Guitar Comparison Session with Tariq Harb

[@TeeHarb]

You guys are awesome!!! Thank you so much for your feedback, for sharing your thoughts and experiences, and for your kind words! I made this video to spread the word about these two amazing luthiers and to help those who are on the fence whether to get a spruce or a cedar top guitar, a double top or a traditional built guitar. I sincerely hope this video presents an unbiased view on the matter.

[@ninehrightkoo6425]

I am a Korean. I have a Martin Blackwell guitar. I'm so happy that you played my guitar.

[@hervecastre7359]

I am a spruce top guitarist but I really like the trebles on your cedar top guitar. This video is great. Thanks Tariq.

[@TeeHarb]

My pleasure!

[@vayasaberlo8]

"Until I MET this guitar. . " maestro, with that you have said it all . . .! I will sadly never have the dilemma of choosing a guitar of the calibre of these 2

[@TeeHarb]

Will you never know, you just might! Thank you :)

[@wassimhammami7240]

The treble in your cedar guitar are amazing, wow, pure and warm sound

[@nylonguitar]

Best comparison video of 2 guitars. Your explanations were thorough. You gave the chance to let each guitar shine equally.

[@nylonguitar]

Daryl Perry guitars also from Canada (Winnipeg, Manitoba)are top shelf as well.

[@85melodies]

I love the personality of the D.Scott spruce top, especially in the excerpt from Seranata! The sheer excitement of the sound! Kind of reminds me of a child playing outside!

[@ahmadmansour9877]

This spruce guitar is sooo good, it has a wonderful sound and balance, congratulations.

[@evantaucher]

Tariq!!! Great video, I really enjoyed this! Love both of the guitars. They definitely both excel at different things. The Blackwell is so dark and chocolately that I'm curious if Carbon trebles (Maybe just on the 3rd and 2nd string) would brighten it up and clear up the difference between the clarity of the Scott and the Blackwell! So nice - this was such a great watch and listen!

[@TeeHarb]

Amazing Evan! That's a great suggestion man. I will actually try it and see how it effects the clarity. Thank you so much!

[@juankaloobe]

Muchas gracias Maestro Tariq que desde su maestría absoluta y su virtuosismo, pone ante nosotros tan grandiosos instrumentos y con sencillez y claridad nos muestra la diferencia de cada guitarra, para mi es dificil decirme por una, el abeto diria yo que es un cristal hermoso, un brillo, una luz maravillosa y la dobletapa de cedro es un terciopelo, bajos hermosos, agudos menos cristalinos, pero hermosos tambien. La dos guitarras suenan precioso. Un saludo inmenso desde Colombia.🙌🙌🙌

[@moinh.i4391]

😱 Both are amazing, but Spruce speak loudly and clear, when the cedar whisper and great for high notes and relax romance pieces.. Thanks Master Tariq.. Great video

[@TeeHarb]

My pleasure; thank you!

[@guntamakal]

At my perspective the spruce top is more brilliant....more notable bases and colorful trebles... the cedar one is more balanced. Great video... the best I’ve seen about cedar and spruce tone comparison.. thanks to the nice microphone caption quality and obviously... to the talented guitarist. Cheers from Brasil. Veredicto: the spruce one in my opinion.

[@TeeHarb]

Great! Thanks for your feedback. It's always interesting to hear a listener's opinion and how everyone is different. I appreciate it!

[@reneolivares925]

Dear Tariq these are fabulous guitars. Although in your hand and with the wonderful gift you have as a musician any guitar will sound magnificent. Hard to decide as to which one so I’ll have both please! Your insight and advice are of great value. Happy practice.

[@TeeHarb]

Haha yes! I can have two more of them also! :). Thanks so much, Rene! Glad you enjoyed this demonstration/comparison video.

[@jimgoudie3095]

I am an old beginner who has played guitar over 50 years. About 3 years ago when I retired, I decided to start practicing (a novel idea) and have been drawn to classical style and learning to play from music, not just chords as I have in the past. All that is to say, I have little experience, especially with classical guitars. I would love to have a good one.... and bathe in the sounds... I play a Guild acoustic electric (unplugged); some 20 years old. So, with that introduction, and realizing I am listening on my laptop's speaker, I thought I heard the spruce top to be a bit brighter and cleaner. There seemed to be less highs with the cedar. Each time you switched to the cedar, I noticed the change. And yet, when testing the higher register, both 'sing' very nicely. I'd gladly take either one, once you decide which one you prefer ;-). I love listening to you play. Excellent. Thank you!

