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What are the qualities of European Spruce?
When it comes to the choice of guitar woods, European Spruce shines with its versatility and exceptional quality.
In conjunction with Alpine Spruce, Bearclaw and New Moon Spruce varieties, European Spruce is undoubtedly the best choice for top construction. While this is a tradition stemming from bowed instruments, European Spruce has also established itself as a quality standard for the Classical, Flamenco or Acoustic Guitar top.
In this article, we will explore the different grades of European Spruce available and the various options we offer in our luthier's wood store.
European Spruce Quality
In Maderas Barber we have six grades of European Spruce, this is a scheme that we have been developing since our beginnings, more than sixty years ago.
Currently, this system of classification of wood for Lutheria, is established as a reference in the sector. This is due to the confidence and satisfaction it has generated in our customers: luthiers and guitar makers all over the world.
The criteria to define the qualities is built with the combination of four variables:
The behavior of the growth rings, evaluating the proximity, regularity and straightness of the veins.
Uniformity of color is also presented as a criterion to establish the quality of European Spruce top. Occasionally, a piece with a narrow and regular grain may present spots and shades of knots. This inevitably makes it a lower quality top.
The presence of defects such as knots or resin pockets.
In the SPECIAL quality, the radial cutting angle is also considered, looking for a 90º cut (considering the thickness of the piece, this angle may present a minimum variation).
It is necessary to clarify that the qualities are only intended for the commercial organization of the product. It does not mean that a piece of 4th grade European Spruce will be a bad guitar top or that a special quality guarantees a better instrument.
The final result of the guitar will be the product of the luthier's work in relation to the piece of wood he has.
Examples of European Spruce qualities
Before viewing the images remember that wood is an organic material, and therefore is unique in each piece. In this case the photo is representative of the quality, but if you want, you can request our photo purchase service.
By requesting this service, you will receive photos of four different pieces specially selected for your purchase. This way you can select which piece you like the most and make sure you receive a cover that fits your taste.
Now, let's take a look at the qualities, starting with the lower options.
Special varieties: Bearclaw Alpine Spruce and New Moon Spruce.
We also have special varieties, unique woods that due to their exclusivity are not included in the six-grade scheme mentioned above.
In the following video you can see Toni Minguez explaining the characteristics of Alpine Spruce in its Master, Bearclaw and New Moon varieties.
European spruce for guitar and other stringed instruments
In Maderas Barber we establish the grades for European Spruce, but we also organize it by size. So you can get the top you are looking for by adjusting to the size needed for each instrument.
In this way, you can find European Spruce pieces in the following types of cuts:
- Acoustic Guitar: (550x215x4,5) x 2
- Classical Guitar: (550x200x4) x2
- Archtop Guitar: (600x230x25/8) x2
- Lute: (460x180x4) x2
- Bandurria: (400x160x4) x2
- Cuatro: (360x130x4) x2
- Ukulele Concert/Tenor: (320x120x4) x2
- Timple: (320x90x4) x2
- Soprano Ukulele: (255x90x4) x2
We also have a large stock of European Spruce for fretted string instruments:
Violin: 400x120x45/22 mm
Viola: 450x140x40x47/22 mm
Cello: (845x245x40/10 mm)x2
Double bass: (1200x340x60/12mm) x2
In our store for luthiers, we understand the importance of offering a variety of options to satisfy all needs. We work with trusted suppliers to ensure that you have access to different grades of European spruce in a sustainable way, allowing you to choose the one that best suits your project and budget and guaranteeing availability over time. So you don't have to deal with discontinuity of your models.
In this way, our team of experts is always ready to advise you and help you make the best decision for your project.
European spruce is an outstanding choice for guitar building, and the different grades available allow both experienced luthiers and beginners to find the right choice. At Maderas Barber, we offer you a wide range of options so you can create exceptional instruments that will delight musicians and music lovers alike.
Feel free to browse our stock and count on our expertise to find the perfect European spruce for your next building project - we're here to help you bring your creations to life!
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