CEDAR vs SPRUCE! - Acoustic Guitar Tone Comparison!
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- Опубликовано: 29 сен 2024
- Finding the right acoustic can be a seriously daunting task!
Today, hopefully I can help you narrow it down - It's Cedar vs Spruce!!
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Did you guys favour the Spruce or the Cedar top? Let me know!
Enjoy :)
Hmmm.....
Myself I like the Spruce top the best.
Usually a cedar guy, with a few exceptions. My flamenco guitar is spruce top on cypress sides/back, and it’s the best nylon string I’ve ever played, with a bell like timber.
I generally don’t like cedar on a shorter scale, because it gets too mellow.
I concur: The cedar is the favored wood for solo finger-style/classical acoustic; the kind of thing where it's just one person in a room... or maybe two, complimentary, acoustics playing together.
I think you've demonstrated why so many high-end classical guitars are made with cedar. Comparing the two is kind of like comparing sushi and barbecue. Both are awesome, but to be successful they function best when used in the right context.
That old travel guitar you demo'ed, with carbon fibre. :)
The correct answer is. "It depends" :) Spruce sounds much brighter and the Ceder sounds warmer.
BeardedBlues Dude nah spruce gang for life
What did Gordon Lighrfoot play? Spruce or Cedar? Whatever he played. I'll go with that.
Strange I thought the cedar was more bright than the spruce.
What its exact the opposite
To my ears the spruce was way brighter
As I was listening, the cedar reminded me so much of the tone of nylon strings. Darrell's summary at the end was spot on.
Great comparison! Thanks!
I have seen several videos of this comparison but in my opinion you are the only one doing it right because you choose almost the exact same guitar , same size, almost all things being equal with the only difference being the top.
I think if you want to play with other people and do solos the spruce is the way to go because is brighter and stands out more, more attack but l as forgiving you make a mistake and people will clearly heard it .
While the Cedar has a warmer tone but more in the low profile side kind of round creamy sound .
I think is a matter of preference and what you want to do and with whom you are doing it.
At the end what matters is your dexterity and the sound that you can produce with your guitar and the sensation that you want to convey.
Nice video thanks for doing this.
Thanks for the video. It's cedar all the way for me.
Cedar for classical. Spruce for flamenco or cedar for that matter. The back and sides also affect the sound too.
Great video. I prefer the cedar, but as you said, it very much depends.
Both are best, it just about your favourite sounds what do you want. IMO, cedar will be perfectly when you play solo without other instruments, and spruce will be better if you play together with other instruments. Cause when you play with many instruments you should have a bright sound of acoustic guitar (just my opinion)
Both nice, but I definitely liked the warmer tone of the cedar
I liked the sound of the Cedar more but they would both be great, just for slightly different songs or styles.
100% agree. I liked the Cedar more but can see how the Spruce would be king if playing with other instruments.
What's up Rob love your vids too
I think the cedar had a warmer tone, & the spruce, a bit sharper.
Well said, thats how I feel too.
Personally I preferred the cedar but... I was flabbergasted at how I could hear the differences. I had heard they were different but wow I'd never heard them back to back like that. That was very educational for me. Thank you.
I'm amazed by how much more clarity and definition the spruce provides.
If Stradivarius would have had access to American Red Cedar, I guarantee he would have used it on most of his violins!
I doubt it, there's a reason why most of the luthiers use spruce. Its because of projection and tone, spruce is unique for its stiffness and projection.
Violins must be heard in big orchestras and halls. That's why projection is always looked for, as for guitars it is known to be a little quieter hence, the invention of electronic amplification.
Funny that you mention violins because I was definitely getting a violin vibe from the cedar top guitar, especially when he was playing Amazing Grace.
I have a friend who has been making violins for over twenty years, they cost about three thousand dollars and I hope someday he will make a guitar for me as he has never made one but told me it's something he has wanted to do but not sure I could afford it!
Spruce gets warmer and better over time Cider levels off
I like the cedar one better. It definitely has a warmer, fuller sound.
Thanks! (Look at the name)
Cedar Schumacher yep
Cedar has a rather mushy sound while spruce is much crisper in the trebles.
Spruce would sound better in most mixes, especially a dense mix.
I agree. This is why you must own both. Cedar for solo singer-songwriter stuff. And Spruce for standing out in a band!
Yes it definitely cuts more
I prefer the sound of cedar tops but I believe the esthetic is better with a Sitka spruce.