[@jimgoudie3095]

Listening on better speakers.... the difference I heard before is very slight, if there. Beautiful definition and clarity on both. I repent in dust and ashes....

[@TeeHarb]

I’m glad you enjoyed this video, Jim! Both guitars are phenomenal; it really comes down to personal taste.

[@gerardobisignano7358]

Grazie.

[@TeeHarb]

Grazie 🙏

[@anikeenkopavel3294]

Both are GREAT, because of YOU! In your hands even very simple guitar for beginners will sound beautiful!!!

[@gordonmacdonald6519]

Thanks for taking the time to do this Tariq. Great explanations and demonstrations. I wonder if my wife would notice a few grand missing from the bank account!

[@TeeHarb]

Haha I'm sure she will! :) Thank you kindly!

[@robertcolucci4137]

I don’t usually like cedar top guitars, but that Martin Blackwell one is phenomenal, it makes that villa lobos prelude come alive. It’s so nice to see modern Luthiers making beautiful instruments, it’s one of those things you would have thought was a dying art. You’re playing is incredible as well man

[@DavideSablone]

The Blackwell seems incredible perfect, I am not able to find a single downside...The sound is perfectly balanced, there is an incredible separation yet at the same time everything is blended together, I don't even know how to describe it. Of course thanks also to your incredible playing. Great video, very informative!

[@epoxiconazole1]

2 fabulous guitars, lucky man !! and great player and musician. Love the Blackwell, even if I play on Spruce....

[@TeeHarb]

Thank you, I appreciate it!

[@LeoVEggers]

I have a cedar/Brazilian rosewood guitar myself, with the armrest and the lattice bracing interior. I love it. But, before I bought it, I really didn't know which one to choose, so this video would really have helped me a ton. I like spruce, but I prefer cedar over it every time, no questions about it. The darker colors are really a no-brainer for me. Everything sounds more somber and dramatic on them. I also feel like it's easier to control the tones, and the chords ring beautifully. Anyway, so many reasons... Great video! I'm sure it will help many people.

[@TeeHarb]

I do hope it help! Thanks, Leonardo!

[@mishasmirnov4117]

Tariq, wonderful showcase. As a proud owner of a Blackwell doubletop I wholeheartedly agree, it's a magical instrument. It's nice to hear a master such as yourself fully explore its potential. You should come and play in Victoria when this pandemic is over!

[@TeeHarb]

I am looking forward to go back to touring after the pandemic. Glad to hear you own a Blackwell as well; fantastic instrument! Thanks, Misha!

[@o.aldenproductions.9858]

Omg the cedar 😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍

[@3009arod]

Excellent video Tariq, both instruments sound great, of course the most important who plays them, congrats.

[@TeeHarb]

Glad you enjoyed it, Alexandro. Thank you!

[@Michajeru]

I love them both! If I was forced to make a choice, I would probably go with the Martin Blackwell. There was something that I can't define which charmed me about its sound. Then again, I really loved the noble sound of the Douglas Scott. It had such power and clarity. Heck I dunno, every girl I ever dated I fell in love with and I guess I'm the same with guitars. Both these guitars are adorable.

[@TeeHarb]

Haha good analogy! I still can't make up my mind between the two!

[@peterweltweit]

even this video is a masterpiece!

[@zahykhoury]

Thank you Tariq for this great video! The cedar top guitar clearly gives a more round, dark and warm/ romantic sound. The spruce top has quicker response, clearer notes separation, more suitable for the Spanish repertoire and chords playing. In all cases, two great instruments and a great musician!

[@TeeHarb]

My pleasure! Thanks for your feedback!

[@angelikaseegers-classicalg8053]

A beautiful video - I enjoyed it. Sounds great! 👍Thanks for sharing. Musical greetings from Germany 😊

[@nikosz66]

Υes, both guitars are distinct but special sounding. In the Spanish demo, the spruce one outsounded the d.t one. In some other demos, no. Its a matter of repertoire and circumstances. But, I guess after some decades, the thick massive top will not be as (on the contrary) as the 2 thin cedar ones, although you use harder tension trembles on it. All in all, be healthy and well and keep sharing your fine art and your kind disposition with us !

