Red Spruce

Red Spruce (Picea rubens) comes from the Appalachian Mountains of New York and New England. Also known as Adirondack Spruce, Red Spruce is somewhat darker than most spruces and has a mild reddish-brown cast. Currently available material often exhibits prominent growth lines and uneven coloring, making it somewhat unattractive considering its cost.

Mechanical properties are similar to Sitka Spruce. Unfortunately, very few large trees are left and quality wood is rare and expensive.

Believed by many to be the best choice for flatpicking guitars, red spruce is found on the best of the pre-war Martin dreadnoughts. The tone has the bite of Sitka with the complexity of German Spruce.