I Wish I Knew This Before Buying An Acoustic: THE TOP

[@Incandescentiron]

This is the best comparison of tone wood I've seen. Thank you for posting.

[@IsakuItou]

Tone wood only matters in electric guitars not acoustic guitars 😂

[@billder7304]

@@IsakuItou did someone not watch the video...?

[@FurchGuitarsOfficial]

Lovely video, Paul! Your playing truly does justice to these beautiful guitars. Thanks again for visiting and spending time with us-we’re already looking forward to the next meeting!

[@BoofHeadProductions]

Absolutely fantastic collaboration guys. So grateful to people like you that are willing to give back to the community that supports you by educating people. And you picked an amazing partner in Paul.As a consumer it's always stressful to spend what can amount to alot of dollars on anything. Information shared is something that can help with that stress. Well done & thank you both.

[@Maddy29]

This is amazing guys. Quick question. Is Koa similar sounding to Mahagony?

[@Bjossi]

I’m a Martin fan, own 3 today but ever since I tried a Furch guitar in a shop in Boston some 10 years ago they have been on my mind and wish list. I’m in Iceland and nobody is selling them here. Maybe I take a trip to Czech Republic and buy one.

[@t3r080]

First 30 seconds in and I can already relate. Also... if you hold the guitar slightly tilted on your lap so the BACK is also free of touching your belly the guitar resonates even better. So both top and back are essential and holding the guitar "right" makes a difference. Jocelyn Gould mentions this while visiting the gentlemen of That Pedal Show. Be sure to check that!

[@ccelik97]

This reminder about the back of the guitar touching vs. not touching you makes me wonder if the acoustic guitar designs could be further improved by "caging" up the back, top and bottom sides of the body to ensure they aren't "hugged" by the player, while playing.

[@jonnyderI.]

my guess would be that that limits the volume and for that reason the sound wouldn't benefit. But that's just an uniformed opinion@@ccelik97

[@dcarpenter85]

The Sinker Redwood sounds best to my ears with the styles you are playing in this video. Good volume, great definition, great clarity. And it looks beautiful.

[@sebguyader]

Agreed. Very pleasant sound and I think it would make a great studio guitar

[@paulkurniawansomopawiro8554]

Second to that!

[@rogerdsmith]

The only additions for your comparison I might suggest, would be a mahogany top and a walnut top.

[@joeldcanfield_spinhead]

Indeed. I've not heard walnut, but my mahogany Orangewood sounded round and full, nice bottom end for a 3/4 size

[@mikemorrisonmusic]

I would also suggest Adirondack.

[@SlimeyGuitarStrings]

I love these videos, they're so helpful. The first 2 videos helped me start my search for a nice acoustic a year or two ago. My only critique is that I think a mahogany top really should have been part of the comparison because all mahogany small body guitars do something pretty special.

[@harka8457]

I am happy to be able to say that I own a Furch by myself. And I remember the day in my guitar shop, trying out various accoustic guitars and then they handed me over one with a cedar top. I immediately fell in love and to this day consider it the best accoustic guitar I will ever have and play What a sound and what a difference - at least for my ears !

[@tommylitchfield3450]

I'd love to see a video with "identical" guitars with various spruce tops. Engelmann, Sitka, Alpine, Adirondack, and German. Maybe Sitka with Sitka vs. Adirondack bracing, Forward vs. standard bracing, etc. Does bear claw affect the tone as much as it makes the wood beautiful? And yes, prove to everyone else that uncoated D'Addario phosphor-bronze medium gauge strings are superior to all others for tone :)

[@Sigdnahmot]

I love Engelman so so much.

[@fj.guitar]

This is so informative!! Especially, when you want to buy a new guitar. Thank you Paul🙏🏼

[@HarryNicNicholas]

a local music shop stocks furch and i got my hands on a couple last year and for the price (£300 ish) they are really very good quality, the finish is terrific.

[@p0sher]

A wonderful video - superbly researched and presented, so many thanks! I studied wood science many years ago and my honours project was on the dynamic response of tonewoods in guitar construction and one important characteristic of tonewoods is that final selection must consider that "there is likely to be as much variation whithin a species of wood as there is between species"

[@EliasThury]

Cedar is easily my favorite top wood. In college i had a cheap takamine dread with a cedar top and im still chasing that sound.

