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.
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.
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
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
#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 :)
Darrell you are one of the best reviewers. You play short chordal tones and riffs with each guitar. A lot of folks play one guitar too long and by the time they switch my ears have lost context. Your comparison was comprehensive without overwhelming me with one sound. And you play beautifully too.
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!
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.
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
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".
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.
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.
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
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.
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 👍
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.
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 🤔
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.
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!
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
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?
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.
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!
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
Great comparison. Thanks!. Having played cedar for +50 years, I wanted to try something more "in-your-face, flamenco, raw, loud.....", ie. less subtle. I love the soft delicacy of the cedar, but sometimes my mood needs more ragged, earthy, more violent passion, as I go mental and do my crazy riffs with eyes shut!! Definitely, one of each.
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!
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.
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!
While I couldn't hear a difference in the cedar vs mahagony you did in on one of the videos, this time I did hear a difference, I love the cedar. Its voice has more character, like some EQ was applied, a more interesting sound.
I can hear similarities and differences depending on what you’re playing with each guitar. At the end of the day it comes down to the one you like. Love your presentations and playing. Thank You.
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!)
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!
The differences were noticeable and your demo definitely helped bring these out! I wasn’t expecting to hear such a distinct difference; agreed with you. I confess to having a cedar preference (and hence mahogany) rather than the brighter flatter spruce - even for strumming.
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!
As a finger picker, I have always loved the sound of my old Seagull S6 with its cedar top over my more expensive guitars with sitka spruce tops. I always just put it down to the manufacturing differences of the instruments and the fact that I have had the Seagull longer and just got used to it, but I now see just how much of a difference the tonewood makes. I have never heard a back to back comparison that definitive before. The spruce is definitely cleaner and brighter, but the cedar is way more intimate, and still my favorite.
Interesting comparison, thanks for sharing. I recently bought an Eastman AC222CE that should have come with a spruce top, however due to the tone (and color) I suspect it has a cedar top, the sounds was what stood out to me when testing the guitar, and after watching this video, I am convinced it is cedar. I could have returned it due to the manufacturing inconsistency, however I really like the sound and the fact that it is probably a rare event to have an AC222 with a different top than the one in the specs.
I wasn’t prepared for the extent of the difference! In my head, I picture the cedar as my bedroom guitar (love the warmth), and the spruce for performances (love the projection). Great demo, Thank you.
What a really great comparison video! I am looking to buy a Furch and this has helped to understand which top I prefer. I really didn't think I was going to hear such a big difference. For me, I prefer the chime and shimmer of the spruce if I had to pick one.
LOVED your clean and tasty fingerstyle picking on both! I gravitated towards spruce from the first few strums and notes, I think. I like definition and as you said yourself, the spruce top cut through more. I get the full range argument when playing alone, but even there, I think I'm partial to the tone of the spruce top. Another great comparison and helping to decide what to look for when going about gear shopping. Thanks a bunch!
My sincerest apologies if you mentioned this in the video and I didn’t catch it, but if I recall you had your Stonebridge for some time before this video and the spruce guitar was fairly new. I feel that this can definitely contribute to how good the guitar sounds as I prefer them “played in.” As always great video!
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.
