure provides outstanding projection, sustain, and a fast attack, making it ideal for players who seek a powerful, responsive sound with incredible note separation. While offering a bright and clear tone, Macassar Ebony also retains a touch of warmth, ensuring a well-balanced overall sound. Despite its hardness, this exotic tonewood can be finely worked, rewarding luthiers with a striking visual impact and superior acoustic performance. For guitarists seeking a premium wood that combines breathtaking aesthetics with dynamic and articulate tonal properties, Macassar Ebony is an outstanding choice for backs and sides—blending beauty, power, and precision into a truly exceptional instrument.
German Ash – Powerful Dynamics with Striking Aesthetics German Ash (Fraxinus excelsior) is an exceptional tonewood, distinguished by its striking grain pattern and outstanding acoustic properties. With its light, creamy to golden-brown color and often pronounced annual rings, ash gives every guitar a unique visual appeal. Tonally, ash delivers impressive dynamics with strong, well-defined bass, prominent mids, and brilliant highs. Its high density ensures excellent projection and a quick response while maintaining a balanced and powerful sound profile. It is particularly well-suited for percussive playing techniques or strumming, as it reproduces tones with great attack and clarity. As a sustainable European alternative to tropical tonewoods, German Ash is an excellent choice for guitar enthusiasts who value bold aesthetics, powerful sonic performance, and locally sourced woods. A strong statement—both visually and tonally!
German Ash – Powerful Dynamics with Striking Aesthetics German Ash (Fraxinus excelsior) is an exceptional tonewood, distinguished by its striking grain pattern and outstanding acoustic properties. With its light, creamy to golden-brown color and often pronounced annual rings, ash gives every guitar a unique visual appeal. Tonally, ash delivers impressive dynamics with strong, well-defined bass, prominent mids, and brilliant highs. Its high density ensures excellent projection and a quick response while maintaining a balanced and powerful sound profile. It is particularly well-suited for percussive playing techniques or strumming, as it reproduces tones with great attack and clarity. As a sustainable European alternative to tropical tonewoods, German Ash is an excellent choice for guitar enthusiasts who value bold aesthetics, powerful sonic performance, and locally sourced woods. A strong statement—both visually and tonally!
Figured Mahogany – Classic Tone Meets Exceptional Aesthetics Figured Mahogany (Swietenia spp.) combines the beloved tonal qualities of mahogany with a breathtaking, wave-like grain pattern—known as figuring. This unique structure reflects light in a mesmerizing way, giving every guitar a distinctive, three-dimensional appearance. Sonically, mahogany delivers a warm, balanced tone with a strong midrange, quick response, and natural compression. This makes it especially popular for blues, fingerstyle, and singer-songwriter guitars. Its dense yet lightweight structure ensures a comfortable playing feel and excellent resonance properties. Figured Mahogany is the perfect choice for guitarists who want to pair classic tonal excellence with extraordinary aesthetics—a true highlight for any instrument!
Kingwood – The Fragrant Tonewood with Exotic Beauty Kingwood (Dalbergia cearensis), also known as Violetwood, is one of the rarest and most fascinating tonewoods. It gets its name from the subtle, floral fragrance released during processing, as well as its deep violet to chocolate-brown color with striking dark streaks. This extraordinary grain pattern makes it a true eye-catcher in guitar building. Sonically, Kingwood offers an impressive combination of warmth, clarity, and sustain. It delivers focused bass, prominent mids, and brilliant highs—ideal for expressive and dynamic guitars. Due to its high density, it is primarily used for fingerboards, bridges, and occasionally for backs and sides. With its luxurious appearance, outstanding tonal properties, and exotic origin, Kingwood is an exclusive choice for guitar enthusiasts seeking something truly special!
Redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) is not only highly valued as a soundboard wood but also a distinctive choice for the back and sides of acoustic guitars. With its deep, reddish-brown color and often spectacular figuring, it gives every guitar an elegant and striking appearance. As for the figuring on this particular set—wow! This is something you don’t see every day! Sonically, Redwood offers a warm, voluminous tone with rich resonance and an expressive overtone spectrum. Its relatively low density ensures a quick response, while its full, rounded sound particularly appeals to fingerstyle and singer-songwriter guitarists. Despite its lightweight nature, it delivers impressive depth and clarity in its tonal character. For guitar enthusiasts seeking an extraordinary alternative to traditional tonewoods, Redwood offers a unique combination of aesthetic beauty and tonal sophistication. A rare and captivating wood for instruments with true character!
Grenadillo (Platymiscium spp.) is an exceptional tonewood from Central and South America, often referred to as a "rosewood alternative"—but with even higher density and excellent acoustic properties. Its color ranges from warm reddish-brown to deep, dark tones, often featuring elegant grain patterns and fine streaks. Thanks to its high density and hardness, Grenadillo offers brilliant responsiveness, clear highs, and outstanding projection—ideal for guitars with a powerful, well-defined sound profile. It has a naturally smooth texture, making it particularly comfortable for fingerboards and bridges, while also being an excellent choice for backs and sides. Despite its hardness, it is easy to work with and develops a refined patina over time. For those seeking a striking, sonically rich, and visually appealing wood, Grenadillo is a perfect choice!
Katalox – The Dark Jewel with Brilliant Sonic Depth Katalox (Swartzia spp.), also known as "Mexican Royal Ebony," is an extremely dense and durable tonewood with a deep dark brown to nearly black color, often interwoven with violet or reddish hues. Its fine, even grain gives guitars an elegant and sophisticated appearance. Sonically, Katalox impresses with excellent projection, brilliant highs, and a rich, well-defined bass response. Its high density provides exceptional clarity and sustain, making it a top-tier choice for fingerboards, bridges, as well as backs and sides of acoustic guitars. Whether as an alternative to ebony or a standout tonewood in its own right—Katalox is a true sonic gem for luthiers seeking a powerful, refined, and long-lasting wood!
Madagascar Rosewood – The Noble Rosewood Rarity Madagascar Rosewood (Dalbergia baronii) is one of the most exclusive tonewoods in guitar making, highly valued for its exceptional acoustic and visual qualities. Its color ranges from warm reddish-brown to deeper chocolate tones, often adorned with stunning black streaks and unique grain patterns. Tonally, it rivals Brazilian Rosewood in every aspect, offering a well-balanced frequency spectrum with rich bass, brilliant highs, and long sustain. Its fine, dense structure ensures excellent resonance properties, benefiting both fingerstyle and strumming players alike. Due to its rarity and elegance, Madagascar Rosewood is a top choice for high-end backs and sides—a luxurious wood for truly exceptional instruments!
Grenadillo (Platymiscium spp.) is an exceptional tonewood from Central and South America, often referred to as a "rosewood alternative"—but with even higher density and excellent acoustic properties. Its color ranges from warm reddish-brown to deep, dark tones, often featuring elegant grain patterns and fine streaks. Thanks to its high density and hardness, Grenadillo offers brilliant responsiveness, clear highs, and outstanding projection—ideal for guitars with a powerful, well-defined sound profile. It has a naturally smooth texture, making it particularly comfortable for fingerboards and bridges, while also being an excellent choice for backs and sides. Despite its hardness, it is easy to work with and develops a refined patina over time. For those seeking a striking, sonically rich, and visually appealing wood, Grenadillo is a perfect choice!
Elsbeere – The European Answer to Myrtle and Rosewood Elsbeere (Sorbus torminalis) is a hidden gem among European tonewoods and is gaining popularity in guitar making due to its acoustic and mechanical properties. With its light, cream-colored to slightly reddish hue and fine, often subtly flamed grain, it visually resembles maple but offers a tonal character reminiscent of rosewood. Sonically, Elsbeere delivers an impressive balance between warmth and clarity. It produces well-defined bass, nuanced mids, and bell-like highs—perfect for dynamic, expressive guitars. Its high density and fine pore structure make it an excellent choice for back and sides as well as fingerboards. As a sustainable European alternative to tropical tonewoods, Elsbeere combines outstanding acoustic qualities with an elegant appearance—an insider tip for exceptional instruments!
