Scientific Name: Cedrus libani (Lebanon Cedar), Cedrus atlantica (Atlas Cedar), Thuja plicata (Western Red Cedar)
Origin: Found in North America, the Mediterranean, and parts of Asia. Western Red Cedar is primarily sourced from the Pacific Northwest, while true cedars grow in the Mediterranean and Middle East.
CITES Status: Not currently listed under CITES regulations, but sustainable forestry practices are encouraged.
Use in Guitar Making
Cedar is widely used for classical and acoustic guitar soundboards. It is particularly popular for fingerstyle playing and nylon-string guitars due to its responsiveness. Western Red Cedar is the most commonly used variety in guitar construction, offering a slightly warmer tone than spruce.
Tonal Properties
Cedar provides a warm, rich sound with strong overtones and quick response. It is often favoured for its sensitivity to light touch, making it an excellent choice for fingerstyle players. Compared to spruce, cedar produces a slightly darker and more complex tonal character.
Hardness and Workability
Janka Hardness Rating: 350 lbf (1,560 N) for Western Red Cedar, 480 lbf (2,130 N) for Lebanon Cedar
Cedar is a softwood, making it easy to carve and shape. However, its softness also makes it more prone to dents and scratches. It glues well and requires careful handling to prevent surface damage.
Grain Structure and Porosity
Cedar has a straight, even grain with a fine to medium texture. It is usually quarter-sawn for soundboards to enhance stability and resonance. Its grain is relatively closed, requiring little to no grain filling when finishing.
Sustainability and Ethical Considerations
Although cedar is not currently under CITES restrictions, responsible sourcing is necessary to prevent overharvesting. Western Red Cedar, in particular, has seen increased demand, prompting efforts to manage sustainable forestry practices.
Cedar remains a favoured choice for classical and acoustic guitars, offering warmth, responsiveness, and tonal complexity. Its continued use depends on responsible forestry and conservation efforts.