I have the same thing with mahogany vs rosewood back and sides. I prefer mahogany sound but Indian rosewood is so marvelously beautiful !
So my favorite sounding guitar doesn’t match my favorite esthetic guitar. That’s my forever dilemma but I will always sacrifice the look because sound is what this instrument is made for
Spruce for me!
The cedar sounded a little too muted, less sustain and lacked the 'bell' like clarity of the spruce.
Great comparison though 👍
Both sounded great and a perfect demonstration of the wood qualities. The recording sounded amazing. I bet those new Austrian mics will be on many peoples radars
Refreshing "Amazing Grace" brief instru with the Capo part.
To my ears, cedar always sounds a bit muddy due to the abundance of overtones. Of course, not all guitars are created equally, and it often depends on the bracing technique and wood thickness. However, I generally prefer the more fundamental tone which spruce has to offer.
very surprised to see most of the comments saying they prefer cedar. it makes me wonder, do you all hear laurel, or yanny?
Trouble is, although Spruce sounds much brighter here, after a couple of years of playing it will sound mellower whilst the Cedar only changes minimally (this based on my numerous acoustic, classical, and flamenco guitars). Indeed I've had Spruce (Sitka) turn so dull after a few years that it is unplayable: Cedar, however, still sounds almost the same as new.
Thanks happy to hear from someone who own both!
Dull unplayable oh no
You sure that's not the strings? Brand new strings can even be quite the opposite--too lively with too many overtones/harmonics. Old strings, sure, very dull. Can also be due to other issues with the guitar. I've had nearly 20 guitars and some spruce over 30 years old and it sounds warmer, but absolutely not dull.
@@nicholash8021 I’ve had my Sitka spruce 10+ years and it sounds even better than it ever did. Not sure what he’s talking about and That’s my first time hearing that
When doing comparisons like this, I'd really love to see a Fourier Transformation to see where the resonances are different. Not sure if you're set up for that, but if you could, I think that would give more concrete explanations than "bright" or "round".
The sound of the cedar made me immediately think of Medieval & Renaissance music, reminded me of listening to John Renbourn.
i love the tone of cedar. (and im not gonna be in a band so...)i mustve been in renaissance, past life
It is quite insane how wood can really bring out the tone in a guitar! Great shootout here!
I mean that is literally what they are made out of.. lol
In an acoustic guitar*
#1 - I liked them both, cedar was a little warmer which I liked.
#2 - I think I preferred cedar here
#3 - higher up the neck when you hit that barre, I liked the cedar better
#4 - OMG THE SPRUCE! It sounded just like the bagpipe you would hear that from, though the cedar wasn't far off from it, I'll take the spruce here.
#5 - chord I think I will give it to the cedar, but for the single notes I liked the spruce.
Look wise, I liked the cedar better, but I think I will agree with your closing arguments for sure. I think I want a cedar top box now :)
I am classically trained. I play classical guitar and in the classical world that has been a struggle whether to choose a cedar top or a spruce top. You actually nailed the obvious characteristics of the two Woods
there's no contest among classical guitars. The best classical guitars are always spruce.
The cedar sounds more tone rich to me especially on the low notes
Lots of overtones
Cedar to me. Both my classical and acoustic have cedar tops. I know spruce might have a bit more definition, but at the same time it lacks the warmth and soul of cedar. I never use a pick, I play with my fingers all the time, so I much prefer cedar. Spruce is too bright. By the way, Furch is my dreamed guitar!
Eduardo Rojas Morales I don’t use a pick either and Cedar is my favorite for fingerpicking.
not only do I prefer the sound of the cedar but I think it looks magnificent too. thanks for this well recorded video with those fantastic Furch guitars - can I ask is there a great difference in the pricing of the two?
They both sounded great, but the depth and richness of the cedar top just blows me away. I love it. Now I've got to get me an acoustic with a cedar top and a rosewood body. My wife will be so happy lol.
Promise her shoes.
The cedar is definitly warmer, huh, I didn't think I'd be able to hear that! Cool!😁💖
Richell Mcknight yeah it was way more noticeable
Hi Darrell do you plan to do a studio tour anytime soon? Would love to see some behind the scenes stuff!
Thot sitka spruce was good till I play a cedar top Walden. Great stuff for arpeggios & fingerplay.....never looking back.
It's like cedar is between spruce and mahogany
But but but I already have too many guitars! Okay two more....
