Mahogany generally produces a strong midrange, full bass response, but does not have quite as much "bite" as rosewood on the top end. As far as rosewood is concerned, look at, and listen to all the Martin guitars with rosewood bodies (mainly dreadnaughts). They generally sound very good and have that woody, gritty top end, along with a full bass response that bluegrass players especially like. If you like a full, smooth tone, with a slightly smoother top-end, buy mohagony. If you like that top-end bite, go with rosewood. Remember this, no matter what, most of the sound is produced by the top. The way the top is braced, plus the added coloration of the sides and back, also color the tonal qualities of a guitar.

Mahogany generally produces a strong midrange, full bass response, but does not have quite as much "bite" as rosewood on the top end. As far as rosewood is concerned, look at, and listen to all the Martin guitars with rosewood bodies (mainly dreadnaughts). They generally sound very good and have that woody, gritty top end, along with a full bass response that bluegrass players especially like. If you like a full, smooth tone, with a slightly smoother top-end, buy mohagony. If you like that top-end bite, go with rosewood. Remember this, no matter what, most of the sound is produced by the top. The way the top is braced, plus the added coloration of the sides and back, also color the tonal qualities of a guitar.

I am assuming you mean the back & sides. Stick with rosewood or mahogony. Also look for a solid top, not laminated.