Chechen – The Exotic Beauty with Sonic Precision Chechen (Metopium brownei), also known as "Caribbean Rosewood," is an exceptional tonewood with stunning aesthetics and excellent acoustic properties. Its color ranges from golden brown to reddish and chocolate tones, all the way to deep, dark shades—often featuring fascinating, high-contrast grain patterns. Sonically, Chechen offers a well-balanced mix of warmth and clarity. It delivers precise bass, defined mids, and brilliant highs, making it ideal for dynamic and expressive playing. Thanks to its high density and fine pore structure, it resembles rosewood in tone but provides an even tighter and more articulate sound reproduction. With its combination of stability, striking appearance, and excellent resonance, Chechen is a fantastic choice for back and sides as well as fingerboards. A true highlight for luthiers seeking a rare and expressive tonewood!
African Koa – Exotic Meets Sound Versatility African Koa (Pterocarpus soyauxii) is a fascinating tonewood that is gaining increasing popularity, especially for acoustic guitars. With its warm, golden-brown to reddish-brown color and often distinctive, wave-like grain, it resembles the well-known Hawaiian Koa but offers its own unique tonal characteristics. In terms of sound, African Koa offers exceptional versatility. It produces a clear, warm tone with a balanced mix of deep, rich basses, vibrant mids, and brilliant highs. The fine balance makes it ideal for a wide range of playing techniques, from gentle fingerstyle passages to strong strumming. Due to its slightly higher density compared to Hawaiian Koa, it also provides good sustain and precise tone transmission. African Koa is an excellent choice for guitar enthusiasts who seek an exotic wood with impressive aesthetics and a sonically flexible performance – a true highlight for custom and high-quality instruments!
Grenadilla – The Noble Ebony of Sound Art Grenadilla (Dalbergia melanoxylon), also known as African Blackwood, is one of the finest and densest tonewoods in the world. Its deep dark, almost black color with occasional violet or brown veins makes it not only visually unique but also sonically outstanding. With its extremely high density and fine pore structure, Grenadilla ensures brilliant projection, excellent overtones, and a focused, powerful sound. It is traditionally used for woodwind instruments like clarinets and oboes, but is also appreciated in guitar-making, particularly for fingerboards, bridges, and back/sides of high-end instruments. Despite its hardness, it is easy to work with sharp tools and develops a noble, silky-smooth patina over time. Those in search of an exclusive, sonically powerful, and visually impressive tonewood will find Grenadilla an excellent choice!
Our M-55 Edition 2024 has made a statement for Blackwood as one of THE tonewoods par excellence! Here we offer you the chance to get a set of the most intense flaming that surpasses all previous sets of Blackwood and delivers a visually and sonically unique piece. Have you been looking for THE guitar? With this set your search will come to an end and you can devote yourself entirely to the enjoyment of your guitar playing ... and admire this instrument as a true work of art on your wall as well. Translated with DeepL.com (free version)
Maple has always been one of THE tonewoods in instrument making. This hard, native tonewood offers a loud, focussed sound. It itself is not overly overbearing and therefore supports the tonal properties of the used top wood. Bird's eye maple is a speciality in the growth pattern of maple whose origin has not yet been precisely determined. Only a very small percantage of trees exhibit this growth pattern, making bird's eye maple - especially with this strong characteristic as visible in this set - something very special. Available for all types of finish
Maple has always been one of THE tonewoods in instrument making. This hard, native tonewood offers a loud, focussed sound. It itself is not overly overbearing and therefore supports the tonal properties of the used top wood. Bird's eye maple is a speciality in the growth pattern of maple whose origin has not yet been precisely determined. Only a very small percantage of trees exhibit this growth pattern, making bird's eye maple - especially with this strong characteristic as visible in this set - something very special. Only possible finish for this back: open-pored satin-gloss
Maple has always been one of THE tonewoods in instrument making. This hard, native tonewood offers a loud, focussed sound. It itself is not overly overbearing and therefore supports the tonal properties of the used top wood. Bird's eye maple is a speciality in the growth pattern of maple whose origin has not yet been precisely determined. Only a very small percantage of trees exhibit this growth pattern, making bird's eye maple - especially with this strong characteristic as visible in this set - something very special. Only available finish for this back and sides set: open-pored satin-gloss