If only contemplating the difference between spruce and cedar mattered in the least in my daily armchair encounter with my guitar.
Spruce for me! Absolutely in love with my Seagull S6 Slim CH, solid spruce top and wild cherry body (the wood, not the color!), and love the satin neck too!
🇨🇦!!!
(BTW, you can partially “EQ” the wood tone by swapping string type. F.E. tried the D’Addario Original American 85/15, brought some warmer e rounded tone, dispite of a bit of mid-hi cutting and sustain loss.
Next swap, D’Addario Nickel Bronze, cant’wait to try them out!)
Very clear and interesting video! Cheers from Italy!
I have a Seagull Entourage with cedar top and cherry back and sides. I previously owned a Seagull with spruce top and mahogany back and sides. There is a difference. I can't say for sure if the cedar changed what I heard and consequently what I played, or if own tastes in what and how I played changed, probably both, but I have been able to do just about everything I did with the cedar top and more that I could do with the spruce top. The cedar does tend to "hit the wall" sooner when hitting things harder. You get what I think of as "acoustic overdrive" sooner where you get that kind of break-up of tone from heavier strumming/picking. While spruce tops can handle that heavier hitting before "breaking up", it has been, in my experience, not as advantageous in the grand scheme. I wish more guitars were offered with cedar tops. Loudness isn't so much an issue if you're mic'ed up or playing in a band mix. Just tweak your amp/PA/pedals. Nuance when an acoustic guitar is soloing or by itself is more important, something that cedar tops do better.
For me Cedar Sound is beautiful.
No better choice than cedar....to shingle a house.
Notionally, it sounds like Spruce is in major key, and Cedar in a minor key?
Out of my Acoustic guitars I usually go for the cedar. It often sets the mood for and music I write. Always when I play Gordon Lightfoot music I'll use cedar. When I for an audience it will usually be spruce. Has the projection and sound I like for that type of venue. Thanks DBG 👍
It does come down to the original wood conditions...
Cedar is so fat sounding and very very warm. I can't play very well but I ran sound for a friends band for around five years and yes I for sure can't hear them both and how the sound. You nailed it on the head I have a love for music and you channel lol thanks so much.
From my own experience, I really think I prefer cedar. It's more... how to put it into words... more forgiving? And as others have mentioned, warmer.
This was a fantastic comparison, Darrell. I really like how you narrowed it down to just chords and notes. I happen to be in the market for a Furch guitar and am trying to decide if I should buy the Cedar top or Spruce top. Your video is perfect. Since I have other acoustic guitars for strumming I'm going to go with the Cedar top for fingerstyle.
So I can still stum with a spruce-top guitar, like the Furch GC-SR Deluxe. right? or it's better only for fingerstyle?
@@hatemmegaly9613 I'd argue that spruce would suit strumming better than cedar, for sure
Thanks for the Vid and the Question. Spruce especially paired with a rosewood has such the familiar beautiful sound. Rhythm and melody, however I've fallen big time over Western Red Cedar. It just goes right through me. I've always liked a darker sound, or warmer, but this is special
My preference is absolutely same as yours.
My preference is for finger type playing, so you can easily guess my preference.
Besides, my preference for a more intimate setting does make the cedar more pleasant.
I own over 37 guitars, but that’s not my point. My point is that I prefer Cedar over Spruce depending on the tunes that I’m playing. Blues, Spiritual, Covers in Rock, Crosby Still Nash or Zeppelin or Pink Floyd. It also depends on my moods... At the end of the day, it’s all good.
What was the point of the 73 guitars ?
@@kevin7rxxx346 It wasn't the point.
Spinman Corner it’s a boast from a guy saying he’s not boasting...wait your trump...good one
Yea not really
interesting... and playing in a group, on pop rock, aren't you too penalized by the cedar? Does it go well anyway?
Spruce definitely cuts through and has that shimmer.
liked the cedar better. More full sound to my ears. Love the comparisons also. Thanks
One of the best demos I’ve heard. Thinking of trying the warmer sound of cedar. I play mostly finger style. Thanks again. Great playing.
Great comparison, I agree with your assessment of the tonal characteristics!!
I'm also very interested in Furch as a front runner for my next guitar!!
I recently bought a Furch cedar/mahogany dread from their ‘Blue’ range, which is their entry point for all solid wood. The mahogany seems to me to maximise the characteristics of the cedar top as described in the video. Ideal for solo fingerstyle, and I’m very pleased with it.