[@PaulDavids]

Cedar surprised me massively!

[@gettyshiloh]

The longer I own my Taylor 314ce LTD (Red Cedar & Rosewood), the more it opens up. Paul is right, it tops out quickly in volume, but the mid-lows are becoming my favorite. I've also got a Breedlove Myrtlewood 12 that has interesting bass depth that continues to surprise me.

[@cjgsicknote]

Only problem with cedar tops is how easy they ding. My old takamine santa fe has a beautiful cedar top, full of dings!!

[@allend3127]

I still have my inexpensive Cedar topped Takamine dread. It’s about 20 years old now and is one of the most beautiful sounds I have. It’s beat up, and so now I only take it out a few times a year to play and appreciate. Looking back, it spoiled my ear. That beautiful mix of clarity, chime, and compression have set a benchmark all these years!

[@jamesgrant6086]

Ironically I ordered a cedar topped rosewood b&s flamenco guitar this morning from Spain.

[@MDCapitanio]

I have both cedar and sitka top guitars. I just love how the cedar reaches its limit on dynamic range. It gives that punchy feeling without the effort.

[@joeldcanfield_spinhead]

I've had a Seagull S6 with a cedar top for 20 years. I never thought of the range that way, but I love the tone, the lack of harsh top end and the smooth low mids. My choice for slamming chords in a country rock song, because my vocals don't have to compete with the guitar nearly as much as a spruce top.

[@lofomuses]

Yes, it needs to be STRINGS for Vol 4. Many of us have only 1-2 acoustic guitars, and cannot change top materials so easily! But what can we do to change our tones by using different types/brands of strings?

[@kentvail]

This is the best comparison video I’ve ever seen!!! Love Furch guitars too!! Thanks for posting this!!

[@PeteA54]

Great comparison video, as usual, Paul. A couple of thoughts here. I would have liked to have a mahogany top included. Loved the sparkle of the Koa in this comparison. Going forward, perhaps a comparison of various spruce tops (Adirondack, Sitka, Engelmann, White, European). Strings would make for a great comparison as well. I find that different string materials go with different tone woods. For example, I love Kovar strings on an all Mahogany guitar.

[@roymeyer6837]

Great comparison! Cedar has been among my favorite top woods for a long time. I went shopping for an inexpensive campfire guitar years ago and landed on an entry-level Seagull. It sounded so good that it quickly got promoted from campfire guitar to one I played alongside my solid wood Martins! That made me think I was a huge fan of Seagull's tone, and over the years I've owned a few all-solid models from their Maritime SWS and Artist lines, but none of them quite captivated me like the cheap one did. Turns out all that incredible magic was in the cedar! Now a cedar-topped all solid wood acoustic is one of my must-have future guitar purchases.

[@SakinCorap-c8l]

Same for me. Got a cheap Art & Lutherie Ami parlor with cedar top. I play it more than my Atkin! Haha 😂 cedar is the only top wood that works well with my extra light .10 gauge strings. It’s very responsive

[@grootzijl]

When you asked the question on what to cover next in this series I immediately thought strings even before you mentioned it. I've recently bought a new guitar and I am experimenting with what kind of strings I like best on it, and read quite a bit about the subject. And there is so much choice it's overwhelming (gauges, different tensions, differen cores, alloys, coated vs non coated etc.). I'd love to see your take on the subject. Btw, you got me into Travis picking and I'm loving the Acoustic Adventure course, thanks very much!

[@achimwitcoustic9585]

I bought a Furch around 2009, in their showroom shop in a town not far from the factory. Beautiful Cedar top OM. Very nice shop. The prices back then were ridicously low for such quality guitars. Nice you visited that great company. They make beautiful guitars.

[@taproot381]

Yes I bought a cedar top in 2013 when they were relatively unknown and inexpensive in my country. You will struggle to buy a new one for under 1200 euros these days . Beautiful OM guitar though. It found me that day.

[@achimwitcoustic9585]

@taproot381 my middle class OM model was around 950 that time. Almost hard to believe nowadays😂

[@GaborTheNeuron]

Very good comparison. My favorite is the Koa. The video and sound quality are top-notch as usual.

