Why Patents on Tonewoods for Instruments Are Ridiculous—Especially in the Banjo Industry Written by: Patrick David Sawyer In the world of musical instruments, tonewood selection is an art refined over centuries. Whether it’s the deep warmth of mahogany, the bright clarity of white oak, or the complex overtones of walnut, luthiers have relied on the unique properties of different woods to shape an instrument’s sound. But in (read the rest...) see all banjo faq's