Thanks for the comparison, Darrell. Excellent playing and presentation, as usual. Of course both tops have their unique sound characteristics. I am in the market for a cedar top, and I really appreciate the sound samples!
But that Enso ring though! 😁
I liked the cedar better. I have come to realize that I just don't care for spruce tops on a lot of guitars.
Interesting demo. such a big difference in sounds. I agree with your conclusions and I think I prefer the cedar (which means I'll now have to buy one!)
I've got a Furch Blue Gc CM (Cedar top, Mahagony bottom and sides) and yeah I enjoy playing fingerstyle on it. I find it well balanced
Thanks for being with us, Martin! 🙏🏻
Cedar is more mellow and warmer. Like with pianos, it is so much about what kind of music you play too. My preferences:
Test 1: Spruce
Test 2: Cedar
Test 3: Cedar
Test 4: Spruce (but only slightly; both are amazing)
Test 5: Cedar
Test 6: Equal - for different purposes
Spruce is much brighter/sharper and would be great for lead.
EDIT: wow, Darrell said pretty much the same I was thinking at the end. I'm not deaf!
They both sound great to me. But Sitka seems more expressive, with more clarity. In my opinion, this suits fingerstyle very nice as the melody needs to stand out. Cedar sounds beautiful, too, and the darker wood looks nicer.
Cedar top for me. Ordered my Blue CM today. Can hardly wait!
Thank you Geni and welcome on board! 🙏🏻
well done comparison review!
Both guitars are very beautiful! The spruce has a sparkly magic that takes it for me
Nice comparison! The spruce model looks pretty new. It'd be interesting to re-record the same clips in the same manner on the spruce model in a couple of years or so, with the aim of seeing how the sound changes with the age of the guitar
CEDAR IS THE KING!!!!
My first little guitar was cedar top. I loved that mellow muted tone. Good for someone not too accurate at picking.
This guy does the best comparison videos. Hands down.
Spruce. No doubt.
I agree. I prefer Cedar
I was overwhelmingly more impressed by the spruce, i have only ever had spruce guitars anyway. One thing I did not however the cedar was much more dull in the lower end whereas the spruce had a lot more flavour. For the higher notes the cedar was about equal. Overall I heard the spruce to have much more resonance and sustain. For the best of both worlds I pick torrefied spruce.
Wow, I own a Furch with Spruce and Mahogany back. Great comparison! Love Furch's and Stonebridge. Great playing!
Lowdens are my favourite.
It’s crazy how much darker the cedar top is. That’s why it’s a great choice for 12 strings. I have a Seagull 12 with a cedar top and mahogany back and sides that sounds glorious! 🤓🎸🤘🏻
I wonder if mellow strings on the spruce guitar vs bright strings on the cedar guitar would sound. For example monel strings on the spruce and 80/20 bronze on cedar
I changed the eq by suppressing the mid-strong frequencies with strings on mine, actually i also put a fatter low E on, and it smoothed out (flattened) the eq and softened the (perceived) output a tiny bit.
It still projected the sound better than many spruce tops i have tried.
And i got what i wanted.
I bet you could tweak a spruce top too.
80/20 p-b was what i went with.
I believe that the rosewood back and sides contributes to the mellow tone in this vid.
Mahogany would be snappier.
Or even flatwounds on the spruce
Why not go the other way?
Very subjectively, my preference is the Spruce. The Cedar is definitely "darker", but I also find that much of the mid-range and lower notes obscure each other, even when finger-picking. Having said all of that, I've only got Spruce topped instruments in my collection, except my 12 string, which was a compromise for me and required for about three songs we do with our band. I'd be really interested in a comparison of the back tone woods, but it would make for a pretty lengthy video! Two of mine are Rosewood, one, maple and the other cherry...my next planned purchase is a Walnut-Spruce combination...hopefully!
I've built several semi hollow body guitars with cedar tops as well as spruce tops... cedar definitely wins
I like the Spruce better though they both sounded good, just different.
The back and sides contributes too, but the cedar projects the sound a bit better.
And yeah, different flavors.
Sometimes decision depends upon comparing 2 instances of each. Even 2 same guitar may differ.
interesting..thanks for posting. I'm a jazz guitarist, so play mostly an archtop..but have been looking for an acoustic voice for brazilian jazz which is my specialty. Of course nylon is the stereotypical solution...but being I grew up on steel ...I've been experimenting with that possibility. The very last 'note' you played made the choice obvious: the cedar is closer to the jazz guitar sound unquestionably! thanks!