Transparent tone with strong basses and trebles. A wonderful alternative to East Indian rosewood that is in no way inferior to it - but is visually much more varied and colourful. Alternating areas of intense red and pale yellowish stripes with black lines that are almost reminiscent of sapwood, but are not. We owe this crazy exotic appearance to a genetic defect in the wood of individual tree trunks, which nevertheless belong to the same species as the "normal" padouk. Depending on the intensity of the incident UV light, the red areas in the wood will turn a brownish colour over the years Translated with DeepL.com (free version)
Transparent tone with strong basses and trebles. A wonderful alternative to East Indian rosewood that is in no way inferior to it - but is visually much more varied and colourful. Alternating areas of intense red and pale yellowish stripes with black lines that are almost reminiscent of sapwood, but are not. We owe this crazy exotic appearance to a genetic defect in the wood of individual tree trunks, which nevertheless belong to the same species as the "normal" padouk. Depending on the intensity of the incident UV light, the red areas in the wood will turn a brownish colour over the years
Transparent tone with strong basses and trebles. A wonderful alternative to East Indian rosewood that is in no way inferior to it - but is visually much more varied and colourful. Alternating areas of intense red and pale yellowish stripes with black lines that are almost reminiscent of sapwood, but are not. We owe this crazy exotic appearance to a genetic defect in the wood of individual tree trunks, which nevertheless belong to the same species as the "normal" padouk. Depending on the intensity of the incident UV light, the red areas in the wood will turn a brownish colour over the years
A phenomenally flamed set of French walnut. Its soft, slightly more mid-range tone with a gentle treble and beautiful dynamics makes this wood a great domestic wood alternative to bring the impressive tonewoods of our European continent into the focus. Many years ago we already presented this wood as a part of our edition series. Now we had the opportunity to buy a very small remaining stock of this wood. We will probably not be able to find a walnut as flamed as this one again.
A 3-pieced Macassar Back with a dark macassar for the middle piece. No binding strip will be used on the back.
A 3-pieced Macassar Back with a dark macassar for the middle piece. No binding strip will be used on the back.
It could hardly be more homely! Autumn is upon us and already the chestnuts are ripening on the tree. Who knew that this wood has such a beautiful color picture? In fact, this type of wood is usually much more "boring". Because these discolorations towards the edge and the flames in the middle occur in the quantity and combination only very rarely in nature. This could result in an exclusive, domestic beauty that does not have to hide in sound. A super balanced sound sweetens the chestnuts that already smell in the oven. How about combining it with a 50 year old spruce top? Martin Seeliger stacked these tops back in his training days - and the tops already came from an old stock. So they are already naturally aged and will add a tone to this chestnut set that will blow your mind Can be used for all types of finishes
Since this is a very small, but very beautiful type of macassar ebony it can only be used for our smallest concert shape. Can be finished with every type of our finish
The perfect wood for fingerpicking. Artists like Sophie Chassée swear by the depth of sound and differentiated tonal response of Padouk. And so will you! A transparent tone with strong bass and clear highs
A warm, deep bass combined with a wide frequency range in the mids. In addition, a phenomenal sustain and a powerful volume - this is Bocote. Originated around Central America to the North Amazon. It is visually hardly noticeable but it actually comes from the same family as Ziricote. So definitly a family that delivers what it promises! All finish option available
Myrtlewood - a phenomenal tonewood from the North American West Coast. Grown for decades in the depths of the rainforests there, it captivates with its appearance and tonal qualities. A warm, dry, round tone. Strong in its development - this wood plays into the hands of any good guitar top and player without distorting the sound. Can be finished with all varnishes
Deepest, North American jungle sends its regards. Myrtle from the US Northeast Coast. The set photographed here stands out from the classic myrtle assortment in such a way that we would prefer to keep it ourselves. We have two such similar sets lying here and these are the first sets of this kind we have ever seen.