[@TeeHarb]

Thanks so much for your feedback, Niko!

[@sylvaincontant4741]

Vraiment très heureux de cette comparaison ,pas de doute les deux sont extraordinaires avec leurs propre caractéristiques. Donc pour ceux qui peuvent ce le permettre les deux guitares sont complémentaire . Merci pour cette comparaison.

[@TeeHarb]

Avec plaisir, Sylvain!

[@renaissancestrings9264]

The age old dilemma addressed with unique insight. Bravo Tariq. PS Loving the ear plugs, very trendy :D

[@TeeHarb]

Yes, they're growing on me lol! Thank you! And the dilemma continues...

[@ericphillips7057]

What a joy to listen to and watch this video! I think I slightly favor the Douglas Scott, but they’re both wonderful. I’ll take three of each, please!

[@TeeHarb]

Haha! Me too! :)

[@grant128]

Thank you so much.

[@dondurbin2823]

Preferred the cedar. For me, the sound was both fuller and more musical.

[@georgelewis8686]

Hi Tariq I always thought I liked spruce better but that cedar top really blows me away . So dark and smooth. Just beautiful!

[@manueldelaluz2558]

I think I just decided to get a Martin Blackwell in the future. I am such a fan of cedar and that guitar just sings so beautifully. You are right about the balance, such incredible artistry from the Martin. Great demonstration Tariq!

[@TeeHarb]

Much appreciated, Manuel!

[@petjobedet4650]

You are really good. Would like to hear you play some Bach on both. God bless.

[@jonyplanter3305]

I love them both, too, and so different!

[@ericgruenberg1934]

Such a great video! It's a treat to us all to see a master playing the same piece with two outstanding, and yet unique, instruments. Thank you for sharing!

[@pelimies1818]

Thank you for the ”master class”!

[@DoU12Rock]

The cedar in the bass register sounds much warmer and rich. Beautiful , I envy your guitars, I have a Yulong Guo Chamber Concert cedar double top with lattice bracing.

[@TeeHarb]

Thanks, Mark! The Guo is a very good example of a modern guitar!

[@MethenySco]

Cedar- warmer and rounder especially in the bass. More soulful. Nice playing !

[@josecastellanos6952]

In my humble opinion, white woods such as spruce in general work better for energetic, powerful music, brilliance and stacattos, while darker woods such as cedar are warmer, intimate, sweet. I still have my cedar Contreras and love that sweetness but I must admit that if I could I would go for spruce for a concert as a general rule. Anyway, great video and explanations. You made me want coming back to pick up my old guitar and refresh the few things I played.

[@marques-p3p]

I love the spruce.....but the cedar is a beautiful sound.....lovely playing tariq)

[@TeeHarb]

Thanks, Brian!

[@marques-p3p]

@@TeeHarb I have a spruce jose Marques guitar) you played one on the guitar salon )

[@fernandomutreras]

Incredible guitars! Great combination.

[@TeeHarb]

They are absolutely fantastic! Thanks!

[@subhamoybanerjee6724]

Very nice, both sound superb! I liked the tone & timbre of Cedar guitar made by Martin.

[@philippemariotti8948]

Well thank you Tariq for sharing this. I think they have both their qualities and imperfections, all guitars are imperfect but this is the quest like looking for the Graal ! I tend to prefer the Martin Blackwell for its big open basses and sweet and round trebles. But a concert guitar to my concern has to have the best tone and projection for the audience and maybe not that much for the player, so the balance is so hard to get. Stay safe.

[@TeeHarb]

My pleasure! Absolutely I agree!

[@thomassasse1594]

Thanks Tariq, besides all the sensitive and emotional playing, that very detailed comparison makes it easy to decide finally. Our next guitar will go the long way from Roberts Creek / B.C. to Germany. ☺️ In a .....“ little while” 😊....

[@TeeHarb]

That's great to hear! I'm glad this video helped. :)

[@snowfiresunwind]

Excellent video Tariq - I would love them both!

[@precisionmediamarketing6950]

I love both, but the cedar has such an interesting voice, tight and punctuated to my ear. I have a wonderful Italian Red Spruce from the Italian luthier Luciano Lovadina but I am yearning to add a nice Cedar. Wonderful playing, I've subscribed. Thank you also for your sincere and gentle demeanor.

