Is it true that Sitka produce more clarity and dynamics to the sound but less in loudness while Adirondack is going full blast on volume but generates less sound clarity and dynamics to the sound..? what's your take as a direct listener of these 2 tone woods? and what combination of top, back and sides tonewood would you recommend to be paired with any of these top tonewoods that can produce the most clarity, fullness, and sustain..?
I only know what sounds more pleasing to my ears. In this demo the Sitka sounded warmer and much more pleasing to my ears than the adirondack. I'm only guessing that the Sitka has been heat treated (tourified) and the adirondack has not...might this account for the warmer sound of the sitka guitar?
Wow this confirms something that has been brewing in my head. Back in 2002 I moved away from Sitka tops to Adi and German BUT I’ve never been truly happy. Even with some very expensive high end luthier built guitars I’m blessed to own. Then a few weeks ago I played a Flammang with a sweet Sitka top and a voice in my head said “you idiot”. I am realizing it was the Sitka warmth I’ve been missing. Sitka tops sound like a fully analog recording. Adi and German tops produce highly complex harmonic content (IMHO) because they are so amazingly responsive. Sitka just smoothes over everything. Maybe it’s my 60 year old ears but I really can’t take Adi and German tops anymore… even on my 20 year old Froggy Bottom….. I think some changes are coming ……. Great video 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
@@marcdellorusso180 Depends on playing style and strings, as well. Those using fingerpicks might want the warmer Sitka to offset the bright pick sound. Flesh fingerpickers can use the Adi brightness. I love Adi & European tops, but I also use medium gauge strings that don't have exaggerated high end, and also play either with my fingers or the round edge of a stiff Blue Chip pick. I also love note individuation, and Adi definitely excels in that regard. Sitka is better if you want more of a wash of tone instead of note clarity. If I ever purchase a "woody" guitar, I'd likely want mahogany back & sides and a Sitka top.
Huh… I’m confused… from what I’ve read, German Spruce has a warmer, smoother tone than Sitka, (while Adi is louder and brighter than Sitka, which falls in between the two). Is this incorrect? Is German Spruce actually more like Adi than Sitka?
Didn't make enough difference to me to make me buy custom. Seemed maybe the Adi was a bit louder but it also sounded a bit more out of balance... in that some strings rang out more than others. I think there is enough variation from top to top regardless of variety that you would have to play a lot of both guitars to get a real feel for the inherent difference.
Sitka sounded more balanced across the strings and gave off a warmer tone to my ears. Adirondack definitely favored the top-end quite a bit with that extra chime and had more tonal clarity overall by comparison. Both have their individual strengths, but if I had to choose which of the two I favor most it would have to be the Sitka. Balance and warmth are two of my preferred traits on an acoustic and Sitka (especially when paired with any wood from the Mahogany family) has plenty enough for me! 😊
From what I've experienced , the adi top has a crispiness to it that it makes that om sound as it's back and sides were mahogany ish. So it's sharper. But the low end on the sitka is lovely too.
The sitka top is like listening to an old vinyl record, while the adi top is the CD version of the same music. Would love to hear the same comparison with a sinker mahogany body. As for which one I preferred between these two, the sitka. Reminds me of those evenings listening to old Elvis, Neil Diamond, and Fleetwood Mac on my parent's giant Zenith console record player.
Such a clear difference when heard side to side like this - Thank You! To my Ear, I found the Sitka WARM and ROUND & the Adirondack had BRIGHTNESS and rang CLEAR. I'm a Strummer and occasional Picker, so I suppose this is why my Guitars mostly have Sitka Soundboards. This was really great.
Ya it kills me I like strumming and I need to be careful with my Adi, but love it for fingerpicking Also the jump in volume and power when switching from soft fingerstyle to strumming hard on is unbelievable
Honestly found it hard to tell the difference - both sound great. But - I have a 2019 Model America 1, & it is just now starting to open up; it would be awesome if you could do the same comparison on 2 guitars that were both about 10 years old!
Wonderful comparison video. When it comes to the OM-28, best to have one of each top, sitka and adi. Why settle? Probably the best guitar of all time. I have an adi and getting ready to buy one in sitka. I could never part with the adi top as it has tremendous headroom and sustain for a smaller body guitar. The sitka is warmer but has to be played a bit softer than the adi top so there is the why for having both. Different songs, different genres. The OM-28 really is the Martin swiss army knife and probably the only model I would feel compelled to have several versions in my herd.