Tasmanian Blackwood with quite great sapwood content. The family proximity to Koa is the reason for the visual and tonal similarities. From a smaller batch of Blackwood sets, this one was selected by us and set aside for the gallery. With our high gloss finish an absolute stunner
Baaaaam! A Tasmanian Blackwood of the highest order. There are not as many "A's" on my keyboard as needed for this 5A Blackwood set. Incredible grain. These flames will bring out a depth effect under a high gloss polish like only our wildest dreams can do. Belongs to the acacia family - so the visual and sonic proximity to koa is obvious. The famous sister Koa, native to Hawaii, has long been used very intensively in guitar making, and so is slowly being replaced by Blackwood. Because nowadays the Koa often does not have these flames. Sonically, it has like mahogany a focus on a beautiful, midrange sound but with the for Koa popular shimmering treble. A feast for the eyes that penetrates to the ears.
Baaaaam! A Tasmanian Blackwood of the highest order. There are not as many "A's" on my keyboard as needed for this 5A Blackwood set. Incredible grain. These flames will bring out a depth effect under a high gloss polish like only our wildest dreams can do. Belongs to the acacia family - so the visual and sonic proximity to koa is obvious. The famous sister Koa, native to Hawaii, has long been used very intensively in guitar making, and so is slowly being replaced by Blackwood. Because nowadays the Koa often does not have these flames. Sonically, it has like mahogany a focus on a beautiful, midrange sound but with the for Koa popular shimmering treble. A feast for the eyes that penetrates to the ears.
Beautiful figured Tasmanian Blackwood. A wonderful piece of acacia wood. The famous sister Koa, native to Hawaii, has long been used very intensively in guitar making, and so is slowly being replaced by Blackwood. Because nowadays the Koa often does not have these flames. Sonically, it has like mahogany a focus on a beautiful, midrange sound but with the for Koa popular shimmering treble. A feast for the eyes that penetrates to the ears.
Finish option for back and sides only in open pored satin finish possible!
A tonewood mainly coming from central africa that deliveres a very similar tone to mahagony - just with a little bit more bass response All types of finishes can be used on this back
A tonewood mainly coming from central africa that deliveres a very similar tone to mahagony - just with a little bit more bass response Can be finished with: Open-pored satin gloss (natural finish) Satin-gloss, filled grain polished
Palo Escrito or mexican rosewood is a lighter-weight type of rosewood. Guitars with back and sides made of palo escrito are known for a sweet high end and good punch. Palo Escrito is a relatively light rosewood with good bass and treble separation. Can be used with all of our finishes: High-gloss finish Open-pored satin gloss (natural finish) Satin-gloss, filled grain
Osage orange or milk orange tree is an extremely hard tonewood which is perfect for a guitar where a very long sustain is required. Powerful basses and crystalline highs are the tonal characteristics of this special and rare wood. How about a color finish on this back? A red tone that fades to black at the edges could create an incredible radiant effect. Can be used with all of our finishes: High-gloss finish Open-pored satin gloss (natural finish) Satin-gloss, filled grain
Silver Wattle - part of the Acacia family such as Koa and Blackwood. So a nice midrange sound. Mahogany-like. But in addition with the beautiful, acacia known, silvery treble. Can be used for all of our finishes: High-gloss finish Open-pored satin gloss (natural finish) Satin-gloss, filled grain
It could hardly be more homely! Autumn is upon us and already the chestnuts are ripening on the tree. Who knew that this wood has such a beautiful color picture? In fact, this type of wood is usually much more "boring". Because these discolorations towards the edge and the flames in the middle occur in the quantity and combination only very rarely in nature. This could result in an exclusive, domestic beauty that does not have to hide in sound. A super balanced sound sweetens the chestnuts that already smell in the oven. How about combining it with a 50 year old spruce top? Martin Seeliger stacked these tops back in his training days - and the tops already came from an old stock. So they are already naturally aged and will add a tone to this chestnut set that will blow your mind Can be used for all types of finishes