...luv cedar for sofa playing...playing with my band i prefer Spruce top...
You can use both in any situation. I've recorded with both. If the mix is 'denser' as some put it, you use the right mic and positioning, mix accordingly. An acoustic will not get lost in a mix if you know what you're doing, regardless of what the top of an acoustic guitar is made of!
what is the model of the Stonebridge? I am French I did not understand if he spoke about it. he may be comparing 2 guitars that are not in the same price range 🤔
Both great...different but equal....like prime rib and blacked walleye....no clear winner lol
Thanks so much for your excellent videos!!
I ended up purchasing the Furch Yellow Master's Choice yesterday and it is incredible!! The Cedar Rosewood combination is exactly the sound I was looking for!
I also played a Blue Master's Choice and it was also a wonderful guitar, just a little different than my tonal preference, but still a guitar I would be very happy with!
Since this was my dream guitar purchase I went ahead and got the Yellow (also preferred the LR Baggs Anthem Stage Pro and the Hiscox case is a heck of a nice extra) but for other folks looking for that Cedar Mahogany sound I highly recommend the Blue.
Furch has something extra in the resonant qualities of their guitars.
I happen to also be a fan of Breedlove, I have one of their ECO Discovery S Concert Cedar Mahogany guitars, and tried their Redwood Rosewood Premier yesterday as a comparison. While it was a great guitar, the Furch had a bit more of that tonal quality I was looking for.
I only have one guitar so I’m glad I have spruce. I can get warmer tones with silk n steel strings.
But since I only have one, I’m glad it’s spruce.
Honestly, I’d probably still buy a second spruce and just have different strings on the two. I just don’t like buying a guitar that is really only good for one thing.
I do have my cedar acoustic guitar (first guitar ever that I own). It sounds fuller, deeper & warmer while I play percussive fingerstyle guitar
Great example of why I follow your guitar vids. On my way to Long and McQuade thanks to you… Cheers , Jon
Depends on what I’m playing. Generally it is indeed Spruce for flatpicking and Cedar for fingerpicking.
Yeah depends, if I want to be bright and shiny I use my spruce top. When I play and sing moody music I prefer my cedar top! Spruce can be an advantage in bars with background noise it cuts through! When you sit in a circle of ppl listening to you the warmth of cedar will give you the deep sounds especially with a dreadnought
I much prefer the sound of the cedar, but the high strings are a bit weak, so it'd take extra effort when playing. Maybe worth it. The spruce is bright and in-your-face, so if that's what you need, it's what you need. I've heard some boutique guitars with various flavors of European spruce that were what I'm looking for, but they're US$8,000 and up. Ouch.
I love the sound of the spruce overall just more my style I guess thank you I love your channel.
Your ability to translate subjective sonic impressions and somehow quantify them into objective criteria is marvelous (subjective opinion 😁). You very much enable me to hear what you are hearing as you teach the differences. I get it! I pride myself in being able to maintain objectivity and avoid subjective influences, such as brand or hype. I throughly enjoy all your evaluations. It is clear that you strive to maintain an objective posture and transmit the “feeling” type information in a way that I can clearly understand. I feel like I’m rambling, but it is important to me that I express my recognition to you as positive feedback for your analysis. Thank you much Darrell for all you do! I always learn so much when I watch your vids, especially the comparison type vids. Thank you!
Great video and clear comparrison. Solved my last problem in picking a new acoustic guitar. Ceder top itizzz
Great comparison. I've never seen TWO capos used at the same time. That was new. Now I"ve got to try it.
I was surprised that I liked the cedar more. Also, I am a big fan of partial capos. I prefer Schubb partial capos for the ability to skip past it to play the three open strings below the capo when it is set on the 4th fret. Kyser Shortcut capo handles stick so far out they block access. Really dig your version of 'Amazing Grace'.
Maker from my old country - I really like both, the cedar better I think - very lovely Amazing Grace!!!
Both are breathtaking as is your playing. Would give the nod to the spruce. Btw largely because of your videos I have Furch violet spruce and Furch indigo cedar.
try some guitar made in the e philippines your $150-200 brand like D&D , Cliffton, phoebus is like $500 US guitar sounds 🙂
You can have both at the same time SPRUCE and CEDAR, buy DOUBLE TOP but classical guitar by great Luthier