European Spruce available in this country typically comes from Germany, Switzerland or Italy. There are several names for this wood such as Alpine Spruce, German Spruce, Silver Spruce or Italian Spruce. Whatever it is called, it is perhaps the best all around wood for classicals. At a recent luthiers convention, four top classical makers in a panel agreed that they have the best results with European Spruce!

The characteristic of this wood is to contribute a noble tone with shimmering trebles and good strong basses . . . but you have to pay your dues. This wood takes time to play in and it can slowly mature over a period of years until it will match anything that Cedar or Englemann can do and excel them in overall quality. Now that's a strong statement and one with which other luthiers might disagree but it comes from my own experience and I'll stand by it.