[@brianhensien]

So hard to find the right acoustic when there are so many lovely options. Really gotta find it for yourself with your own ears but this video helps!

[@paperwings8673]

Cedar for delicate fingerpicking and light strumming, spruce for flatpicking and heavier strumming

[@newardinesh1938]

Paul you're my role model !!! Love these kinds of imformative videos ! THANK YOU❤

[@samuelhatman8995]

So many years ago, I trusted you for standards of measurement. I have always been rewarded to find the very best from your work David. From 9 to 71, all the years I've loved the acoustic instruments. Now with an opportunity to hear your take on strings impacting tonal qualities... frankly I'm excited for the next in this series. That which comprises what we would call simply "you" is needed. Humble thanks from an old player!

[@ianson3]

This is the kind of content I want in YT. Saving in anticipation of my next purchase.

[@simcoe75]

All great sounding and looking guitars. But, for me the koa wins on warmth, clarity, roundness of tone and of course beauty. I have an all koa ukulele which is similar. Superb video Paul and happy new year too 👍🏻

[@gkisscovers5320]

That start with “Nobody Knows You..” 👍🏻🤩

[@InstantKiwi1005]

Cedar it is! Sounds so warm and harmonious...

[@oliverpasieka7685]

i think its very important how different stings can react to the woods and make a even different sound!

[@alperenerdogan1381]

As a naylon string classical player, I always reach out for cedar top guitars. Maybe its not as loud and dynamic as spruce but always resonates the same way even if you practicing silently at night. And for me the most important thing about a guitar is how much fun it makes practicing.

[@tonedwithtj6847]

Im getting a sinker / Brazilian rosewood jumbo built + an Adirondack/ black n white ebony jumbo. Love those woods. This video was super interesting

[@tomaspokorny7862]

Great guitairs and on top from my home country. Definetely wanna buy one, one day... Thanks Paul.

[@LeonWulfo]

Absolutely beautiful video and playing. The quality is the best on KZbin. 😊

[@eldjennemo2122]

Extremely interesting video. These guitars sound really different. I am fond of the cedar top 😊 Thank you so much Paul.

[@KevinMerinoCreations]

Found this quite interesting and informative. The differences are there though, as you pointed out, subtle at first listen and then grow with time. 👏👏👏 BTW, a string comparison video would be great!

[@xacquip9341]

To begin with, I thought Sinker Redwood was the best, until I asked my dad to listen, and he said he thought it produced too sharp a sound. I listened to it a few more times myself, and yeah, it does. However, I think Koa sounds fantastic. Unfortunately, it just lacks a bit of bass. I personally own a Martin 000-18 with a Sitka top, which sounds dreamy. Awesome video you’ve made here, it definitely deserves a like from me.

[@RoyBattyLives]

This has been a super useful video, thanks Paul. We are a Furch family here, wife, uncle and I have them and they are just incredible. I was looking to buy another and this has really helped.

[@oldmanzen6682]

Fantastic video. Thanks for going through all the work of getting them made, shipped, then making the video. Well worth it, as this was great.

[@Truth-4-Humanity]

Digging the sinker redwood! It combines the brightness and loudness in the spruce with the warmth of cedar. No tinny sound. You get clear notes on fingerpicking and warm bright sounding chords.

[@dasninjastix]

I have a Cedar Alvarez and have no wish or want to part with it or replace. Fantastic tone, deep, resonant, and complex.

[@m_Mysteryo]

Thanks for the video, I loved the pure rosewood the most, but all of them sounded just perfect. And I would be more than happy to see another one of this series because I am fascinated by acoustic guitars :3

[@JPinBrooklyn]

Great comparison of tone woods, excellent video, thank you! To add to the mix, I have an all mahogany Martin, that has the most smooth, mellow sound.

[@RobertFisher1969]

This whole series is so valuable. Thanks! It's nice to now understand why I chose sitka for my dreadnought and cedar for my classical decades ago when I didn't know anything except which guitar impressed me the most in the store when I tried them. I expect my next acoustic guitar will be carbon fiber. Not only because it is a different sound than my other guitars, but also because I'm intrigued by the ideal of a guitar made out of such a different material.