Really great comparison Maury. I am hard pressed to pick a favorite. But if the upcharge for Adi is an extra $800 - $1000, I'd opt for Sitka. Or I would maybe opt for Sitka with VTS. Do you think Adi braces with a Sitka top is a good way to get a little more out of a sitka top? I'm not saying it needs it. The Sitka guitar sounded great.
Thanks Gary! I'd try VTS Sitka before trying adi braces on regular sitka - but that's me. Matter of fact I'd expect an Adi top with Sitka braces to sound better than sitka top with adi. We do have a VTS sitka om coming in with rosewood B&S and a V neck. Sound familiar? ;)
In my opinion... The Adirondack is just as much about response as sonic differences. Both can be just as good as the other to my ears. Addy is generally louder and brighter to my ears. Personal case in point... I have a Taylor 810 with aderondak top. It's been my go to guitar for 10 plus years. It sounds stellar,and I haven't played a Martin or anything else to make me wanna part with it. I played a Taylor 810 with standerd Sitka last year that I liked more. Lots like Addy in the cosmetic department,with the wide grain that it usually has. I prefer a great pc of spruce of equal grading, personally. In this video... Addy wins to me!
Rachel ..German and Italian Spruce is more like Adirondack. Louder and a tad brighter than Sitka. They are very stiff woods. Sitka is a very nice middle of road sound that lends itself well to everything.
I like the warmth of Sitka better overall. Adi's punchiness is nice, but can get abrasive at times. My favorite is probably VTS Sitka, modern, clear, better projection like adi but without the tinniness I sometimes hear. I have an Adi guitar and have somewhat mixed feelings on it, but will keep it a while before I decide.
I think Alex may have hit the nail on the head. Sitka with VTS is likely a very sweet spot. The Adi sounds a bit punchier and it might bite and cut more in a mix but it also may not be quite as sweet as Sitka
The difference is really really small. Maybe one of the least important differences. I think Sitka sounds better on dreadnought and OM bodies. Adirondack is better for 00 and smaller
Fascinating comparison. I'm surprised how loud the high E sounded on the red spruce during the fingerpicking. How much sparkle you want in your highs might drive that decision. On the strumming, I thought the guitars sounded very similar, and the Sitka didn't give any ground there, IMO.
@@hotlov72 finger style dunno, i much prefer the dynamism in my Adi top n the lack of effort, and clarity of note separation (tho that might be the maple back too)
I'm gonna have to side with the Adirondack. I own a Sitka and a Sepele. I hope to own an Adirondack someday. Plus, I used to live in the Adirondack Mountains.
Which do YOU prefer & why?
I’ve got a 000 with addy top, man I love addy!
Is it true that Sitka produce more clarity and dynamics to the sound but less in loudness while Adirondack is going full blast on volume but generates less sound clarity and dynamics to the sound..? what's your take as a direct listener of these 2 tone woods? and what combination of top, back and sides tonewood would you recommend to be paired with any of these top tonewoods that can produce the most clarity, fullness, and sustain..?
I only know what sounds more pleasing to my ears. In this demo the Sitka sounded warmer and much more pleasing to my ears than the adirondack. I'm only guessing that the Sitka has been heat treated (tourified) and the adirondack has not...might this account for the warmer sound of the sitka guitar?
Wow this confirms something that has been brewing in my head. Back in 2002 I moved away from Sitka tops to Adi and German BUT I’ve never been truly happy. Even with some very expensive high end luthier built guitars I’m blessed to own. Then a few weeks ago I played a Flammang with a sweet Sitka top and a voice in my head said “you idiot”. I am realizing it was the Sitka warmth I’ve been missing. Sitka tops sound like a fully analog recording. Adi and German tops produce highly complex harmonic content (IMHO) because they are so amazingly responsive. Sitka just smoothes over everything. Maybe it’s my 60 year old ears but I really can’t take Adi and German tops anymore… even on my 20 year old Froggy Bottom….. I think some changes are coming ……. Great video 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
Great comments = thanks. I think this could help those who might be on the fence between Adi & Sitka.
