Over the past few decades, I’ve devoted much of my lutherie career to understanding musical-grade tonewoods and the instruments that they become. While some builders seem to assess wood instinctively, I’ve always needed real, solid data—something concrete to show how a material behaves and how to best use it. That meant diving deep into the science: analyzing frequency, weight, and stiffness to understand how, and why, these characteristics shape an instrument’s sound.
One of the most powerful tools for this kind of work is the FFT (Fast Fourier Transform) analyzer, which lets you track and study anything that vibrates or makes sound. When testing tonewoods or working on guitars, FFT analysis is indispensable. Over the years, I tried a variety of FFT systems, but eventually adopted SpectraPlus by Pioneer Hill Software. It elevated my analysis to a whole new level. Even mobile FFT apps, though a bit quirky at times, have their place. I’ve had one on my phone for over 15 years. They’re a great entry point for players and curious minds alike.
In 2024, a major breakthrough occurred: the launch of the Acousonix Sonic Hammer, which I helped develop. This handheld device detects and displays the primary resonant frequencies of almost anything you tap. For tonewoods, it reveals key modal frequencies that help gauge a piece of wood’s acoustic potential. For guitars, it’s both insightful and fun: You can tap the top to measure its resonance, hold it near the soundhole to detect air resonance, or tap the back to read the back plate’s voice. Together, these readings paint a clearer picture of the instrument’s tonal fingerprint.
“This handheld device detects and displays the primary resonant frequencies of almost anything you tap.”
Photo by Emily Galloup
Say you’re comparing two guitars: One feels more “alive,” but you can’t explain why. By sampling each guitar you’ll likely see frequency differences tied to weight, tension, and structural behavior. That kind of information can help guide buying decisions, repair work, or just satisfy your curiosity.
Although we originally developed the Sonic Hammer for tonewood analysis, its applications have since expanded. With smart software updates and continued experimentation, we’ve used it to fine-tune banjo heads, drums, archtop guitars, and even ukuleles. Today, it’s being used in studios, repair shops, manufacturing facilities, and by tonewood sawyers to help improve yield, quality control, and efficiency.
It’s no surprise that everyday players, collectors, and music shops have embraced the hammer, not just for smarter purchases, but to better understand their instruments, inventories, and collections. Once a guitar’s sonic footprint is captured, you can track it over time. Whether it’s aging, humidity, or environmental shifts, this tool provides a simple way to monitor and preserve an instrument’s acoustic health. In recording studios or on the road, if an instrument is problematic, the hammer helps engineers and guitar techs zero in on where the problem may lie. While broader implications are still unfolding, the technology is already proving both rewarding and, yes, a little disruptive. But in time, this kind of data will likely become standard in the industry.
“This handheld device detects and displays the primary resonant frequencies of almost anything you tap.”
The Founders Edition focused on detecting primary resonances, but what’s coming next is even more exciting: deeper analysis of voicing, damping, and admittance, plus built-in Bluetooth for integration with more advanced systems. Most importantly, this tool can support something I’ve long believed in: responsible tonewood use. If we want to conserve the world’s most valuable musical materials, we need smarter ways to measure and manage them. I believe the Sonic Hammer can play a meaningful role in that effort.
For guitar makers and players, we’re living in a truly exciting era. For years, I said, “This is going to take off,” and every couple of years it felt just around the corner. But during the COVID shutdown, something changed. People had time to explore, to experiment, and the science of acoustics started to catch fire. These are exciting times indeed.
For more info, visit acousonix.com.
