Spruce

This refers to trees of the Genus Picea, a group of about 35 species of coniferous evergreen trees in the Family Pinaceae, found in the northern temperate and boreal regions of the earth. The spruces are large trees, sometimes over 200 feet tall when mature, and can be distinguished by their whorled branches and conical form. Today, most domestic acoustic guitar tops, as well as some electric guitar tops, are constructed of “old growth” Sitka spruce, which grows along the Pacific Coast of North America. These can be over 250 years old and large enough in diameter for a section of clearwood to be obtained to create a dreadnought or jumbo size guitar top. Clearwood means there are no imperfections, either cosmetic or structural. Unfortunately, Sitka spruce is most often clearcut, which eventually will lead to the timber being unavailable. The overharvesting of Adirondack spruce led to manufacturers turning to the more abundant Sitka. Englemann spruce is another species which can be used, though it tends to be more expensive.