Originally Posted by
Simon Barden
Yes, ash is heavy unless it's 'swamp' ash, grown in very wet areas which affects the way it grows and leaves it about 30% lighter once it's fully seasoned. Swamp ash is any type of ash grown in those conditions, but is normally white or black ash.
Climate change means a lot of those swampy areas in the US where a lot came from have dried up, and add on ash die-back, and it has become too scarce (and therefore expensive) to use for major manufacturers.
You mentioned that it was a two-piece body, but it looks like a one-piece body to me from the grain lines. Looks nice, and a shame to put it under a solid colour. You might as well get some visual benefit from the weighty body.
I know the extra fret can be useful, but 22 frets with the overhang always mean you have to take the neck off if you want to remove the scratchplate. No easy way round that. Still, capo on, slacken strings, undo neck and away you go.