Why We Use Poplar — A Nod to Leo Fender’s Philosophy

At Guitar Build Workshop, we take inspiration from one of the greatest innovators in guitar history — Leo Fender. Leo wasn’t just a genius engineer; he was practical. He believed in using what was available close to home, materials that were affordable, reliable, and consistent. That’s one of the main reasons his early guitars were made from alder — it was plentiful on the West Coast, easy to work with, and had the tonal qualities he was looking for.

We’ve taken that same philosophy to heart here at GBW. Our guitars are built with poplar, a locally available hardwood that shares many of the same qualities that made alder a Fender favorite. Poplar is stable, lightweight, sustainable, and easy to finish — all important characteristics for a guitar body.

Poplar vs. Alder: A Closer Look

While alder has long been a classic choice for electric guitars, poplar holds its own beautifully in terms of tone and performance:

Density & Weight: Poplar and alder have similar densities, giving them both a comfortable, mid-weight feel that balances tone and playability. Poplar tends to be just a touch lighter, making it a great choice for long gigs or extended playing sessions.

Grain & Color: Alder’s grain is subtle and even, while poplar can vary a bit more, often showing interesting streaks of green, yellow, or brown. We love this character — it makes each guitar body unique before we even start the finishing process.

Tone: Poplar produces a balanced tone with clear mids and smooth highs, very comparable to alder. It’s versatile enough to suit virtually any style of playing.

Sustainability: Poplar grows quickly and is widely available in North America. It’s an environmentally responsible choice that supports our goal of building great instruments without waste.

Our standard Poplar body

Building Local, Building Smart

Just like Leo Fender sourced materials close to home, we do the same whenever possible. Using poplar not only gives us consistent, high-quality wood for our builds, but it also supports local suppliers and reduces the environmental impact of shipping heavy materials long distances.

At GBW, we believe great guitars don’t just come from exotic choices — they come from smart ones. Poplar embodies that idea perfectly: reliable, musical, sustainable, and proudly local.