[@tshingtenglim965]

Thanks for sharing the differences. Excellent playing and naration as usual 👍🏽

[@scottjones6624]

What a beautifully produced video. So professional. Such visual and acoustic quality.

[@dannylaurence8089]

Great comparisons and great video! I love that Furch plays around with different tops like that. It would be great to see a demo of different strings gauges, materials, coated vs not coated, etc. I’ve been wanting one like that ever since your electric guitar string video.

[@dwarfyh32]

Stunning guitars and a great explanation and demo of the different sounds and capabilities from you and Furch

[@randyc5650]

Paul, you took the word right out of my mouth. "STRINGS"! First, I would love any and all of your new guitars and will take any one that you dislike so much as to give one away. But, as to strings, I use them to fine tune the tone of my guitars. I can't wait to see what you do with them.

[@BeeDubDakota]

I'd love to see a video where @PaulDavids puts his ears to the test and identifies them each by playing them blindfolded.

[@johndill6594]

New guitars that haven't been broken in will hide some of the differences that should get more pronounced as they are played. There is quite a tonal difference that can happen between a new guitar and one that is played every day for a few months. I'd consider remaking a similar video after the guitars are more broken in.

[@cameronthomson6141]

I totally agree. A revisit in 6 months or 1 Year would be very interesting.

[@joniversen]

Would also be interesting to do a «twin comparison» of guitars that are as similar as possible, where one is unused (in the same room/humidity conditions) and one that is being played. Could also be done with triplets++ in various amounts of playing

[@travisgotch161]

Yeah agree would love to see this repeated five years in the future. I have a takamine that I bought in the early 90’s. Nothing fancy but I have several friends that would buy it straight away if I was to sell it. It just gets better every decade

[@jimcadorette1140]

Many years ago I bought a custom Martin 00- 12fret with Engleman spruce. I played the snot out of it with a pick and it always sounded ‘overdriven’ like your cedar guitar. I later learned engleman is a finger style wood but I was a flat picker so I sold it. The prettiest guitar I ever owned. Steve Miller Koa model.

[@justiceraminarman]

Great video! Love hearing the comparisons back to back. Strings would be an awesome breakdown, but I'd also be curious about a tonewoods part 2 that breaks down some of the different treatments, sub-species of tops-like Adirondack vs. Old Growth vs. Engelmann Spruce-or even an overview of different neck profiles (c-shape, modified V, etc. can all be confusing to a newcomer). Aside from that, it'd be super cool to see if you can get your hand on the same type of guitar with the only difference being time to show what it's like for a top to "open up" over 5, 10, 15, even 30 years, though I'm sure that would be less educational.

[@baabaabaa-El]

Excellent video Paul, l never thought a Rosewood top wd sound 'scooped' like that, really interesting. All stunning OMs if l had to pick one it'd be the Koa, its gorgeous!! But lve got 2 spruce (Sitka and Adirondack) steel strings already... probably swayed me(?).

[@mikerichardsonuk]

Playing in is so important, I bought a Furch Violet Gc-EM and now two years on its really opened up, I was a bit disappointed to begin with but really glad I stuck with it, now its amazing.

[@picksalot1]

Though there were distinctive differences in tone and volume between the tops, they were more similar than I expected. Kudos to the Luthier and Paul for this very interesting comparison and video.

[@ROKZLEON]

My faves were the Cedar and Koa. You're right, there are a lot of great tones across all of those woods. 👍🏻

[@jasonnye1436]

Furch is the best! This was a great demonstration as I'm about to order a Rainbow Custom. I think I'm settling on Sinker Redwood for the top. Thanks for the demos and information!

[@Funkofon]

Interesting comparison, last comparison with strumming, the differences are subtle. But on picking parts you can hear the differences. Sitka seems like the most versatile, it does everything great. Cedar however sounds so good - intimate, warm and nuanced.

[@jotwea]

This is a really helpful comparison. It ist amazing, how different these guitars sound. Love it!

[@YouTubeHandlesAreMoronic]

The generalizations that I've developed through experience are: If you play with picks or with a heavy hand, go with Spruce or Mahogany. If you play fingerstyle (no picks) or with a light touch, seek out a Cedar-topped guitar. Cedar allows you to have "meat" on the note, even when playing lightly with fingernails. Sinker Redwood, Rosewood, and to a lesser extent, Koa are uncommon enough to be essentially irrelevant for generalizations. All of this is moot if you use one of those infernal piezo pickups, however; they will all sound terrible.

