Which would you choose ?

[Mrbirdog]

On a East Indian Rosewood dreadnaught which would choose/prefer.... a Sitka Spruce Top or Adirondack and why ??
Mrbirdog ��

The back and side wood almost makes no difference, nor does the size of the guitar...assuming the question is a custom build. If I have two guitars in front of me, the answer is whichever I like best. However, my tonal preference so often tends toward red spruce topped guitars that I would choose it without a second thought for a custom build. To my ear it is stronger, clearer, deeper. Just better in every way. Don't overbuild it and it's great from day one.

[rogthefrog]

Whichever one sounds better.

For a custom build, Sitka. For the same reason Todd prefers red spruce.

Originally Posted by Mrbirdog

On a East Indian Rosewood dreadnaught which would choose/prefer.... a Sitka Spruce Top or Adirondack and why ??
Mrbirdog ��

I like Sitka on larger guitars, it sounds a little better. I like Adi on smaller guitars though. Not sure how to articulate my reasons, just my ear telling me this.

[justonwo]

I generally prefer red spruce in almost any context because I value its power and headroom. It just sounds right to me.

[Orfeas]

Sometimes I really can't tell the difference.

[colins]

It's a toughy.

I recently went through a similar question on a custom build – Engelmann or Italian? I talked to the builder about the sound I wanted and my playing style, and then the builder decide. The outcome was fantastic.

Col

[ManyMartinMan]

Originally Posted by rogthefrog

Whichever one sounds better....

Honestly, the only answer I could imagine. There’s no way to presume or assume which of any two guitars you would like best without playing them both.

[Silly Moustache]

I have four dreads same config, same maker.
Two have hog and two have EIR.
One hog had Adi.

All good.

If I was custom ordering right now -I'd have significant problems as rosewood is restricted and ado takes too long to open up. At 70 not a decision to make.

Sometimes, when I'm playing I have to look down to remember which guitar I'm playing.

[WiseAxe]

Adi does take too long to open up. It just seems to be a harder sound, great if sheer volume is your thing, and you're pounding out bluegrass runs playing with the lucky coin that you keep in your pocket.

If you want to listen to the softer nuance of an acoustic guitar, consider the ability of some fine grained sitka to return a more demure tone.

[Steel and wood]

Given I can't tell the difference, why don't you choose.

[lowrider]

If this is for a custom build, I'd say that you should talk to your builder about and take his advise, not ours.

[jwellsy]

I've never A/B'd them at the same time. But, my ear has never been able to tell the difference.

[Mrbirdog]

I like and will be getting a 2018 D-41 standard without running something through the custom shop. Everything I want on a guitar is on this one and the only thing I would consider changing would be the top to Addy...Bottom line for my needs I don't think it is necessary. ( that's me talkin to myself LOL)
thanks to all for your thoughts !!
Mrbirdog