Classical and Flamenco Guitar Wood Characteristics
Classical and Flamenco Guitar Wood Characteristics
| Top: Solid Red Cedar or Solid German Spruce Spruce is light in color and has a bright sound that carries well in a concert hall. Cedar is a darker wood with a rich warm sound. Back & Sides: Mahogany, Rosewood, Sycamore, or Cypress Mahogany is a moderately hard and heavy wood that is often used for the back and sides. Its color varies from brown to reddish-brown. Rosewood is a more expensive wood that is also dark brown with red tints, but can also contain some small black grains. Brazilian Rosewood is rare and has a much more marbled grain than other types of Rosewood. Cypress is a very dense wood that helps to create the brightness of the Flamenco Guitar. Its characteristics also give it the presence needed for Flamenco performances. Sycamore is a less expensive wood that is similar to Cypress. It is a good compromise for flamenco guitars when an affordable price is important. Neck: Mahogany or Cedar Mahogany is a darker, heavier wood than cedar. Cedar is most commonly used in concert guitars due to its increased strength. Fingerboard: Rosewood or Ebony Ebony is a very expensive, dark, hard wood and is the choice for the concert guitar. Rosewood is often used as an economical alternative to Ebony. |