I’m a little late to the comments section here but I really feel compelled to weigh in, even if nobody reads my comments. Darrell, your playing is lovely, expressive, sensitive, accomplished and flawless. This comparison is one of the best I’ve seen yet. My overall impression is that both tops work very well, each in different applications. Cedar is a much softer wood than Spruce thus it is more responsive under a soft and medium attack. It has less headroom than spruce and thus breaks up under aggressive play, especially strumming and hard lead with a pick. A Cedar top, assuming it is braced well, cannot be beat for general fingerstyle, Celtic, arpeggiated melody, chord melody and songwriting. Spruce is stiffer thus imparts a more distinct and clear note differentiation. It is immediate, loud, has good headroom, holds up to picks and gets better with age. Cedar will age but not like Spruce. Cedar has tons of overtones and harmonics. Spruce is somewhat more direct and clear which makes it great for lead and rhythm. I own several of both and love them all for different reasons. Cedar tops are soft. They ding if you so much as look at them cross eyed. If that bothers you then buyer beware. I’m having a custom Lowden built for me, Cedar over Madagascar Rosewood. It was a difficult choice but ultimately Cedar won out because I felt it best represented the Lowden tonal character. If it was a custom Martin I might have chosen Englemann or Euro Spruce or maybe even Sitka. This was a really informative comparison but to my ear, admittedly very sensitive, the Stonebridge guitar was tuned off key by a few cents. That made the comparison a tiny bit skewed. Nonetheless it shows clearly the value of tonewood selection and that there isn’t one perfect combination. Well done!
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'.
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! 🤓🎸🤘🏻
Big differnece! I agree with what you said about brightnes, warmth and so forth. Exactly what i hear too. I like them both. I have guitars with cedar, spruce and mahgony tops for differnet purposes.
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.
Great player, great teacher, and yet Darrell you are so humble and without ego. Love your videos and their subjects but this channel is great because of your character, good on you mate regards Tom Adair.
Thanks Darrell, another excellent video. I could also hear the difference and agree that cedar top is not as bright as the spruce. Thanks for the context of where each top excels. Until watching this comparison I was leaning towards a spruce top. Now I'm thinking cedar as its definitely a warmer tone wood and I really enjoy finger style and don't need to cut through against competing instruments. Once again Darrell thanks.
Wow! Great comparison! I own this very same Stonebridge cedar top guitar. Sometimes, I wish I could toggle a switch and turn it into a spruce top guitar. What a presence with strumming!
Very nice video. I have been mulling over this topic for some time. . Still can't decide. Video was helpful but will have to play both and then choose.Thanks
I personally enjoyed the Spruce higher on the neck/riffing and cedar lower on the neck/strumming. Both are fantastic instruments for their own purpose. BTW the thumbnail has the two headers over the wrong guitars. Great stuff as always Darrell!
Your assessment is perfect. Just dependent on when and how one uses the instrument. Both perform great for a need. I would use cedar as no competition with other instruments to cut through in my world.
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.
I agree that the spruce top is much brighter and produced a slightly higher volume. The cedar is warm and allows notes to blend in a rich, warm tone. Side note... what key were you tuned to when using double capos? That was fantastic.
The spruce was clear, defined and projected well. But man oh man the cedar was like hot cocoa on a cold winter day. Sweet, smooth and warm to the ears. Beautiful overtones with mids to die for. The spruce would definitely be great for a band to help cut through and the cedar fills that void for that intimate setting for a singer alone. Both outstanding instruments and would be happy with either.
Nice comparison. I have both spruce and cedar on my acoustic steel guitars and I by far like the warmer sound of cedar. Same thing on my classical acoustic cedar all the way.
Long time follower, will always lean on your advice. Here's a thought, (first, let me preface that I do not think the back and sides make as much of a difference as we think it does) Driftwood guitars uses laminated sides and when you think about it like a drum, this starts to make more sense) I think it's pretty clear that a cedar top has deeper more mellow upper mid-range tones, it's a softer wood that kind of seems to make sense. Spruce top, more dense, less flexibility. Higher notes. So then what about more exotic tops like KOA or mahogany? Traditionally we have classified these as darker tones more muted, but given the fact they are a more stiff wood similar to the spruce, why would it not be the same in the sense of brightness? So what's the difference? Is it all mental and we're just buying on looks? Possibly.
Great shootout! Given the comments of how each tone wood might perform in a mix, it’d be great to have another similar shootout that does exactly that: puts each of these in a mix on rhythm in a few different styles to give a better sense of how they’d perform in real-world situations.
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.
Great comparison video! They both sound great! I think I lean slightly towards the spruce in this comparison. I like cedar tops more when they are paired with mahogany back and sides usually.
