Spalted maple is prized for its striking grain patterns and bright, articulate tones. This article highlights five notable guitars featuring spalted maple tops or bodies, offering a range of styles from solid electrics to acoustic-electrics. Each listing includes key specs to help you compare options for stage, studio, or collection use. Use the buying guide to weigh tone, construction, and playability considerations before making a choice.
| Product | Brand | Top/Back Material | Body/Neck | Pickup Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tario Electric Guitar Spalted Maple Top with Okoume Body Maple Neck | TARIO | Spalted Maple Top | Okoume Body, Maple Neck | Humbucker |
| Tario Left Hand Electric Guitar Spalted Maple Top | TARIO | Spalted Maple Top | Okoume Body, Maple Neck | Humbucker |
| Cordoba C5-CET Limited Spalted Maple Thin Body | Cordoba | Spalted Maple Back & Sides | Thin Body with Cutaway | Fishman Presys II Pickup |
| Michael Kelly Hybrid Special Semi-Hollow | Michael Kelly | Spalted Maple Top | Chambered Mahogany | Blended Acoustic/Electric with Fishman |
| Ovation CE44P-SM Acoustic-Electric | OVATION | Spalted Maple Top | Lyrachord Body | Acoustic-Electric Pickup |
Note: The table above summarizes key materials and configurations to help you compare at a glance. Availability may vary by retailer.
Tario Electric Guitar Spalted Maple Top with Okoume Body
Brand: TARIO. This electro guitar features a spalted maple top with an Okoume body and a maple neck. It ships with 22 frets, a 24.75-inch scale, and a black wood fingerboard. The dual humbuckers provide a classic, powerful voice suitable for rock and metal players seeking visible grain and aggressive tone. The instrument is right-handed and designed for players who value a striking top with dependable sustain.
Tario Left Hand Electric Guitar Spalted Maple Top
Brand: TARIO. This left-handed model mirrors the Spalted Maple aesthetic with an Okoume body and maple neck. It shares the 24.75-inch scale, 22 frets, and black wood fingerboard. Right-handed players considering a left-handed backup or studio asset will find the visual appeal matched by a strong humbucker configuration for robust tonal output and dynamic playability.
Cordoba C5-CET Limited Spalted Maple
Brand: Cordoba. This limited edition nylon-string model blends a solid spruce top with spalted maple back and sides. Its thin body reduces stage feedback and integrates a Fishman Presys II pickup for amplified performance. Handcrafted Spanish styling includes carved headstock and inlaid rosette, delivering a distinctive aesthetic along with a warm, resonant acoustic-electric voice ideal for fingerstyle and flamenco-inspired playing.
Michael Kelly Hybrid Special Semi-Hollow
Brand: Michael Kelly. This hybrid guitar combines a spalted maple top with a chambered mahogany body and a set neck. It offers a blended acoustic/electric voice via Fishman electronics and a 3-way pickup selector to blend humbucker, acoustic, or both. The design aims to deliver versatility for live performance, studio tracking, and stage experimentation, with a striking visual grain pattern as a bonus.
Ovation CE44P-SM Acoustic-Electric
Brand: OVATION. The CE44P-SM combines Lyrachord construction with a spalted maple top and Elite sound holes for bright highs and balanced bass. Its scalloped X-bracing supports natural volume and projection, while the electronics provide reliable amplification. This model suits players seeking a strong acoustic personality with stage-ready output and a recognizable Ovation tonal footprint.
Buying Guide
Key purchase considerations
- Tone and construction: Spalted maple tops often deliver a bright, articulate voice with pronounced midrange. Consider the body material and bracing (for acoustics) to gauge sustain, feedback resistance, and projection.
- Electronics and pickups: Humbuckers, Fishman, and other preamps affect output, noise, and amp compatibility. For stage use, prioritize models with reliable electronics and easy backstage setup.
- Playability and neck profile: The scale length, fret count, and fingerboard material influence feel and intonation. Ensure a comfortable playing action for your preferred style.
- Hardware durability: Look for quality tuners, locking bridge systems, and robust joints, especially on hollow or semi-hollow designs where resonance is more pronounced.
- Aesthetic considerations: Spalted maple creates a distinctive visual; ensure the finish complements your stage presence or studio branding while not compromising comfort.
Material and style comparisons
- Solid electrics with spalted maple tops tend to deliver tighter attack and focused sustain; ideal for rock and metal.
- Semi-hollow and acoustic-electric builds with spalted maple offer broad tonal palettes, from jangly acoustics to warm, resonant electric tones.
- Nylon-string models over spalted maple are less common; Cordoba’s option shows how maple can pair with nylon to balance brightness and warmth.
Player profiles and fit
- Beginners may benefit from models with comfortable necks and reliable electronics; consider shorter scale yet sturdy builds.
- Stage performers often prioritize amplified clarity and feedback resistance; pickups and preamps matter more than cosmetic grain.
- Collectors may value unique grain patterns; ensure finish durability for long-term display and use.