E-minor7 Posted February 20, 2012 Posted February 20, 2012 I understand that spruce is harder (denser?) than ceder and that ceder is mellower sounding than the brighter spruce. Spruce is stronger and ceder more is fragile, but how can one actually see what is what. Is there a significant grain pattern difference like between rose and hog or where do I start ? What I'm thinking of is my enigmatic C&W top replacement. It appears so soft - material as sound wise - and have the color of dark butter.
Buc McMaster Posted February 20, 2012 Posted February 20, 2012 Cedar is usually a very tight, straight grain that is red in appearance. I believe that traditionally cedar is used for nylon string tops.....softer wood, easier to drive with lighter string tension. That said, I have seen many steel strings built with cedar, particularly Takamine instruments. I have no idea if the bracing is different between spruce and cedar whne used on a steel string....seems as if the softer wood might require more robust braces.
retrorod Posted February 20, 2012 Posted February 20, 2012 Em7, could we see a pic please? I have often wondered how to tell the difference also. My '72 J-100 has an ambered top with some very pretty 'silking' in the grain. Its hard to photograph. It has been noted in archival material that these had cedar tops. Would love to see yours for comparison. It may help the more knowledgable here make the call as well.
E-minor7 Posted February 21, 2012 Author Posted February 21, 2012 ….......….........…..……................................…...These pics could look like spruce – but what is the visual difference ? ..…................................. ........................................
j45nick Posted February 21, 2012 Posted February 21, 2012 As Buc mentioned, cedar is extremely tight-grained, as it is a slower-growing tree than most spruces. It is not a traditional sound board wood for American-made steel string guitars. I have a beautiful Spanish-built classical with a cedar top, rosewood B/S, and ebony board and bridge. This is a fairly common combination for higher-end classicals, but not for steel-string guitars, and certainly not for any Gibson that I am aware of. We have so much spruce in this country that cedar doesn't generally come into the equation. Cedar is generally thought to be a warmer top wood than spruce, which is usually thought of as brighter and more "punchy". The cedar top on my classical is slightly redder than any spruce top guitar I have, even those with "vintage" toners. It is very tight-grained, and very slightly "silked". It's not always easy to tell the two woods apart visually, although color can be a clue.
retrorod Posted February 21, 2012 Posted February 21, 2012 Not sure what wood the top is, but it radiates nicely...'
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.