Great post as always! I know why you bought 2, both sounds incredible! To my ears, the cedar sounds scooped in the mids, and the spruce opened up on the mids giving it alot of presence. Now, time for me to convince my “wifey” why we need more than 1 acoustic 😉 ...and 1 more 😁. Love the “Amazing Grace” lick!
I have both. What I hear is Spruce is brasher and more dynamic, but both in a good good way. Cedar is so sweet and tender. Definitely has a thing that just is fun to play as a more mellow thing. My Cedar top guitar is my older less expensive guitar and thus I use it at the campfire and it just does not dissappoint. Totally love both
![[MV] A leap of faith...ความเชื่อใจครั้งสุดท้าย (From "Petrichor the series")](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/U1piZH2CNXA/mqdefault.jpg)
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
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.
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 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
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.
#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 :)
Darrell you are one of the best reviewers. You play short chordal tones and riffs with each guitar. A lot of folks play one guitar too long and by the time they switch my ears have lost context. Your comparison was comprehensive without overwhelming me with one sound. And you play beautifully too.
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*
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!
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.
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
Refreshing "Amazing Grace" brief instru with the Capo part.
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".
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.
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
cedar is actually used mostly on classical guitars for nylon strings
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
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 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.
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 👍
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.
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 🤔
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
This guy does the best comparison videos. Hands down.
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.
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!
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
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?
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.
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!
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
Great comparison. Thanks!. Having played cedar for +50 years, I wanted to try something more "in-your-face, flamenco, raw, loud.....", ie. less subtle. I love the soft delicacy of the cedar, but sometimes my mood needs more ragged, earthy, more violent passion, as I go mental and do my crazy riffs with eyes shut!! Definitely, one of each.
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!
That is an absolutely beautiful rendition or piece of a rendition of amazing grace. Sounding so amazing on the cedar guitar too!
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.
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.
Hi Darrell do you plan to do a studio tour anytime soon? Would love to see some behind the scenes stuff!
Best comparison of cedar vs. spruce tops I've seen. Thank you!
well done comparison review!
My first little guitar was cedar top. I loved that mellow muted tone. Good for someone not too accurate at picking.
Both guitars are very beautiful! The spruce has a sparkly magic that takes it for me
While I couldn't hear a difference in the cedar vs mahagony you did in on one of the videos, this time I did hear a difference, I love the cedar.
Its voice has more character, like some EQ was applied, a more interesting sound.
Spruce definitely cuts through and has that shimmer.
I can hear similarities and differences depending on what you’re playing with each guitar. At the end of the day it comes down to the one you like. Love your presentations and playing. Thank You.
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!)
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!
The differences were noticeable and your demo definitely helped bring these out! I wasn’t expecting to hear such a distinct difference; agreed with you. I confess to having a cedar preference (and hence mahogany) rather than the brighter flatter spruce - even for strumming.
I like all your videos, but THAT was the most informative I've heard so far, answering a question I've had for a long time. Thanks, Darrell!
Great comparison. I've never seen TWO capos used at the same time. That was new. Now I"ve got to try it.
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.
liked the cedar better. More full sound to my ears. Love the comparisons also. Thanks
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!
Great comparison! Thanks!
As a finger picker, I have always loved the sound of my old Seagull S6 with its cedar top over my more expensive guitars with sitka spruce tops. I always just put it down to the manufacturing differences of the instruments and the fact that I have had the Seagull longer and just got used to it, but I now see just how much of a difference the tonewood makes. I have never heard a back to back comparison that definitive before. The spruce is definitely cleaner and brighter, but the cedar is way more intimate, and still my favorite.
I also have and love my Seagull,,, cherry side
the best comparison! this is how comparisons should be done: short identical pieces + genuinely good mic
The cedar sounds more tone rich to me especially on the low notes
Lots of overtones
Interesting comparison, thanks for sharing. I recently bought an Eastman AC222CE that should have come with a spruce top, however due to the tone (and color) I suspect it has a cedar top, the sounds was what stood out to me when testing the guitar, and after watching this video, I am convinced it is cedar.
I could have returned it due to the manufacturing inconsistency, however I really like the sound and the fact that it is probably a rare event to have an AC222 with a different top than the one in the specs.
Wow, I own a Furch with Spruce and Mahogany back. Great comparison! Love Furch's and Stonebridge. Great playing!
Lowdens are my favourite.
I wasn’t prepared for the extent of the difference! In my head, I picture the cedar as my bedroom guitar (love the warmth), and the spruce for performances (love the projection). Great demo, Thank you.
What a really great comparison video! I am looking to buy a Furch and this has helped to understand which top I prefer. I really didn't think I was going to hear such a big difference.
For me, I prefer the chime and shimmer of the spruce if I had to pick one.
LOVED your clean and tasty fingerstyle picking on both! I gravitated towards spruce from the first few strums and notes, I think. I like definition and as you said yourself, the spruce top cut through more. I get the full range argument when playing alone, but even there, I think I'm partial to the tone of the spruce top.
Another great comparison and helping to decide what to look for when going about gear shopping. Thanks a bunch!
My sincerest apologies if you mentioned this in the video and I didn’t catch it, but if I recall you had your Stonebridge for some time before this video and the spruce guitar was fairly new. I feel that this can definitely contribute to how good the guitar sounds as I prefer them “played in.” As always great video!
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.
Thank you so much for doing an acoustic video. Would you consider to do more acoustic videos, please?
I do have my cedar acoustic guitar (first guitar ever that I own). It sounds fuller, deeper & warmer while I play percussive fingerstyle guitar
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.
I’m a little late to the comments section here but I really feel compelled to weigh in, even if nobody reads my comments. Darrell, your playing is lovely, expressive, sensitive, accomplished and flawless. This comparison is one of the best I’ve seen yet. My overall impression is that both tops work very well, each in different applications. Cedar is a much softer wood than Spruce thus it is more responsive under a soft and medium attack. It has less headroom than spruce and thus breaks up under aggressive play, especially strumming and hard lead with a pick. A Cedar top, assuming it is braced well, cannot be beat for general fingerstyle, Celtic, arpeggiated melody, chord melody and songwriting. Spruce is stiffer thus imparts a more distinct and clear note differentiation. It is immediate, loud, has good headroom, holds up to picks and gets better with age. Cedar will age but not like Spruce. Cedar has tons of overtones and harmonics. Spruce is somewhat more direct and clear which makes it great for lead and rhythm. I own several of both and love them all for different reasons. Cedar tops are soft. They ding if you so much as look at them cross eyed. If that bothers you then buyer beware. I’m having a custom Lowden built for me, Cedar over Madagascar Rosewood. It was a difficult choice but ultimately Cedar won out because I felt it best represented the Lowden tonal character. If it was a custom Martin I might have chosen Englemann or Euro Spruce or maybe even Sitka. This was a really informative comparison but to my ear, admittedly very sensitive, the Stonebridge guitar was tuned off key by a few cents. That made the comparison a tiny bit skewed. Nonetheless it shows clearly the value of tonewood selection and that there isn’t one perfect combination. Well done!
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'.
I love the sound of the spruce overall just more my style I guess thank you I love your channel.
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! 🤓🎸🤘🏻
Big differnece! I agree with what you said about brightnes, warmth and so forth. Exactly what i hear too. I like them both. I have guitars with cedar, spruce and mahgony tops for differnet purposes.
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.
Great player, great teacher, and yet Darrell you are so humble and without ego. Love your videos and their subjects but this channel is great because of your character, good on you mate regards Tom Adair.
These are both such beautiful guitars! Thank you for this upload it really helped me choose my guitar 🙌🏻
Best comparison video, especially the clear single-note comparisons. I prefer the warmth of the Cedar.
