Woods used for guitar tops must exhibit a unique combination of strength and resonance. Like woods for sides and backs, each top has its own characteristics.

The Bourgeois D features a spruce top. Click image for a closer view.

Spruce: Spruce is popular among luthiers for its straight, uniform grain and strength. Guitarists love spruce for its vibrant tone. There are several species that exhibit roughly the same characteristics and are used almost interchangeably. Sitka spruce is the most commonly used.Englemann Spruce: Much like Brazilian rosewood is prized for guitar backs and sides, Englemann spruce is considered among the highest quality wood for guitar tops. Its appearance is very similar to other spruces but has a slightly whiter hue. It is extremely light yet produces a slightly louder and more open tone than other species of spruce. Englemann is only found in high mountain elevations in the American Rockies and Pacific Cascade range. Its availability is limited now and is expected to be even less in the future.

Western Red Cedar: Western red cedar has long been associated with classical guitar tops, but has gained popularity in recent years with steel string enthusiasts. Cedar commonly produces a warm, mellow tone with an even balance across the highs, mids, and lows. Cedar's light brown color also shows beautifully in junction with darker woods to make a visually striking guitar.

A Martin D-17 with a mahogany top. Click image for a closer view.

Mahogany: Mahogany is occasionally used for guitar tops as well as backs and sides. Mahogany has less projection than spruce, but has a mellow response with an emphasis on the mids.

Koa: Koa top guitars tend to be smaller-bodied due to nature of its tonal response. Koa has less volume than spruce, yet produces a bright treble tone. One of the most popular features of koa top guitars is the sheer beauty of the wood. For that reason alone, many guitar enthusiasts seek out a koa-topped instrument to add to their collection.

For an even more in-depth discussion of tonewoods, visit Bourgeois Guitars' website for their article about their tonewoods.