Myrtlewood Magic: Crafting Instruments with a Pacific Northwest Gem

Hey, instrument lovers! If you’ve been following along at Sweet Music USA, you know I’m obsessed with tonewoods that bring something special to the table—both in sound and story. Lately, I’ve been captivated by myrtlewood, a Pacific Northwest treasure that’s been turning heads thanks to folks like Breedlove. This isn’t just another pretty wood; it’s a tonal powerhouse with a sustainable edge. So, let’s dive into what it’s like to craft instruments with myrtlewood and why it might just steal your luthier heart.

What’s Myrtlewood All About?

Myrtlewood (Umbellularia californica) grows wild along the Oregon and California coasts, soaking up the salty air and mineral-rich soil. The result? A wood that’s as gorgeous as it is unique—think swirling grains in blonde, honey, or even blackish hues. No two pieces look alike, which is half the fun when you’re shaping it into a guitar, mandolin, or ukulele. It’s not as common as spruce or rosewood, but that rarity is part of its charm.

Tonally, myrtlewood is like the Swiss Army knife of tonewoods. It’s got the deep, resonant lows of rosewood, the warm mids of mahogany, and the crisp highs of maple—all rolled into one. Imagine a sound that’s balanced yet bold, with a strong fundamental and enough clarity to make every note pop. It’s no wonder Breedlove’s been showcasing it in their Oregon Series guitars, but I wanted to see how it holds up in my own shop.

Building with Myrtlewood

I snagged some myrtlewood from a sustainable supplier—salvaged from fallen trees, not clear-cuts—and got to work on a little A-style mandolin. First impression? This stuff is a dream to carve. It’s dense enough to hold its shape but not so hard that it fights you. I used it for the back and sides, pairing it with a spruce top to see how it’d play off a classic soundboard. The grain was wild—almost like a topographic map—and I couldn’t wait to hear it sing.

Bracing was key. Myrtlewood’s got a lively vibe, but it’s not as stiff as, say, East Indian rosewood. I went with a lighter, scalloped brace pattern to let it breathe, and it paid off. Once I strung it up (D’Addario mediums, because why not?), the sound hit me like a coastal breeze—bright and punchy up top, with a low-end warmth that filled the room. It had that quick response I love in a mando, perfect for chopping chords or picking out a melody.

Next, I tried a guitar—a parlor-sized beauty. This time, I used myrtlewood for the top too, just to push its limits. The result was stunning: a clear, singing tone with a surprising amount of volume for such a small body. It didn’t have the bell-like ring of cedar, but it brought a unique depth that felt alive under my fingers. The sustain was solid, and the overtones danced without getting muddy.

The Sustainability Angle

Here’s where myrtlewood really shines for me. Sourcing it locally in the U.S.—often from wind-fallen trees or selective harvests—means less environmental guilt. It’s not a rainforest wood shipped halfway around the world; it’s a homegrown gem that supports sustainable luthiery. Companies like Breedlove prove you can make world-class instruments without trashing the planet, and that’s a ethos I’m all in for.

Tips for Luthiers

• Grain Play: Let the wild figuring be the star—keep finishes light to show it off.
• Bracing: Experiment with lighter patterns; myrtlewood loves to vibrate.
• Pairings: It plays nice with spruce or cedar tops, but don’t sleep on an all-myrtle build for something truly unique.
• Finish: It takes stain well, but I’d stick to natural to highlight those crazy patterns.

Final Thoughts

Myrtlewood isn’t just a tonewood; it’s a statement. It’s got the looks, the sound, and the story to make instruments that stand out—whether you’re strumming on a porch or picking on a stage. I’m hooked, and I’ve got more slabs on the way to keep experimenting. Have you worked with myrtlewood? Drop your thoughts below—I’d love to hear how it’s treated you!

Swing by Sweet Music USA for more tonewood tales, and let’s keep crafting music that’s as sweet as it is sustainable.