Solid Engelmann Spruce???

[1folksinger]

When I first strummed my 2001 Collings OM2H, Koa/Englemann, it was pure magic, unlike any other guitar I'd played before or since. It seems to have it all. When I need it to project among other instruments, it projects. When I'm just sittin' & a pickin', it's as responsive and as sweet a guitar you'll ever hear.
I'd always known about Sitka, since it's the top on my '64 D-18 Martin. Then I learned about Red Spruce when I acquired my 1939 00028 Martin almost 20 years ago, and these past few years I've been enjoying two different Collings, an OM3, with a German top and a 2001 0002H (Brazilian) also with a German top. It's such joy to hear the subtle differences between the models, and their respective top woods... but after it's all been talked to death... the bottom line is: How does it sound? Does it play in tune? Is the neck straight? Ya know, little things like that.
Each and every one of my guitars are wonderful in their own unique way. Sitka, Adirondack, Englemann, Cedar, Mahogany, Sinker redwood, etc. In the hands of a true luthier, high quality tops must be created and tuned.... not just assumed "good" because of a certain species. At least that's been my experience.
1folksinger

[GuitarFundi]

The Gibson J45 Engelman Tonewood Edition is amazing sounding guitar! B&S are Indian Rosewood. For a slope dread this is a big punchy guitar

[llew]

The limited edition Martin D-28 John Prine uses Engelmann spruce for the top.

[L20A]

I really with that there was a place that could do true blind tests on guitars.
My Yamaha L-20A has an Engelman Spruce top. It has a 1 3/4" nut.
It also has a modified V neck.
Until I started reading about all of the things I wasn't aware of these specs compared to my Martin D-35 whit has Sitka Spruce top, 1 11/16" nut and C shaped neck.

My point is that we tend to hear what we want to hear in a guitar.
I have to agree with the people that claim the maker is more important than the materials when it comes to the sound of a guitar.

I have listened to as many blind tests as I can and I hardly ever get the guitars right.
I judge a guitar in a blind test by how it sounds to me and what I like in a guitars voice.

It would be a lot of fun to be able to hold blind tests.
The results would be very interesting.

[ChalkLitIScream]

Looking for a Englemann topped guitar too!
As others have said, other factors are also important.

But a direct answer to your question with ceteris paribus, Englemann is a less dense top. Its not as elastic as sitka or Adi (in other words, its more brittle).

That gives it a nice overtone rich sound that sounds great if you play soft. It has less headroom, but i fingerpick so thats not a concern for me.

[AndrewG]

Someone earlier suggested that Englemann sounds a bit 'reserved', and I would concur. It definitely has a gentler attack than the harder-edged tones of Sitka, for example. Both my 'L' series Yamahas have torrefied Englemann tops, and they sound gorgeous.

[Matt McGriff]

I have a Taylor DN7 that has an englemann top and it sounds fantastic.

[Mycroft]

I've a Webber Small Jumbo with Englemann over Australian Blackwood.It has a nice dynamic range for anything that I want to to do. If might tend to break up if you strung it with mediums and went to an aggressive bluegrass jam, but otherwise it is lovely for fingerpicking and flatpicking. Nice clarity, with a nice overtone series and shimmer.

Englemann is highly underrated.

[TokyoNeko]

Nothing like a 6-year old zombie thread.

I love me some Engelmann. All else being equal, this woods works for my playing style and the music I usually play.

[Turko]

My Yamaha LL16 a.r.e. has an Engleman spruce too,and has a great tone with clear ringing highs and great sustain.

[ChalkLitIScream]

Originally Posted by TokyoNeko

Nothing like a 6-year old zombie thread. .

oh gosh, just noticed...woops