[@comfortablynumb9342]

I learned a lot from this video. Thanks! They all sound beautiful but I want a koa guitar now because it sounds incredible and it's so pretty. That wood grain is gorgeous.

[@DavidWoodsGuitar]

Lovely video, Paul and the descriptions by Petr of the different wood characteristics were very refreshing. I own a beautiful Lowden O32 which I bought new in late 2001; it's amazing how much the Sitka top has darkened over the years, to resemble Cedar. Similar to your video, I played 4 guitars in the shop, chose 1, then went home. I returned the following day, played the 4 again, and again choose the same one. 23 years later it plays and sounds better than ever, and remains my single best purchase in 40 years of playing music. 🙂

[@grene1955]

Wow...all sounded beautiful, but that Koa model stirred something in my soul.

[@pcar928fan]

I did this back in ‘04 with all the Taylor X14 model guitars at MARS music one afternoon. 914, 814, etc. etc. I played them all and my fav was the Western red cedar top 514CE! It was my absolute favorite tone of all the Taylor guitars at the time.

[@SteveL628]

In 98’ I bought a Taylor 814. It was between that and the 514 with the cedar top. Although I love my 814, I’ve never forgotten the sound of that 514 with the cedar top. Beautiful guitar!

[@pcar928fan]

@ RIGHT?!?! ME TOO!!! I never ended up buying a Taylor…I knew Bill Collings and bought a couple of his guitars, but I’ll be damned if I don’t still dream about that ‘04 514CE! Like I said, I played them all back to back to back and the 514 was like butter. So smooth, so full, so balanced. Loved it!

[@BoomerBass523]

Paul, This is a very informative video and I will likely use this video as a reference in the future. Definitely a top level presentation And thank you for taking the time to add the chapter markings. 🤘 Ken

[@elodino77]

I do find sitka spruce to be the most versatile and traditional sounding. The cedar for the warmth...but you can get a warm sound from sitka spruce as well.

[@salahbal6084]

Thanks for sharing, I really enjoyed hearing the different resonances of each guitar

[@Stratocus]

Fascinating as always. But it does make me wonder... If placing your hand on the top inhibits the sound what effect does the plastic pickguard have? Especially on something like a Gibson J-200 with the double pickguard? Part of the reason for my curiosity is that I have a 1970 Gibson LG-12 which a previous owner had badly abused by trying to install electronics a la a Gibson J160E which left the top badly scarred and poorly repaired. So, I wondered about gluing a veneer to the top to even out its appearance and perhaps strengthen the top. Or what if I made an ornate pickguard that exposed parts of the top? I have a supply of very thin highly figured quilt maple veneer that I've been considering using.

[@JustinNogle]

Sinker Redwood 😍 WOW!!! Thanks for this video!

[@yfz450rider39]

Sinker Redwood would always be my choice. But guitars with it as a top are always stupid expensive.

[@pst_uk]

Very interesting how much difference there is, for me the Koa and Redwood were so much better - I would go with the Koa just a slightly better all round sound. Would be intersting to see a video of non-standard guitars - carbon fibre and other non-wood materials.

[@davelowry123]

I did a different string study some years ago, and didn't find as much difference as I expected. There was a *far* bigger tonal difference from the plectrum I used!

[@barrettflorida]

Great video. I personally love the cedar top on my Taylor 714ce V-class!!

[@alvinles77]

Excellent VIdeo for Tone Wood comparison.. thanks for spending on this video. I hope you get back what you put in

[@brbrshpr7763]

Awesome video and a part 4 comparing what strings complement the tone woods, or vice versa, would be fantastic!

[@jimvergauwe1857]

Maybe the next video can be about strings and picks? Different picks can do a lot to the sound in my opinion. Thankyou for these video’s 🫶🏻

[@denisgithuku8563]

Paul at it again!!

[@rickm4295]

Sitka and then KOA for me . At least from the audio i have available to me here on a laptop. A lot of the tone and great sounds come from the experienced fingers touching it. You can always tell when a players is touching it right. Paul definitely knows how to touch them, lol.