Yeah, that’s exactly right. The Adirondack gives the guitar a noticeably brighter, more strident tone. Don’t think I’m a fan either.
I prefer the Sitka sweetness too but man the dynamic response of my Adi
@@marcdellorusso180 Depends on playing style and strings, as well. Those using fingerpicks might want the warmer Sitka to offset the bright pick sound. Flesh fingerpickers can use the Adi brightness. I love Adi & European tops, but I also use medium gauge strings that don't have exaggerated high end, and also play either with my fingers or the round edge of a stiff Blue Chip pick. I also love note individuation, and Adi definitely excels in that regard. Sitka is better if you want more of a wash of tone instead of note clarity.
If I ever purchase a "woody" guitar, I'd likely want mahogany back & sides and a Sitka top.
Huh… I’m confused… from what I’ve read, German Spruce has a warmer, smoother tone than Sitka, (while Adi is louder and brighter than Sitka, which falls in between the two). Is this incorrect? Is German Spruce actually more like Adi than Sitka?
Didn't make enough difference to me to make me buy custom. Seemed maybe the Adi was a bit louder but it also sounded a bit more out of balance... in that some strings rang out more than others. I think there is enough variation from top to top regardless of variety that you would have to play a lot of both guitars to get a real feel for the inherent difference.
Sitka sounded more balanced across the strings and gave off a warmer tone to my ears. Adirondack definitely favored the top-end quite a bit with that extra chime and had more tonal clarity overall by comparison. Both have their individual strengths, but if I had to choose which of the two I favor most it would have to be the Sitka. Balance and warmth are two of my preferred traits on an acoustic and Sitka (especially when paired with any wood from the Mahogany family) has plenty enough for me!
😊
From what I've experienced , the adi top has a crispiness to it that it makes that om sound as it's back and sides were mahogany ish. So it's sharper. But the low end on the sitka is lovely too.
Great comparison
Thanks Mark!
The sitka top is like listening to an old vinyl record, while the adi top is the CD version of the same music. Would love to hear the same comparison with a sinker mahogany body. As for which one I preferred between these two, the sitka. Reminds me of those evenings listening to old Elvis, Neil Diamond, and Fleetwood Mac on my parent's giant Zenith console record player.
Thanks, Jason. Great analogy- and record collection. :)
Such a clear difference when heard side to side like this - Thank You! To my Ear, I found the Sitka WARM and ROUND & the Adirondack had BRIGHTNESS and rang CLEAR. I'm a Strummer and occasional Picker, so I suppose this is why my Guitars mostly have Sitka Soundboards. This was really great.
Glad it helped, DOD 👍
Ya it kills me I like strumming and I need to be careful with my Adi, but love it for fingerpicking
Also the jump in volume and power when switching from soft fingerstyle to strumming hard on is unbelievable
Honestly found it hard to tell the difference - both sound great. But - I have a 2019 Model America 1, & it is just now starting to open up; it would be awesome if you could do the same comparison on 2 guitars that were both about 10 years old!
Excellent demo of the difference. Sitka warmer, Adirondack with a brighter top end and higher harmonics on the lower strings.
Thanks BB!
adirondack seems best for flatpicking and loud rythmn strumming or blues. I prefer sitka for fingerpicking and midrange or solo strumming
My thoughts exactly!
I preferred the Sitka for the fingerpicking. Smooth and mellow.
Thanks, Karl
Sitka for fingerpicking and adirondack for strumming
There's a lot of talk about Brazilian rosewood and Adirondack spruce. Tbh I prefer EIR and sitka. To each their own though
Wonderful comparison video. When it comes to the OM-28, best to have one of each top, sitka and adi. Why settle? Probably the best guitar of all time. I have an adi and getting ready to buy one in sitka. I could never part with the adi top as it has tremendous headroom and sustain for a smaller body guitar. The sitka is warmer but has to be played a bit softer than the adi top so there is the why for having both. Different songs, different genres. The OM-28 really is the Martin swiss army knife and probably the only model I would feel compelled to have several versions in my herd.
Thanks CR!
Really great comparison Maury. I am hard pressed to pick a favorite. But if the upcharge for Adi is an extra $800 - $1000, I'd opt for Sitka. Or I would maybe opt for Sitka with VTS. Do you think Adi braces with a Sitka top is a good way to get a little more out of a sitka top? I'm not saying it needs it. The Sitka guitar sounded great.
