Red Alder (Alnus rubra) is the most abundant hardwood in the US Pacific Northwest, where it has long been used for furniture and cabinetry. It's also been a popular electric guitar body wood since the instrument first went into mass production in the 1950s.The color ranges from light tan to reddish-brown. It's light and soft for a hardwood, which makes it very easy to work, and it glues and finishes well. Many cabinetmakers compare its easy-going nature to Black Cherry.Alder is usually sold in two grades, knotty and clear, with clear preferred for furniture and cabinets. The surface dents easily until it's finished, so a hard finish such as lacquer is a good idea. It isn't durable outdoors, so it's best kept to indoor projects such as cabinetry, millwork and instruments.