The Guitar Industry’s Best-Kept Secret: The Wood Making 5-lb Electric Guitars

Paulownia 42.86% Lighter Than Swamp Ash

Paulownia wood is approximately 45% to 55% lighter than swamp ash by weight. Some sources even suggest the difference can be as high as 60% depending on the specific samples.

Pictured above: The paulownia board is larger than the swamp ash board. This Paulownia Sample Proved 42.86% Lighter Than Swamp Ash.

This percentage is derived from the average dried weights (densities) of the two woods:

Paulownia wood has an average dried weight of around 18 lbs/ft³ (280 kg/m³).
Swamp ash has an average dried weight of approximately 32 to 33 lbs/ft³ (510 to 530 kg/m³), though some sources list it as high as 42 lbs/ft³.

Guitar Builders In The Know

Here’s what boutique builders and kit makers already know:

🎸 G&L Guitarsuses Paulownia for special lightweight runs of their ASAT and Legacy models.

🎸 Reverend Guitarshas featured Paulownia in limited editions, praising its resonance and comfort.

🛠️ Warmoth and Guitar Fetish (GFS)offer Paulownia bodies for Strat and Tele-style kits—perfect for DIY builders who want featherweight guitars.

🪚 Custom luthiers are fielding more requests for Paulownia than ever, especially for players with shoulder or back issues.

Why The Switch?

• Extreme Lightness: Paulownia is as light as balsa, making it the go-to for anyone who plays long gigs or wants a travel-friendly axe.
• Surprising Resonance: Despite its low density, Paulownia delivers a clear, articulate tone—especially when paired with quality hardware.
• Sustainability & Cost: Grows fast, replenishes quickly, and is far more affordable than traditional tone woods.

Paulownia is now used by major, globally recognized manufacturers like Fender for specific models aimed at achieving extreme lightness (e.g., the Brad Paisley Road Worn Telecaster).

The use of Paulownia is currently most common among:

1. Major manufacturers for specialized, lightweight, or signature models.
2. High-end boutique builders.
3. Aftermarket/DIY body suppliers.

Based on industry research and known models, here is a list of Fender’s competitors and other prominent brands known to produce guitars with Paulownia cores or bodies.

Guitar Manufacturer BIG Names Using Paulownia

Suhr Guitars
G&L Guitars
Kauffmann Guitars
Mario Guitars
Tokai Gakki
Reverend Guitars
Haze Guitars
AE Guitars / Allen Eden
Fender Guitars

Did We Miss ANY? Comment below to add your suggested guitar manufacturers using paulownia wood lightweight materials.

Making The Change
If you’re tired of heavy guitars weighing you down, it’s time to try what the pros are already using.

Whether you’re a boutique builder, a custom shop, or a DIY enthusiast, Paulownia is the material that’s changing the game for lightweight, sustainable, and great-sounding guitars.

Curious about how Paulownia could work for your next build? Drop a comment or DM for supplier info, and real-world feedback to make the switch.

CONTACT US
Contact BioEconomy Solutions paulownia lumber specialists to discuss specifications, availability, and applications for your next project.

Where To Buy Paulownia? Paulownia Wood For Sale – QUESTIONS?

Visit our web page. https://bioeconomysolutions.com/paulownia-lumber/

We’re happy to organize a time to speak with you about our paulownia trees and lumber we have for sale. Please book your preferred time to speak directly.

Here’s a link to my online calendar/schedule:

www.bioeconomysolutions.com/bookcall

BioEconomy Solutions

mail@BioEconomySolutions.com

Office: 843.305.4777