[@fernandocamacho6739]

Guau I love the warm and deep sound of the cedar but in this case i loved your spruce guitar Thank you so much for being so splendid

[@urielsegal2991]

Cedar absolutely. Amazing

[@marcaskew61]

A very thoughtful and insightful evaluation of your wonderful guitars..thanks.

[@rickandrew6397]

Very nice demonstration Tariq, your cedar has a clarity that is comparable to your spruce, I have over time realized that spruce is not always crisper. I have a lower $ Cordoba spruce that I stumbled upon (used trade in) that is just rich and full. Your vids with the cedar always capture me the most, I'm glad you were able to find such a fine instrument 👌✌

[@TeeHarb]

Glad this helps, Rick. Thank you for your feedback and kind words!

[@o0o0oo00oo00]

I had a spruce br back Blackwell, it is very easy to play but I feel the clarity and color can’t compare to my traditional guitars and it may be too bassy... So I sold it to someone who really loves it and I keep another guitar my teacher didn’t like. I learned that the preference of guitar sound is a very personal thing. Even great players tell you which guitar is great, it may not be of your type. Unfortunately you have to own the guitar get familiar with it and then you know your true feeling.

[@TeeHarb]

Absolutely, agreed!

[@00vTv00]

Tariq, Very impressive comparison, you are a passionate virtuoso, thank you for sharing these fine points.

[@freestylerelaxmusicnichola7385]

Cedar always! They sound more fuller and beautiful

[@ianrattue81]

That adjustable sound port 😯😯😍

[@ahmedaljasim9878]

Very informative thank you

[@johnlay3040]

This is the work of dedication of an outstanding guitarist. I thoroughly enjoy it. Thanks Tariq. 👍👍

[@robdeshane321]

I feel there is better note separation from the Spruce top, that high register just pops off that guitar. The cedar top has a more subdued and rich tone... very warm with less separation if you will! Both gorgeous instruments. The spruce guitar reminds me of a E. Perlman guitar....and of course, Bravo Tariq!

[@TeeHarb]

Thanks for your feedback!

[@robdeshane321]

@@TeeHarb I look forward to the day when I’ll be able to see you perform in person! Please keep the videos coming!

[@TeeHarb]

@@robdeshane321 Thanks so much! Hopefully soon!

[@jason0joon]

Thank you for the great insight! Could you please cover La Catedral by Barrios? I would love to see you play it

[@snowfiresunwind]

Me too!

[@TeeHarb]

My pleasure! I already have La Catedral on my KZbin channel. Although I do play it quite differently nowadays. I guess a new recording of it is in order!

[@jason0joon]

@@TeeHarb Ah Yes! I just found it. For anyone else interested: I: kzbin.info/www/bejne/p3WmfXakh5amhZY&ab_channel=TariqHarb II: kzbin.info/www/bejne/q5XZd357nZ6HoZo&ab_channel=TariqHarb III: kzbin.info/www/bejne/g2a6nHx-fcegldk&ab_channel=TariqHarb

[@TeeHarb]

@@jason0joon Thanks for sharing the links!

[@TheMusicalEvents]

Thanks a lot for your clear exposition of the two instruments and their respective strengths (not much weaknesses to be found there)... Although my main guitar is a cedar top guitar Enhanced wood model made by Sebastian Stenzel), in this video I preferred the overall qualities of your spruce guitar. It has more clarity and separation in my ears, the voice lines seem to come through more clearly. Also I had the impression it had less of those notes with a bit shorter sustain. Every good guitar will have some, because if you don't want any, you must have basically a dead guitar :) ... The surprising thing is that the rasgueados actually sound more integrated with the cedar guitar. But all in all both are marvelous instruments, and you are a marvelous player knowing to make use of them. And in the end it's the player that makes the music. I also like the kind of loyalty towards your makers ... in this world of continuously changing fashions and brand names these luthiers really need people who stand by them and really represent them, I appreciate that. I'm doing the same thing with my friends luthiers. It's difficult to claim that there no other guitars that are great out there, but so what? It's sufficient to have found great instruments supporting your expression and then be content. Another interesting aspect is your hint of the balsa wood double top construction. My friend Sascha Nowak of Freiburg makes all three types: the traditional 'single' top, the nomex double top and the balsa wood double top guitars. Personally I greatly prefer the balsa wood construction. It's like his classical model but with some extra power added on top of it... The reason may have been pointed out by Sebastian Stenzel in his newest article about the role of directional anisotropy of the top construction, which is basically smeared out by nomex, but can be emphasized by the proper balsa construction and is strongest emphasized by Stenzels 'Enhanced Wood' construction (see here: stenzel-guitars.de/resources/pdf/Enhanced_Wood_2020.pdf ). Got a bit lengthy, but I found your video an important exposition of the important properties of classical guitars. Keep up your wonderful playing. Always enjoy it to listen to you! BTW I made 2017 a video comparing the same player with the same tune on 4 guitars (all new) made by Stenzel, played by Anotoni Malinconico, one of which is a cedar top, the others spruce tops...: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gpO5iH19qcqHhZI ... it's very instructing of the subtle differences of woods.

