Next build a commission EIR & Carpatian Spruce Dred.....

[Kevin in California]

I won't finish the current project for a couple of months I figure, but I am already planning the next build which is a commission for a dreadnaught with Indian Rosewood, Carpatian Spruce top, probably curly maple bindings, one piece Honduras Mahogany neck, Madagascar Rosewood fretboard and bridge, abalone rosette and top purfling, with bracing on the light side.
This will be my first use of Carpatian spruce. I've read that many who have used it believe it is superior to Adirondack.
Have any of you used it, and what was your opinion of the outcome? I know there are too many factors affecting the sound, but in general????

Kevin

[Robert Hosmer]

I've got a few of the Carpathian spruce tops in storage. Have not used any for a build yet.
The few CS tops I have are probably close to "master grade" as far as aesthetics go.
Consistent whiteness reminds me of high grade Engelmann, but stiffness seems as stiff as my Adi tops. But while I have actually "tested" the Adi tops, I have not (yet) done so with the CS.

Then again, we are cursed with the "every piece is different" rule. I've got some POC that's stiffer than the Adi! So, do I have mediocre Adi, or do I have exceptional POC?

As with everything else, there's good and bad. If you (or the client) spend the extra $$ to get the "exceptional" CS, you're probably gonna be happy. Exceptional is subjective- the client may have appearance as top priority; the builder may be more concerned with structural qualities.