What brand makes the best cedar topped guitars?

[Hey_day]

Came to this thread to say the exact same thing! Have owned some pretty expensive boutique and vintage guitars Over the years (Gibson, McIlroy, Santa Cruz, Greven, H&D, Walker, Kopp, Newton, and so on). My McIlroy is the only staple that’s lasted.

Originally Posted by Mark L

McIlroy, for my $$

Lowdens are usually higher priced and team built, and while I like them, I like the McIlroys significantly more. 25 series, A25 in particular. Basically a solo luthier shop.

[RoseAdi]

Nice choice paulzoom. I've got a McIlroy A25c that gets attention wherever it goes. A wonderful sweet voice with a nice woody tone and top tier build quality. I think you'll love it!

[drumstrummer]

Originally Posted by Bjbny

Taylor’s 512 is a wonderful Fingerstyle guitar.

Agree, and a serviceable all-rounder unless you're a hamfisted strummer (there are better guitars for that, but that kind of playing doesn't bring out their best tone either, IMO).

I view cedar as the best top for Taylors, followed by mahogany. With their designs and bracing they tend to sound tight with spruce, which is part of the reputation for being too bright. Cedar is the antidote. That and lower string tension.

BTW: I wonder why Taylor switched the 714 to Lutz as standard? The cedar 714s were magnificent. Lutz, especially with the new V-class has completely stripped the venerable old 714 of its complexity and character.

Okay, off my soapbox.

[Rosewood99]

By the way, why doesn’t Martin make any cedar top guitars?

[TBman]

Originally Posted by paulzoom

By the way, why doesn’t Martin make any cedar top guitars?

I've always wondered that too. An 18 series with a cutaway would be really nice.

[leew3]

Originally Posted by llew

Gotta believe that's a great combination on that model.

it is! I don't think I fully realized how unique this combination is when I first got it and have come to appreciate it more and more over the years. It's the easiest to get set up for good amplified sound of all the acoustics I own. That may be also due to the Anthem SL in it! I also love how it sounds acoustically with a pronounced bottom end that is unique to this guitar. I have Taylors and Martins that I like as well and the Larrivee holds its own and has a distinct voice.