[@TeeHarb]

That’s an interesting article by Stenzel! I’m gonna have to look into that more. Thank you for you expansive feedback and for sharing your thoughts on this!

[@raulcalderonbird]

Both guitars are great. The first string in the cedar is amazing.

[@BewSkeet]

Great video Tariq. I loved the sound of cedar. IMHO it is a bit darker but more soulful, if that makes any sense.

[@TeeHarb]

My pleasure!

[@theoneandonlybach]

Very informative video, Tariq!

[@TeeHarb]

Thank you, Maestro! :)

[@per-sverkeredstrom4639]

Oh. Fantastic guitars. Great player u are. I favor slightly the spruce. My head tells me thats the one. But my heart says the cedar. I tune pianos and when the piano is in perfect pitch the overtones projects like a kanon. Boom. The spruce has lite more of that. The Cedar is magic to and i love the tone. Its just perfekt. Such balans. Have to say that your playing is magic. On your level you show me how to take the best pur of this instrument. Enjoy your playing very much. Thanks for showing your guitars and skills 👍

[@2011Noud]

In fact you are demonstrating the classic differences as they are known between these two different soundboard guitars:The darker sounding trebles of the cedar top, less separating but very well melting together as opposed to the spruce that is clearer and therefore more suited to other pieces of music that are asking for a somewhat quicker response and a bit more separation. But overall I like the spruce topped guitar more. I'm also on the road with a cedar as well as a spruce topped guitar. The Cedar topped guitar colors a bit too much to my idea but it remains a matter of taste. And cedar is most of the time more constant in tone. The spruce tone seems to suffer when there's too much humidity in the air.

[@PhilippSeidelGuitar]

Really great Video and Comparison.

[@TeeHarb]

Thanks!

[@stringchild]

I have a spruce top guitar. It not really of the level of your two, but over the years there is something unexplainably beautiful about the sound of spruce top to me. It's more for the listener than the player usually, but yours sounds very resonant. In the case of the little Paganini piece I thought the spruce won that one. Spruce overall for me. Like you said just wait a few years and keep playing it. That's an amazing guitar.

[@ronbatt756]

Undoubtedly both guitars are excellent instruments. Both sound great. However, as a concert instrument, the spruce is far better. Why? Because each string projects more purely without interference, like separate arrows of sound. Less overtones. This permits better clarity of voice lines within the music and thus enables the artist to express more delicately. The listener will. Not fatigue either. The late great Julian Bream would have undoubtedly chosen the SPRUCE top of these two. Hear Bream play Cordoba on his magnificent spruce top here on KZbin. Clarity, sustain, separation of voices. Out of this world. Excellent video and demo.

[@TeeHarb]

Spruce is luminous! Glad you enjoyed the video!

[@QuadCloudNine]

stupendous!! thanks so much! you rock!

[@anssinisula2855]

Soulful Cedar 😉👍

[@El.Matucho]

Impecable su explicación y presentación de sus bellas guitarras. Saludo Guitarrístico desde Argentina

[@RodrigoMunozCarrasco]

As far as sound goes, they are of course as you pointed out different from each other, they both sound great on all registers, mainly because you are a great player, so I guess it would come down to playability and that only the player (you) can tell us which feels yummier and easier to play sorry for not using more intelectual language

[@TeeHarb]

Yes, that's partly why I did this demonstration so that the listener can hear what I'm hearing in those instruments. I still can't make up my mind! Time to look for a 3rd concert guitar! :P

[@pieropaul2616]

Amazing video master, saludos de Perú 👍

[@gerardobisignano7358]

Grazie per il bel video.

