Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Closed grain, generally straight but with slight wave; appears flat-sawn with subtle cathedral peaks and tight growth rings visible near the drilled holes.
Color Description
Creamy white to light reddish brown heartwood; sapwood is ivory to off-white. This sample shows typical darkening and yellowing consistent with age and exposure to oils or environment.
Hardness Rating
1,450 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Non-durable to Perishable; low resistance to rot and insect attack, typically used for indoor applications only.
Common Uses
Electric guitar bodies/necks (as suggested by the routing), flooring, furniture, cabinetry, bowling alley lanes, and musical instruments.
Geographic Origin
Northeastern North America (United States and Canada).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 - $10.00 per board foot for select grade.
Wood Age Estimate
15-30 years based on the oxidation of the unfinished routing cavities and the specific model numbering style (ST-402 MA).
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable.
Workability
Excellent for machining and turning; can be difficult to stain evenly (blotching), but glues and finishes well. Very prone to burning with high-speed router bits.
Notable Features
High density and stiffness provide excellent acoustic sustain; known for clear, bright tonal qualities in musical instruments. Low odor and non-toxic.
Finish Recommendations
Lacquer or polyurethane is standard for this application; needs light sanding to 220 grit. Clear coats preserve the natural light color.
Identification Confidence
High; the tight grain structure, color, diffuse-porous end grain visible in holes, and industry-standard use for this specific guitar body type (ST-style) strongly indicate Hard Maple.