[@windrider65]

The Koa, and the Cedar are my two favorite in that order. I've got a Breedlove with a Cedar top.

[@akustickesrdce4690]

Thanks Paul, really interesting & refreshing video, love the sound of guitars & also chord progressions & your playing👌

[@SarcasticComments23]

You’re telling me Koa gets even better than that?! That was the most beautiful sound out of all of them to begin with haha.

[@quantumbuddhist]

If I had to choose one it'd be the sinker redwood ....wow that sounds great!!

[@thomaslott6314]

I love this series. I come back to it all the time. Topic idea for next time: fretboard wood.

[@kmabarrettyt]

Very interesting comparison. Thank you for sharing!

[@agravlisav]

marvelous! thanks for the series!

[@NickJardine]

I think this video is what I needed to push me over the edge and get a Koa Taylor GS Mini

[@danielbaldzer4271]

Thank you so much Paul... I searched for years for a Video like that. Very helpful

[@jmeakin4]

This is a well done & informative video, Paul! At the end, when you asked for the next topic in the series, I immediately thought, "Strings?", after which you asked, "Strings?" Given the variety of strings' available, you could do quite a deep dive into the topic, resulting in insights such as those developed in this episode.

[@AbsintheSueffler]

Hello, thank you very much for this video. I own a number of guitars with different woods (Sitka spruce, cedar, koa, maple). I completely agree with you, you have to play a guitar for a while to hear the differences. As I like fingerpicking, I use the cedar and koa guitars most often, and sometimes the maple guitar too. It's a bit of a shame that you didn't choose a maple one. I come from East Germany. I'm all the more pleased that you chose the guitar maker Furch.

[@mikemcintosh9933]

Great! Lovely demonstration thank you for sharing it. My 1983 Takamine G-330 has a Sitka top. Love it.

[@jukejointjack]

The sinker is my favorite, it’s the best looking and has a great sound

[@ngavengmirimai310]

Fantastic guitars, incredible sound, and outstanding playing! Excellent comparison, Paul. The Cedar top sounds so wide, full and rich - could it be the mic placement, or is it really just that good?

[@NeilPennington-f8o]

Very interesting video. I have a Washburn "Rarewood" (or tonewood? I haven't taken it out of the case for many years) guitar that is absolutely beautiful but sounds dead. It feels very heavy and may not resonate properly. Aesthetics over function? I'm an acoustics scientist and have often thought of measuring my guitars with a spectrum analyser. Such a test would have been good in this video, but it lacks nothing the way it has been done.

[@corystansbury]

Ever since I heard James Taylor's Olson with Cedar top, there was only wood choice for me. It was how a guitar should sound. That sinker redwood sure does sound extraordinary, though. First I've heard it.

[@TomBedlammusic]

I have a furch little jane because i travel full time and it is INCREDIBLE. How they got that sound out of a travel size guitar blows my mind. I'd love a full size Furch one day

[@LawrenceLivingstone]

This video is amazing!! Thank you Paul!

[@trevorsneath4665]

Fascinating stuff. In fact, this has entirely revised my prejudice about Koa tops. I still love cedar because the first 'good' guitar I owned was a Kazuo Yairi DY-57 cedar top. Beautiful guitar. Next; Strings. Absolutely needs to be done. Not just on different gauges and cores, but different gauges on the same guitar body. And polished strings!

[@nikolagenov8881]

Cedar for me - it just sounds right.

[@Bjossi]

I’m a Martin fan, own 3 today but ever since I tried a Furch guitar in a shop in Boston some 10 years ago they have been on my mind and wish list. I’m in Iceland and nobody is selling them here. Maybe I take a trip to Czech Republic and buy one. This was, as always, fantastic video and very useful. Thank´s Paul. Next video… yeah, strings and maybe compare the sound wen dropped down half step or full step. My favourite is half step down, my guitars sound best in D# standard tuning. Martin 12-54 strings.

[@eliassantos1334]

Thank you so much for this content. You did a great job with these comparisons.

[@92Koondog92]

All this video tells me is that I'm not going to be able to afford the guitar build I now know I want. Curse you, Paul, for making me more discerning! 😆