Sinker Redwood Top or Redwood Top or Sitka Top

[Satsuki]

What is the advantage of Redwood over Sitka. Is their a difference between Sinker Redwood and Redwood. I remember years ago it was considered softer than Cedar and hard to work with because it would break or crack easily being so thin.

[michaelw]

hi Satsuki,
just wanted to let you know there was a response here, in case you'd missed it
http://www.unofficialtaylorguitarforum.com/index.php?topic=934.msg7269#msg7269

there are also a few threads that have input from members with redwood top guitars
http://www.unofficialtaylorguitarforum.com/index.php?topic=829
http://www.unofficialtaylorguitarforum.com/index.php?topic=737
http://www.unofficialtaylorguitarforum.com/index.php?topic=934

to me, redwood sounds like taking the warmth of cedar & the 'snap' of sitka spruce, but like ovangkol, with it's
'mahogany-like mids & 'rosewood-like lows', it (redwood) takes a little from both (sitka & cedar) without sounding
like either in that it still has a very unique tone & response, sort of like a cedar top that can be strummed as aggressively
if not more so, than sitka (great 'headroom'), while retaining warmth, clarity & definition with a 'darker' overall voice

sinker redwood with its mineral deposits may  have an audible difference in tone, due to variances in density

i've seen some early Taylor guitars (one was an early 90's 710) with redwood tops, so i believe that Taylor knows
what is required (both structurally & tonally) when using this wood & in addition, i've also seen some highly figured
(literally 'quilted') redwood tops on guitars that were built about 10 years ago, that to my knowledge haven't 'imploded'

this one will be 10 years old this fall  - highly-silked old growth redwood ... no problems here

[Satsuki]

Beautiful guitar, thanks for the help! I asked this question on another post and was told it should be a post by it's self so here it is. Thanks for the replys.

[cjd-player]

...
to me, redwood sounds like taking the warmth of cedar & the 'snap' of sitka spruce, but like ovangkol, with it's
'mahogany-like mids & 'rosewood-like lows', it (redwood) takes a little from both (sitka & cedar) without sounding
like either in that it still has a very unique tone & response, sort of like a cedar top that can be strummed as aggressively
if not more so, than sitka (great 'headroom'), while retaining warmth, clarity & definition with a 'darker' overall voice

sinker redwood with its mineral deposits may  have an audible difference in tone, due to variances in density

Yep, exactly what Michael said.
I would only add that like any top wood, the stiffness can vary, and that will effect tone.  More flexible redwood tops will sound more like cedar and stiffer ones will sound more like sitka spruce.
Personally, I think it is the most versatile top wood.   My redwood-top guitar responds rapidly and with volume with light finger picking or strumming, and will sound louder than spruce.  But I can also drive it hard with a flat pick like a spruce top.

[Satsuki]

Thanks for all the Info.

[Edward]

...

Nothing to add here except that this is an exceptional looking top.  Beautiful grain and silking...wow!

Edward