Cedar is back on the menu!

[William2]

Well, I did a lot of listening today of Cedar topped guitars. I've changed my mind. I'd love to have a Cedar / mahogany instrument.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8qymkU-toT8

[B0WIE]

 William, as someone who listens to endless sound clips online, one of the most important things I've discovered is that the response is 50% of what makes a guitar, and it's something you cannot hear in clips. The way a guitar responds to our input can completely change the way we play. For instance, I never understood the point of the SD/DS because they didn't sound particularly unique in clips. When I tried one, it was shocking just how much I was missing in the clips. It was like the first time I pressed the throttle in a sports car and felt the frightening thrust of acceleration. The response changes everything.

 And, it's not just a matter of loud/quiet. Some let you bring out more bass. Others have a treble that will bite or relax depending how to play. Cedar is a wood that doesn't sound all that compelling in clips. It just seems mellow. But, when you FEEL how it behaves to your input, you realize it can be much more 'dimensional' than spruce. By that I mean, you can get a wider range of behaviors, especially in terms of dynamics, because it's so sensitive. That doesn't mean it's "better". Just that there's a lot to it that you won't hear in clips, or even necessarily in a store. But, in a quiet practice space, there's a lot to explore.

[John in Charm City]

A cedar top adds in a bit of warmth to the sound. Almost like rolling off the top end of the EQ a little. Still plenty of clarity, though, especially in a smaller bodied guitar. And as mentioned above, the dynamics of cedar in a well-designed, well-built guitar can be a level higher than spruce IME. A generalization, but one I've found to be true in many cases.

I can also attest that a cedar/walnut Larrivee is a fine sounding guitar.

So many cedar fans here and understandably so - speaks to the level of knowledge and actual playing time in this group.  Such a valuable resource.

John

[BlueBowman]

Bowie is spot on about the response of a guitar being a big deal. It absolutely changes the way I play a guitar. Matching a player's technique to the response of a guitar is also something worth exploring: the right match can do wonders for such a player. Good to have it brought up here, because I don't see that aspect of guitar discussed enough on forums. It's very important.

William, you've got to get a good one in your hands (sound clips are so limited). Like spruce, we can't put cedar into one tonal box. They vary by make and model. But with dynamics, they've got a serious edge on spruce IMO. You being a former classical player, I'd think you'd really enjoy taking a great cedar-topped guitar for a spin 

[William2]

I'd like to try one out if I could find a lefty model LOL. Speaking of classical guitar, I kind of went with the Segovia / Parkening sound, and they used Cedar instruments. But I always thought Bream and Williams used spruce topped classicals. I wonder which is the more popular top wood in the classical guitar world.

[BlueBowman]

I'd like to try one out if I could find a lefty model LOL.

That's a tough lot in the guitar world, William. A friend is in the same boat. I've seen the frustration from him.

If I'm not mistaken, there's one or two lefty guitar stores out there that cater mainly to southpaws (I just realized the irony of such a store always keeping in stock one or two right handed guitars  I hope they do!). Getting in good with the staff of these stores might be something worth pursuing.

Speaking of classical guitar, I kind of went with the Segovia / Parkening sound, and they used Cedar instruments. But I always thought Bream and Williams used spruce topped classicals. I wonder which is the more popular top wood in the classical guitar world.

I have no idea. But the few high-end shops I've been to that carry classicals, it seemed there were plenty of cedar-topped guitars to choose from. Certainly way more than we see in the steel string world.

[B0WIE]

Every time I see this thread the Lord of the Rings scene pops in my head so I've GOT to ask, was that an inspiration here? 

[Silence Dogood]

Every time I see this thread the Lord of the Rings scene pops in my head so I've GOT to ask, was that any inspiration here? 

"GET A FIRE GOIN'!"