Physical characteristics
Density and color
Canadian red cedar has a grayish-white sapwood, while its freshly cut heartwood is saffron yellow or dark chocolate brown, which turns into a more uniform reddish-brown when exposed to air. When exposed to the elements, it acquires a characteristic silvery gray color that is highly appreciated for its beauty. It is a remarkably light wood, with a density between 330-390 kg/m³.
Structure
It has a distinctive and pleasant aroma, similar to that of cedar, with a slightly bitter taste. Its structure presents little nervous contraction, which contributes to its excellent dimensional stability. Red cedar has a moisture content at the fiber saturation point of 18 to 23%, compared to 25 to 30% for most Canadian softwoods.
Sonic properties
Warm and deep sound
In musical instruments such as the classical guitar, the cedar top provides a rounder and velvety sound, with very powerful bass and rich in harmonics. It offers a quick response, which means that the sound develops rapidly when plucking the string.
Sound evolution
A distinctive feature of cedar is its great sound capacity from birth. A good cedar guitar top should have a quality sound from the first moment. There is an urban legend that says cedar stagnates over time or that it has no sound evolution.
FALSE!
From our point of view, a good guitar, well-constructed with the required techniques and knowledge, and with good, dry material, will always sound good from birth and will have a constant evolution.
Technical aspects
Structural properties
- Excellent dimensional stability due to its low density and low shrinkage factor
- High natural resistance to moisture and rot
- Minimal shrinkage and swelling with humidity changes
- Classified as durable against fungal action
Workability
Red cedar is a soft wood and very easy to work with.
Sawing is easy, and saw dulling is normal, but it is recommended to work with very sharp tools due to the fragility of the ends. It requires care when working and once the guitar is finished as it is a wood that splits easily.
Practical considerations
Availability
It is found on the west coast of North America, from Alaska to California. Its production and export are stable. North American Indians called it “the tree of life,” as they used it to make clothes, baskets, houses, and canoes.
Ideal applications
Canadian red cedar is particularly suitable for:
- Soundboards for classical and flamenco guitars, especially for musicians who prefer a warmer tone.
- Interior and exterior carpentry
- Pencil manufacturing, being the most used wood for this purpose
This exceptional wood combines natural beauty, durability, and unique acoustic properties, making it a premium choice for numerous applications where both aesthetics and performance are valued.
Canadian red cedar in Mariano Conde guitars
At Mariano Conde, you can select this wood for the top of your classical or flamenco guitar. You can take a look at all of them at:
