Swamp Ash is mostly grown in the southern states of the US, and is appreciated by guitar makers for its relatively lightweight, as well as it’s musical qualities.

It is used to splendid effect on the Paul Reed Smith Swamp Ash Special, which has been in continuous production since 1996.

The model’s pickups are also worthy of comment. It’s neck and bridge humbuckers are “McCarty’s”, named for former Gibson president Ted McCarty, the man behind the creation of the Les Paul and other famous designs.

This model was finished in “Opaque Black” and was made in 2000.