Alaskan yellow cedar

[Stuwange]

The point of all this is -- if you want to build guitar that sounds similar to something you have played and like ---- use the same materials and as close as possible to the same dimensions of the dream guitar.

So if I played a D-18 once and really liked it I should only build with rosewood and Sitka?

My question was basic and simple....anyone used YC for a top.
The line about the info was found on the Internet so it must be true was obviously tongue in cheek.

I have no issues with trying new things, goes along with the learning curve. If I wanted to build a kit guitar I would have bought a kit at Martin last week. Not what I am interested in.

Just looking for information from others who have tried YC for a top.

[ken cierp]

Experimentation is great! good for you -- but I read this question

Should I stay with an adi top or will YC work?

My answer based on documented information available regarding Yellow Cedar (I was pointing out there is little) would be -- no -- if you want a "banjo killer" guitar that sounds like one made with a Red Spruce sound board, use Red Spruce.

[ken cierp]

I emailed John Greven ( http://www.grevenguitars.com/ )this morning and asked him if he had any experience with Alaska Yellow Cedar/Canadian Cypress, -- his response:

Ken;
Searching for the holy grail of top tonewoods? No such thing. Red and yellow cedar are very light weight and generally very to super stiff across the plate. I have used both in the past but quickly moved away from them as their voice is bright and 2-dimensional, better suited for nylon stringing rather than steel. The cedars also lack the headroom of either Adi or Lutz and definitely lack their woodiness, which is something I really value in the voice of a steel string.
John

[Kevin in California]

Wow Ken that says alot about yellow cedar. Thanks for posting!

Kevin