Cedar

Choosing a cedar top classical guitar is one of the most consequential decisions a guitarist makes. Cedar and spruce produce fundamentally different sounds — and the difference is immediately audible, even to beginners. This guide explains who benefits from a cedar top, what to expect from the sound, and which instruments in our collection represent the best value at each level.

What Cedar Actually Sounds Like

Cedar is warmer, darker, and more immediately responsive than spruce. It does not need weeks of playing before it opens up — a cedar-top guitar sounds full, rich, and complex from day one. The overtone spectrum is mid-forward: less brilliant treble sparkle than spruce, more depth and body in the midrange. Notes sustain well and blend easily, which is part of why cedar suits legato, lyrical playing so naturally.

The trade-off: cedar compresses at high dynamics more than spruce. Push a cedar guitar hard and you reach its ceiling faster. For players who need maximum projection in a 500-seat hall, spruce may serve better. For intimate recitals, recording, and the majority of classical and Romantic repertoire — cedar excels.

Cedar vs. Spruce: The Short Answer

For an in-depth audio comparison: Cedar vs. Spruce — Tone Comparison.

Who Should Choose Cedar

Cedar suits you if: your natural touch is on the lighter side and you want the guitar to reward that rather than fight it; you play primarily Romantic repertoire — Tárrega, Barrios, Ponce, Villa-Lobos; you perform in smaller venues or record frequently; or you want to hear the guitar's full voice now rather than in two years.

Cedar also suits beginners who are still developing finger strength — the lower resistance rewards a lighter touch with a fuller tone, which is genuinely encouraging in the early stages.

Cedar Guitars at Siccas: What We Film and Why

Every cedar-top guitar in our collection is filmed in a full professional video review — because cedar's warmth is something you need to hear, not read about. We film each instrument with world-class guitarists across multiple playing styles so you can evaluate projection, sustain, treble clarity, and bass response before committing. You can also request specific pieces to be played on any instrument before purchase.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is cedar better for beginners than spruce?

Often yes — cedar's immediate responsiveness means beginners hear a fuller, more rewarding tone at lighter playing force. It does not require the finger strength or dynamic precision that spruce rewards. That said, some teachers prefer spruce from the start to encourage proper technique development.

Does a cedar guitar sound good after 10 years?

Yes, though differently from spruce. Cedar's tonal plateau comes earlier — it sounds mature quickly and changes less dramatically over decades. A well-maintained cedar guitar from the 1970s or 80s can still sound exceptional; it just won't have the dramatic improvement story of a great spruce top played for 40 years.

Which luthiers use cedar?

Many of the world's greatest luthiers build with cedar, including Daniel Friederich, José Luis Romanillos, Antonio Marin Montero, and most of the Granada school. Cedar is especially prominent in Canadian and Japanese guitar making.

Browse Cedar Top Guitars

Every instrument is filmed, every purchase includes a 14-day home trial and worldwide insured shipping. Browse our full selection of cedar top classical guitars or contact our team — we'll help you find the right instrument for your playing.