The Electra Forums

I thought Tom Presley may have provided some insight on this but I didn't see any discussion on that--may of missed it. I know maple depending on where it came from have different densities but generally it is not used because it is a bright wood and is mostly used for necks or top cap for Les Pauls but not at a total body wood.

My best guess is they had it readily available and had plenty of it---so they used it. Platefire

I can't speak for Tom on why, but it seems the maple used in the bodies is a different kind of maple than the hard Eastern/Canadian maple used on necks and tops. It certainly is lighter in weight as that Rock Hard maple is usually quite heavy. I remember early Kramer Pacers I once owned made out of that hard stuff and those bodies were heavier. These don't seem light, but they don't seem overly heavy either. So I am thinking a different style or grade of maple. These are only assumptions on my part based on filling in some blanks and other discussions with team members. It might have been something like it was quality tone wood and cheaper or that it machined better with the routing equipment - or that it sounded better. I can't say which reasons, but they do sound good, seem to be medium weight, and most bodies look pretty good (even after 30 + years) despite being made of 4 pieces glued together. I don't recall any specific discussion with Tom on the body wood type choice and why. But there were a lot of us firing questions to him for several hours. So maybe someone else can chime in more than just assumption and speculation.

_________________
Thorny

Thanks Thorny

I use to have a Kramer Focus 1000 which was the single pickup EVH Japanese version. Nice guitar but I sold it because I never could not get along with Floyd type tremolos. The Maple on my Spectrum is fine with me because the guitar sounds great and is well balanced or not neck heavy. Can't stand a neck heavy diving guitar. I guess I was wondering it the use of maple was by design intent or convenient logistics. That would be a question Tom could answer so that may be one we could add to the list if we ever get him in on any more discussions.
Platefire

Probably western big leaf maple, a somewhat softer and lighter maple. It also may be asian sycamore maple which also is a softer and lighter wood.

I don't know about lighter, it weighs 8 3/4 pounds. When you strap in on you definitely know it's there!
Thanks, pretty sure it is an Asian variety. Platefire