[@FrumPilot]

I like the spruce much better! it has an openness that the Cedar doesn't have. the Cedar has a lot of midrange and frankly although a beautiful guitar, but no match for the spruce when compared side by side, in my opinion. But sometimes microphones can fool a person so the real way to tell is to be there in person. I found your video very interesting! I just bought recently a Classical guitar which is a double top Spruce. My old one was cedar but much cheaper. Maybe i just like sound of spruce. I just need to have another saddle made as the intonation especially by certain frets are off. I can only wish to play like you! Enjoyed and thank you!

[@Freekoismus]

... Always been a spruce lover ...

[@royspeakman1157]

Brilliant !

[@edbrans]

Really both are so nice, I cannot make a choice. Use dependence on the composition you want to play

[@livindadrm]

Excellent. They both sound so good, but very different...how to choose 🤔 Planning an upgrade soon (currently have a classic Spanish build spruce top/walnut back and sides). Leaning toward the warmth and richness of cedar/rosewood. This video was very instructive with regard to some important characteristics to listen for. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience. Cheers 🎶

[@neilfox9854]

Excellent video Tariq. I also have a Douglass Scott 2018 but mine is a cedar top. I really like it but the cedar is easily marked by my nails if I am not careful so I don't play it much unless I am performing, it also took a little getting used to the raised fingerboard as the twelfth fret looks like it is in the wrong place for some reason, an optical illusion, but as a concert guitar it can hold it's own against the best of them. Most double tops I have heard have a different tone that almost sounds harsh at times, and the thought of a space age Nomex core is to me, somewhat off putting. But now that you have made a side by side comparison with the Martin Blackwell, I am very impressed! Your Blackwell guitar sounds lovely with very sweet trebles and resonant basses. Quite unlike any other double tops that I have heard. A question I have about the Martin Blackwell guitar; from what I have heard, the double tops have an advantage in that they are very stable with regards to changes in temperature and humidity and they are very consistent, I would also imagine that they are less prone to cracking than spruce. Perhaps you could share your experience in this regard? Again excellent video, and thank you for making this!

[@TeeHarb]

Thanks, Neil! I had the same issue with the Scott at first regarding the 12th fret. So I put a sticker dot there to help with the illusion. Now I go used to it and don't need to put a dot anymore. The double tops are usually more stable, and so far my experience with the Blackwell is the same. However, the ones with a Nomex core tend to get "tired", if you may, after several years - I'm guessing due to the artificial material in between the two thin tops. This one is with balsa wood core so I doubt it will go down that route. It is opening up like a traditional top with very impressive results. I hope this answers your question, and thanks again!

[@neilfox9854]

@@TeeHarb Thank you so much or taking the time to answer my questions! Very helpful response!

[@quigley4440]

Tariq if only my ears could hear what you hear. To describe what I hear in layman's terms: spruce guitar - it knows exactly what it is, and conveys the message by your playing directly, explicitly, without any ambiguity. There is no doubt in this guitar and she knows it. She will demand the best from you and never fail in giving more as you develop your intimacy with her. Cedar - I love cedar - but have reservations with laminate top guitars. Each layer is trying to find it's own voice, yet must contend with a brother plank of cedar, and a distant relative of balsa in between bonded with a glue to hold them together. Each is different in nature and not yet in harmony with each other. There is some doubt as to her ability to respond fully and this leaves a question to my ears as to the message. You mentioned that the cedar is opening up, and this process may be like the typical spruce wood where many years of playing will bring out more and more to where the sum of the pieces will become one in harmony. I would love to hear a single top cedar guitar from M. Blackwell and compare that with the double top - techically a triple top. Both need to be played by yourself for comparison.

[@mmmicroplastics]

hm do your problems with laminate tops come from your idea of them or the sound? because in my experience, laminate tops can sound just as good as solid tops, it's all down to the character that you want and the quality of the guitar

[@quigley4440]

@@mmmicroplastics No, to a problem with laminate tops. I have played many hollowbody guitars which are mostly lam, but they are electric so the top is not as active in the sound. Some less expensive 12 string guitars have lam tops and are adequate. In terms of the purity of the sound with classical guitar, I tend to draw the line with lam tops. The top wood, glue, middle wood, glue, bottom wood, or substitute middle wood with Nomex or similar material. So in some instances, lam tops are fine as long as the sound meets the requirements. In the case of a cello or double bass - that's a different kettle of fish. But I doubt that you would ever find a lam top in a violin costing thousands of dollars????

