The burl guitar drop tops are thin sheets of burl wood that are glued onto solid guitar bodies for the purpose of enhancing the guitar's appearance with the help of swirls in the wood. The luthiers prefer to use burl drop tops for aesthetic purposes only because the tone is developed from the body wood. They prefer using the woods like Sydney red gum, camphor, and Osage orange due to their grain patterns.
If you have ever seen a custom electric with a top that looks like frozen smoke, you were probably looking at burl guitar drop tops. At Exotic Wood Zone, we stock burl drop tops in several species, so this guide covers what they are, how builders work with them, and what to check before you buy.
What Are Burl Guitar Drop Tops?
A burl is an abnormal growth on the tree. Instead of running straight, the grain twists into tight swirls and small “eyes,” so no two tops repeat.
A drop top is a flat, decorative slab glued flush to the face of a solid body. Burl drop tops are usually sold as bookmatched sets: two halves from the same cut, joined at the center line. Burls are some of the most eye-catching tonewoods to have on a top.
Why Do Luthiers Use Burl Drop Tops?
- Visual impact: swirling, chaotic grain gives a build its own identity.
- Uniqueness: individuality of each piece of burl prevents guitar duplication.
- Body flexibility: a tonally balanced body wood while the top carries the show.
Do burl drop tops change guitar tone?
Only slightly. A drop top is primarily a visual upgrade, and the body wood does most of the tonal work.
Which Burl Species Work Best for Drop Tops?
These species are listed at Exotic Wood Zone. Sizes vary by listing.
|
Species |
Look |
Builder notes |
|---|---|---|
|
Deep red-brown with flame and swirl |
Listed in 22" x 7-1/8" x 3/8" tops; suited to electric builds |
|
|
Red Gum Burl (E. camaldulensis) |
Deep red with unique grain patterns |
Bookmatched sets in 21" x 7" x 3/8"; dense grain that can split |
|
Quilted, swirling figure |
Listed as 20" x 7-3/8" x 1" pairs; smooth, workable texture |
|
|
Golden-orange with dramatic movement |
21" x 7" x 3/8" tops for solid-body electrics |
|
|
Poplar Burl |
Light brown to yellow-white |
Lightweight; tone similar to basswood; glues and finishes well |
How Do You Install a Burl Drop Top?
- Acclimate the top in your shop. Check that it sits flat before you start.
- Stabilize. Voids with thin CA glue or tinted epoxy, which is common practice with burls.
- Bring the top to thickness with light passes. Swirling grain tears out easily so keep cutters sharp.
- Glue to a flat body surface, with even clamping or cauls then trim and rout to shape.
- Seal the surface then finish the surface. I recommend using a dye or a burst of color to make the figure pop.
What Mistakes Should You Avoid With Burl Drop Tops?
The biggest problem is sanding a thin top so you should measure thickness oftenOther people do not stabilize their burl wood. Notice that a tiny crack appears under the finishing. Sometimes people buy a species by its name only. Since burls vary, look for listings showing the exact piece.
What Should You Check Before Buying Burl Drop Tops?
- Dimensions that cover your body template, with margin.
- Thickness that leaves room to sand to your target.
- Moisture content and Drying method, such as air dried.
- Photos of the exact piece. Wood items at Exotic Wood Zone carry a 90-day return policy.
Burl Guitar Drop Tops FAQs
-
What is a burl guitar drop top?
A thin decorative slab of burl wood, usually bookmatched, glued onto a solid guitar body for its swirling figure. -
Do burl drop tops affect tone?
Barely. They are mainly a visual upgrade, and the body wood drives most of the sound. -
How thick should a burl drop top be?
Finished drop tops generally come in at 3 mm to 6 mm in thickness. Thick blanks, like our 3/8" offerings, allow plenty of room for thinning down. -
Can burl drop tops go on acoustic guitars?
They are mostly used on solid-body electrics, though some of our red gum sets are listed for acoustic and electric builds. -
Where can I buy burl guitar drop tops?
Exotic Wood Zone, a Missouri-based tonewood retailer, sells burl drop tops in multiple species.
Ready to Build With Burl Guitar Drop Tops?
With Burl guitar drop tops, you transform an ordinary solid body into a unique guitar by incorporating the swirling figure while maintaining the tonal characteristics of the body wood. For optimal results, select a dry and flat top, address any voids, apply thickness using light passes, and test your finish using an offcut. Ready to start your next build? Browse our burl drop tops and premium tonewoods at Exotic Wood Zone, pick the exact piece you want, and shop with a 90-day return policy on wood items.