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! 🙏🏻
Thanks Darrell, another excellent video. I could also hear the difference and agree that cedar top is not as bright as the spruce. Thanks for the context of where each top excels. Until watching this comparison I was leaning towards a spruce top. Now I'm thinking cedar as its definitely a warmer tone wood and I really enjoy finger style and don't need to cut through against competing instruments. Once again Darrell thanks.
Wow! Great comparison! I own this very same Stonebridge cedar top guitar. Sometimes, I wish I could toggle a switch and turn it into a spruce top guitar. What a presence with strumming!
Very nice video. I have been mulling over this topic for some time. . Still can't decide. Video was helpful but will have to play both and then choose.Thanks
I personally enjoyed the Spruce higher on the neck/riffing and cedar lower on the neck/strumming. Both are fantastic instruments for their own purpose. BTW the thumbnail has the two headers over the wrong guitars. Great stuff as always Darrell!
Thanks that was a great comparison. Both give wonderful sounds, I lean more to spruce for playing. Thanks again.
Your assessment is perfect. Just dependent on when and how one uses the instrument. Both perform great for a need. I would use cedar as no competition with other instruments to cut through in my world.
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?
I agree that the spruce top is much brighter and produced a slightly higher volume. The cedar is warm and allows notes to blend in a rich, warm tone. Side note... what key were you tuned to when using double capos? That was fantastic.
The spruce was clear, defined and projected well. But man oh man the cedar was like hot cocoa on a cold winter day. Sweet, smooth and warm to the ears. Beautiful overtones with mids to die for. The spruce would definitely be great for a band to help cut through and the cedar fills that void for that intimate setting for a singer alone. Both outstanding instruments and would be happy with either.
Nice comparison. I have both spruce and cedar on my acoustic steel guitars and I by far like the warmer sound of cedar. Same thing on my classical acoustic cedar all the way.
Long time follower, will always lean on your advice. Here's a thought, (first, let me preface that I do not think the back and sides make as much of a difference as we think it does) Driftwood guitars uses laminated sides and when you think about it like a drum, this starts to make more sense) I think it's pretty clear that a cedar top has deeper more mellow upper mid-range tones, it's a softer wood that kind of seems to make sense. Spruce top, more dense, less flexibility. Higher notes. So then what about more exotic tops like KOA or mahogany? Traditionally we have classified these as darker tones more muted, but given the fact they are a more stiff wood similar to the spruce, why would it not be the same in the sense of brightness? So what's the difference? Is it all mental and we're just buying on looks? Possibly.
Thanks for that brilliant review. I completely agree with your conclusion.
Great shootout! Given the comments of how each tone wood might perform in a mix, it’d be great to have another similar shootout that does exactly that: puts each of these in a mix on rhythm in a few different styles to give a better sense of how they’d perform in real-world situations.
Great video and clear comparrison. Solved my last problem in picking a new acoustic guitar. Ceder top itizzz
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.
I liked the cedar top. My sister had a cedar top nylon string guitar when we were kids. Always liked that tone.
I love the sound of the cedar top on finger picking. Smells good too!
I was surprised at the difference and overall preferred the cedar sound.
Thanks for posting you are a skilled guitarist.
Great comparison video! They both sound great! I think I lean slightly towards the spruce in this comparison. I like cedar tops more when they are paired with mahogany back and sides usually.
Great post as always! I know why you bought 2, both sounds incredible! To my ears, the cedar sounds scooped in the mids, and the spruce opened up on the mids giving it alot of presence. Now, time for me to convince my “wifey” why we need more than 1 acoustic 😉 ...and 1 more 😁. Love the “Amazing Grace” lick!
I have both. What I hear is Spruce is brasher and more dynamic, but both in a good good way. Cedar is so sweet and tender. Definitely has a thing that just is fun to play as a more mellow thing. My Cedar top guitar is my older less expensive guitar and thus I use it at the campfire and it just does not dissappoint. Totally love both