Classical Guitar | Indian or Brazilian Rosewood? | Which wood sounds best for a classical guitar?

[@tommym6335]

Thank you for taking the time to make this informative video. Very much appreciated!

[@maderaguitarras]

Very happy you found it interesting. Thanks Tommy.

[@GarySchiltz]

How about mahogany rather than either rosewood?

[@johnlay3040]

I wouldn't make to much fuss about the wood for the side and back. The key to the tone is the top. Generally I would only consider two woods, namely American Red Cedar and European Spruce (not Engelmann or Sitka). They have different tone colours. If you can afford it will be nice to have both. The back is mainly a reflector, as long as it is hardwood and not too heavy, it will do the job.

[@maderaguitarras]

I agree with you about the importance of the top for the sound. But I am not so agree about the influence of the back and sides for the sound. It is also very important and the quality and kind of back and sides wood it takes quite a lot of influence in the sound. And sometimes the sound can be very different depending on it. For example the use of Rosewood or Cypres can make a big difference to the sound. Also the way of using it by the guitar maker. Thicknesses, reinforcements... It is crucial for the final result. Actually, almost everything in a guitar takes influence in the final result. The back and sides a lot.

[@tasosdiaforetico7377]

My gosh I found you Alberto, I'm tasi I'm wishing you the best always

[@Joe-qw6il]

Which wood combinations are the best for a high quality guitar? What should I look for in a 2000 euro guitar in spain?

[@maderaguitarras]

Hi Joe. In my opinion 2000 euro is not enough to get a high quality guitar made by a good quality maker. For wood there are many kind such as india, Madagascar, Brazilian, Maple, Cypress... It is a question of your own taste (not about quality) to choose between them. For top you only have two choices Spruce or Cedar. Regards from Granada.

[@Joe-qw6il]

@@maderaguitarras thank you so much for your reply, in your opinion at which price point does a high quality Spanish guitar begin, I will never be a concert level guitarist but I really want one of these guitars, any luthier recommendations? And while we’re on that subject what inventory of guitars do you have? Thanks again from California.

[@maderaguitarras]

Hi Joe. For these kind of questions please contact us by email. [e-mail] I have one recommendation for you of an amazing Granada guitar maker for a really good price you should have a look. I recently discovered him and I was very surprised of his high quality in every aspect. I bet will be one of the most famous ones soon for the coming years.

[@johnlay3040]

2000 Euros is the price for high end student guitars. Cordoba have their student models made in China and very good. Alhambra is another brand you should consider. However, don't limit yourself to Spanish products for that price. Japanese and Chinese luthiers have made outstanding guitars these days, eg. Yamaha, Asturias, Yairi, Saers, Altamira, Yulong Guo, Rick Falkiner, etc. The Rick Falkiner (Australia) guitars are made by Yulong Guo but carry his label. (Yulong is a prize winning luthier in Granada). They are under 2000 euros, but worth three times as much. Excellent products, the best value for your money.

[@leoyu2142]

What is your personal opinion on Madagascar Rosewood please??

[@maderaguitarras]

I like it. But in my list of favourites I'd put it after Brazilian, India and Cypress.

[@BrianTruesby]

It's useful to remember that every builder has group or range of tonewoods they are most familiar with and that work best for their specific build style. When commissioning a luthier built guitar, I believe it's important to understand the strengths and preferences of that specific constructor. Madagascar is a wonderful tonewood, but it's much more scarce when compared to Indian Rosewood, which is much, much easier to find in quarter-sawn sets and also, far less expensive. Fortunately, theres rich history of incredible instruments made from Indian rosewood in the classical guitar world. That doesnt mean Indian Rosewood is the best tonewood. A great builder can make a great instrument from most sufficient tonewoods.

[@maderaguitarras]

Agree with you Brian.

[@leoyu2142]

@@BrianTruesby Brain, great points!!

[@Chanpanpapi]

Can you talk about other alternatives such as madagascar rosewood, cocobolo and ziricote?

[@maderaguitarras]

My favourites ones are India and Brazilian. Also I love cypress for classical guitars. I also had guitars with Madagascar and Maple sounds very good. The guitars I tried made of cocobolo I never liked them. Ziricote is another wood I didn't have good experience with, but it's true some very good guitar makers today use it and they like it. Maybe I had bad luck with the ones I tried.

[@Chanpanpapi]

@@maderaguitarras You should do a tonewood video! another amazing thing is the Secuoya top, interesting alternative...

[@StephenDorocke]

Any experience with Osage Orange?

[@maderaguitarras]

No experience here. What about you? Interesting one?