Guys, I think the real reason for the switch from basswood is that basswood is generally not an aesthetically pleasing wood. It generally has green streaks in it, etc. So if you want a translucent finish, it's an ugly wood showing through.
The JP13 (with opaque Platinum Silver finish) is basswood. The JP15, which is the SAME guitar but with a trans finish, is African mahogany with a roasted maple top.
The Axis back (not top) is basswood, but on the few Axis's that had translucent backs (some BFRs, some PDNs) it has a mahogany or alder back.
I don't think ANY manufacturer does basswood with trans finishes. For example, the JEM is basswood. The few that have had trans finishes were NOT basswood (except the Burnt Stained Blue which would blend right in with the basswood).
BP, can you confirm which of these theories is correct?
The JP13 (with opaque Platinum Silver finish) is basswood. The JP15, which is the SAME guitar but with a trans finish, is African mahogany with a roasted maple top.
The Axis back (not top) is basswood, but on the few Axis's that had translucent backs (some BFRs, some PDNs) it has a mahogany or alder back.
I don't think ANY manufacturer does basswood with trans finishes. For example, the JEM is basswood. The few that have had trans finishes were NOT basswood (except the Burnt Stained Blue which would blend right in with the basswood).
BP, can you confirm which of these theories is correct?
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