This is a pretty heavy didge for being Alder. The heft, being in the right places, provides a very solid sense of support for tonal projection. I gravitate towards Alder in my crafting not only because it's plentiful in my area but because the softer density wood offsets the bright reflectivity of the bores moisture resistant finish coat. The warmer tone is more pleasing, and easier to 'receive'. I consider it to be easier to develop and transmit a heart felt connection to didges made of Alder compared to most other locally available wood types. I've been around the world, seen a lot, and I can say that. Loud and powerful. Soft and gentle. Articulate and crushing. It's an amplifier of YOU!