dararith -> Spruce wood type preferences for bright sound (Mar. 7 2011 8:22:48)
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Wonderful aficionados, I have my heart set and I decided to buy a flamenco guitar and stray away from my Yamaha CG171SF that I've been playing for a bit. I have a local Luthier that will be hand-crafting an instrument for me. The guitar sound I am looking into should be more of a traditional blend where the sound is bright as brightest can be, and the control to be responsive and highly percussive. I should be able to hear each stroke for say, an amii rasgueado, clearly with distinct sound separation per flick, as required, and with minimal sustain......and preferably no buzzing. For these reasons, I have decided on a Blanca (though I'm sure enthusiasts can chime in otherwise for the Negra team). I am leading towards a spruce (over cedar) as I hear that's the more bright sounding of the two, and I'd like for it to age with me as I start to develop on my own, compared to cedar not sounding significantly any different as it ages. My question is really about the types of spruce wood used in producing this effect, and after doing some research, I cannot come up with a sound answer (pun intended), and would like your opinion for the choices for a guitar top. This soundboard will be used with Monterrey Cypress sides/back, tuning pegs, rosewood fingerboard, cedar neck. The setup is for a lightweight guitar that I can hopefully play loud, although I know some sacrifices must be made if I want it to be responsive and bright (that takes precedence)--you just can't have it all, and I understand (unless...?). For a spruce top, I'm deciding between Adirondack, Engelmann, Sitka, and European Spruce. 1) If they were all of average quality wood, which would you opt for? 2) And If they're all of high quality wood, which would you opt for? 3) What are your personal preferences in order? 4) Any other wood type besides the ones I mentioned to get the sound I described? I'm leaning towards European Spruce as it's tried and tested in the past (you can't really go wrong with it even if the quality nowadays can be comparable due to its scarcity). Although Adirondack (according to LMII) seems like it can be a good choice in getting a bright, rich sound. I know I can try out all the guitars and such, but I know there are great luthiers on this site (you all!) and if you have any experience making/playing with this type of setup, if there are any helpful insights you can provide me. Thanks!
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