Swamp Ash guitars are threatened by climate change. Here’s their unique sound.

Swamp ash are wetland trees that have thin-walled cells with large gaps between them, creating a low-density wood, making it the material of choice for some of the most famous guitar players in rock and roll. Starting in the 1950s, iconic guitar maker Fender Musical Instruments embraced this type of ash. Bluesman Muddy Waters, rockers Keith Richards of the Rolling Stones and Chrissie Hynde of the Pretenders, and other music legends have loved their Fenders; many say this wood gives the instruments a warm but crystal-clear twang. Now climate change is threatening swamp ash. Read more about that here: In this video, guitarist Jim Campilongo puts this assertion to the test, using his 1959 Fender Telecaster Toploader (made from swamp ash) and his hollow body 1958 Gibson 225.