Saddle

A fulcrum, usually composed of bone or plastic, on the bridge. The strings pass over the saddle before being secured to the bridge by bridge pins.

Solid Top

A single solid piece of wood used for the soundboard, generally spruce or cedar. The tonal quality of guitars with solid tops generally improves with playing, as the grain loosens over time. See laminated top.

Soundboard

The top of the guitar body that contains the soundhole and the bridge. The soundboard is usually made of a softwood such as spruce or cedar with a loose grain that resonates freely.

Soundhole

The round or oval opening near the waist of the soundboard.

Spruce

A soft tone wood with a light yellowish color. Spruce is the most common tone wood for guitar tops.

String Ramps

Grooves in the bridge that allow the strings to bear downward on the saddle.

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