[@TeeHarb]

Good points, Igor! Thanks for sharing. I think with the all wood core it won't develop issues in resonance in the future as some other double tops with the nomex core do. All time will tell, but so far it's been opening up like a traditional top - very impressive! I will look into comparing a good traditional cedar top with the double top, perhaps it will be interesting for listeners and viewers. Thanks again, Igor!

[@TeeHarb]

@@quigley4440 Igor, you won't find a laminate top with bowed string instruments because the sound pressure in these instruments is already very high and can compete with voice or even an orchestra, so there is no need to experiment further. Just my two cents on that comment!

[@quigley4440]

@@TeeHarb That would be great Tariq. I've had a lot of experience with Nomex actually. It was worn under my racing suit in Formula racing as a fire prevention measure. Never thought it would end up in a guitar.

[@bill1226]

Great video

[@tedc.4956]

it would be fun to know how you decide which guitar works best for a piece you are performing. How does the music guide your choice? They are both incredible instruments.

[@ww3032]

Try them on both. Since they're yours, you're free to follow your mood. Sometimes it's pretty clear cut choice. For my guitars, my cedar doesn't work that well for lively baroque pieces, but is great for melancholic, moody ones. My spruce is general purpose, and decent for both, but doesn't excel as much as the cedar for sad pieces.

[@GeorgeLemere]

I like the sound of the cedar the best. I enjoy your playing. I would like to hear a comparison to a Ramirez 1A cedar.

[@TeeHarb]

That's a great idea! Will look into it.

[@tomasjeronimorestrepo7405]

Hi Tariq, good comparison and really nice guitars. I just wanted to ask you what happened with the John Dick guitar, are you still using it? Regards

[@TeeHarb]

It went to a worthy student. Thank you!

[@teebeeonline]

both guitars are excellent! but I feel that I am in a darker side when I hear that cedar sound.

[@mikehoehn1475]

Both are really good

[@ted501]

cedar sounds awesome ... wow !!!

[@richardsrensen4219]

two great guitars who i cant afford i can hear and understand why you have them both they do have different sounds quality who fits to different music styles without saying that the orther dont sounds great for the same style

[@micheldoiron9756]

Hi! Tariq, I still remember your concert in Quebec city we had dinner with Christophe Pratiffi. I was looking for a classical guitar, you told me to get a Douglass Scott guitar, but for some reason, when I try a 2017 Martin Blackwell Cedar double top with Nomex, Brazilian rosewood back and sides at the time, I fell in love at first site. I was using LaBella string V1V-H Vivace carbon (Bass MT and Treeble HT carbon) and that guitar was singing. Than I use Hannabach 8157MT Special Silver MT Bass and Nylon 8158HT river special nylon, but the sound of the treble HT nylon string is not as clear and neat as LaBella Vivace string. One day I like to compare your Balsa Double Cedar compare to my Nomex, to see the difference... Paul said I was a better comparison with Brazilian rosewood, I could not tell. What do you think ?

[@TeeHarb]

Hi Michel, it really depends what sound you prefer! I like both guitars and I like that they are very different from each other. For the Balsa or Nomex comparison, I would say a blasa core appeals more to me just because it is a natural material that gives a more natural sound overall. These little differences have to be tested in person for a final decision to be made.

[@paltieri11]

Great guitars 👍Would be interesting to see how do you go about choosing or matching the guitars to certain songs and repertoires.

[@miklosban]

You are my top top guitarist, and always a joy when im listening you! Just for fun, grab a plywood guitar, i think that will sounds excellent in your hands😅

[@kenzeo]

If the idea is to compare spruce and cedar, it would be better to compare identical tops either both standard or both double. With that being said, I am partial to the warmth of cedar.

[@jeffreagan2001]

I do believe you would make any guitar sound amazing.

[@christianroux]

Tariq j’adore les 2 guitares,mais j’avoue avoir une petite préférence pour la guitare en cèdre, elle sonne mieux et vous correspond parfaitement bien...

[@spruceguitar]

The cedar top definitely

[@icap8830]

Really great guitars with a great master, however, I find that Cedar, being double top, has little more darker and deeper than a typical single top!