Few questions about Empress telecaster

[Billtacular]

Hey guys!

1.) The 60th An. Tele BGB has ash, and the Empress "Telebration" tele uses... Empress. Aren't these similar woods? Similar tonal qualities?

2.) What factor would sustain have on either of these models?

I'll most likely get a 60th An. BGB since it's really the only one I liked playing out of all the other ones I've tried, but was just curious as to how the body woods would compare.

edit: Sorry, it's Blackguard Blone, not Butterscotch!

[whitecat]

Not similar at all, near as I can tell, at least not when finished. Empress was originally called 'Paulownia' and it's native to the far East - it's considered an invasive species on the US. Traditionally though it does have a history in eastern instrument making though (kotos, for example). Empress is WAY lighter, on average , than ash which *tends* to be on the denser/heavier side.

Not having tried one yet I can't comment on sustain issues...

[Billtacular]

Thanks for the response. I've read in different threads I've searched about this Paulownia. Seems interesting for a type of wood.

To elaborate, I'm wondering if the resonance of a lighter wood would carry out a held note longer than say, alder?

[Andy Summers]

I tried one just yesterday!! The tone was great and the white was just beautiful..It was wayyyyyyy too light for me though..I like a little heft over my shoulder..not to say you wouldnt like it. Id go with the the 60th BGB though..that thing is beautiful..ask BackNtheaddle!!