Thanks Gary! I'd try VTS Sitka before trying adi braces on regular sitka - but that's me. Matter of fact I'd expect an Adi top with Sitka braces to sound better than sitka top with adi. We do have a VTS sitka om coming in with rosewood B&S and a V neck. Sound familiar? ;)
In my opinion... The Adirondack is just as much about response as sonic differences. Both can be just as good as the other to my ears. Addy is generally louder and brighter to my ears. Personal case in point... I have a Taylor 810 with aderondak top. It's been my go to guitar for 10 plus years. It sounds stellar,and I haven't played a Martin or anything else to make me wanna part with it. I played a Taylor 810 with standerd Sitka last year that I liked more. Lots like Addy in the cosmetic department,with the wide grain that it usually has. I prefer a great pc of spruce of equal grading, personally. In this video... Addy wins to me!
Thanks Ron… well-said !
Rachel ..German and Italian Spruce is more like Adirondack. Louder and a tad brighter than Sitka. They are very stiff woods. Sitka is a very nice middle of road sound that lends itself well to everything.
I like the warmth of Sitka better overall. Adi's punchiness is nice, but can get abrasive at times. My favorite is probably VTS Sitka, modern, clear, better projection like adi but without the tinniness I sometimes hear. I have an Adi guitar and have somewhat mixed feelings on it, but will keep it a while before I decide.
I think Alex may have hit the nail on the head. Sitka with VTS is likely a very sweet spot. The Adi sounds a bit punchier and it might bite and cut more in a mix but it also may not be quite as sweet as Sitka
@@gair1944 I love my VTS addy hog CS 000!
Sitka VTS is dam good. I agree there. If I was getting vts, I'd get Sitka. I tnink it was made for it. Perfect
Give that Addy top a couple years. Will have the best of both worlds
How ‘bout it!
@@MaurysMusic 😉
Sitka is more gentle & polite. Adrionac has a kind of wildness to it (bit like bunya)?
The difference is really really small. Maybe one of the least important differences. I think Sitka sounds better on dreadnought and OM bodies. Adirondack is better for 00 and smaller
Thanks for your vote, J.
Fascinating comparison. I'm surprised how loud the high E sounded on the red spruce during the fingerpicking. How much sparkle you want in your highs might drive that decision. On the strumming, I thought the guitars sounded very similar, and the Sitka didn't give any ground there, IMO.
Sound basically the same to me. Of course I don't have much of an ear, obviously.
I prefer adirondack. Sitka is great, but slower response and not as clear.
I own both and use them in different applications.
Truth!!
Normally i prefer the Adirondack, but in this Video i like the Sitka better.
Sitka by far... especially for fingerstyle. It is warmer and way more responsive. Adi sounds thin and bright.
👍👍
Adi is superior. It’s like the guitars already plugged into an amp. Best way to describe that clarity and volume.
Thanks Ryan.
I would say Adi tops for rockin out but Sitka for folk and fingerstyle
@@hotlov72 finger style dunno, i much prefer the dynamism in my Adi top n the lack of effort, and clarity of note separation (tho that might be the maple back too)
I'm gonna have to side with the Adirondack. I own a Sitka and a Sepele. I hope to own an Adirondack someday. Plus, I used to live in the Adirondack Mountains.
Adi best
ADI
The Sitka is high definition color... the Adirondack is IMAX 3D.
I preferred the sitka version. Overtones.
Thanks for your vote
ADIRONDACK IS GENERAL!
Oh yeah!
Sitka. Better bass. More mellow overall.
Adi was jangly
Thanks for your vote!
Sad music: Sitka. Happy music: Adirondack
Interesting 👍
Sitka for me. lot cheaper than adi too.
There’s a reason Martin uses Sitka on so many builds!
Sitka has an older guitar sound.
👍
Sitka sounds richer and bassier. I wonder after 10 years
After 10 years, warmer still.
:) true indeed, I suppose I was more wondering if the Adi will catch up or surpass richness?
sitka's more all aound balanced . the addy's too loud imo
👍
Sitka sound by far better
Thanks for your vote!
Just have both...and german....and some torrefied.
:) … and …