Timber

Fender has these models (American Performer) with body woods which are not from the usual wood selection. Seen above from L-R (above): Sassafras, Spruce & Pine. The manufacturer wants us to believe these are perfectly OK substitutes in terms of tonal preferences, whatever that means. I see it as an exercise in economy. These obviously less common wood types are arguably more economical to acquire compared to the usual, more in demand, alder. Even if prices remain the same, they will make a good cut in terms of earnings. Whatever the case might be, if these work for you, then there's nothing to denounce.

Pic: Fender

Ashless (2)

There's more disclosure now pertaining to why Fender discontinues ash as its tone wood for instruments. We already knew previously that the two chief accounts are climate change and insect invasion. The bottom line - these affect supply & life should go on as there are other choices lying in wait.

One of the alternatives mentioned was pine. Visually, it would match ash in terms of hue. It's also light, not costly and on the sustainable list of commercial wood procurement. However, its softness isn't popular with woodcrafters & reacts to sunlight easily. 

Another worthy lookalike contender is sassafras. Not familiar to many of us but rather established in the realm of aromatics. Elsewhere, it's preferred for its durability and receptive to glue and colour stains. It also holds screws well. Sounds like a winner.

Cedar is no stranger to the guitar world, a preferred resident in the acoustic realm than solid body electrics. Fender is most likely looking at the wood's durability and low warp factor solid units. Its limited high frequency resonance might just be the magic some single coil guitars need in the mean time. 

CITES grip: Ibanez (2)

No surprises here as the Ibanez GIO series now sport a pine fretboard. I do not wish to go into details  when it comes to the GIOs as these do not quite represent value for money. If you can help it, consider something else.

CITES grip: Ibanez

With immediate effect, the Ibanez models you see above are now equipped with pine fretboard instead of its previous rosewood incarnation (T-B):

• RC220
• SA160
• SA360