![50th label nav feature item](https://www.taylorguitars.com/sites/default/files/styles/menu_image/public/images/2024-01/50h-nav-feature.jpg?itok=OwlqRAbQ)
Top Woods
The unique acoustic properties of top woods help color a body shape’s fundamental sound. The key is to find the wood that matches up best with your playing style, like the warmth of a cedar top for fingerpicking and the feeling of responsiveness in your hands. In the end, our goal is simple: to help you find the ultimate tone.
![sitka-spruce](https://www.taylorguitars.com/sites/default/files/styles/guitar_feature/public/images/2021-10/top-woods-grain-sitka-spruce-350x350_0.jpeg?itok=rXsqToEZ)
The soundboard choice for most guitars, Sitka spruce produces a broad dynamic range and accommodates a versatile range of playing styles.
![Taylor-Walnut-feature-thumbnail](https://www.taylorguitars.com/sites/default/files/styles/guitar_feature/public/images/2022-08/Taylor-Walnut-feature-thumbnail.jpg?itok=ucbdrWGk)
As a top wood, walnut’s natural compression blends with an open, airy midrange to yield a versatile response suited to a range of musical applications.
![lutz-spruce](https://www.taylorguitars.com/sites/default/files/styles/guitar_feature/public/images/2021-10/top-woods-grain-lutz-spruce-350x350_0.jpeg?itok=IeCrXxEn)
This natural hybrid of Sitka and White spruce also shares characteristics with Adirondack spruce, responding with power, richness and volume.
![mahogany](https://www.taylorguitars.com/sites/default/files/styles/guitar_feature/public/images/2021-10/top-woods-grain-mahogany-350x350_0.jpeg?itok=JWMzJLQv)
The hardwood top produces strong fundamentals with clarity and focus.
![https://dev-taylor-guitars-d9.pantheonsite.io/dealers?field_locations%5Bvalue%5D=78641](https://www.taylorguitars.com/sites/default/files/styles/guitar_feature/public/images/2022-02/Taylor-big-leaf-maple-AD27e-Flametop-feature-closeup.jpeg?itok=BR9n7Tiu)
Though mostly known as a body wood, maple offers a dry, midrange-centric tone profile when used as a soundboard.
![koa](https://www.taylorguitars.com/sites/default/files/styles/guitar_feature/public/images/2021-10/top-woods-grain-koa-350x350_0.jpeg?itok=vZ5uzhhV)
A koa top's visual beauty is instantly inspiring, while its sonic rewards unfold over time, as warm, sweet overtones gradually emerge.
![cedar](https://www.taylorguitars.com/sites/default/files/styles/guitar_feature/public/images/2021-10/top-woods-grain-cedar-350x350_0.jpeg?itok=COp7tEhU)
A true performer for those with a lighter touch, cedar tops yield extra warmth and pair nicely with mahogany and rosewood.
![sinker-redwood](https://www.taylorguitars.com/sites/default/files/styles/guitar_feature/public/images/2021-10/top-woods-grain-sinker-redwood-350x350_0.jpeg?itok=7wyMSYDA)
Tight grain structure and cross-grain stiffness produce a bold and brilliant response with warm overtones. Think cedar on steroids.
![engelmann-spruce](https://www.taylorguitars.com/sites/default/files/styles/guitar_feature/public/images/2021-10/top-woods-grain-engelmann-spruce-350x350_0.jpeg?itok=GmglHViD)
Engelmann has a mature tone and yields a slightly richer midrange than Sitka.
![european-spruce](https://www.taylorguitars.com/sites/default/files/styles/guitar_feature/public/images/2021-10/top-woods-grain-european-spruce-350x350_0.jpeg?itok=OBOexiXQ)
Similar to Engelmann spruce, with extra headroom and overtone warmth for a robust, mature sound.
![taylor-adi-spruce-feature](https://www.taylorguitars.com/sites/default/files/styles/guitar_feature/public/images/2023-04/taylor-adi-spruce-feature.jpg?itok=EY_2_N_D)
Known for its high volume ceiling and dynamic, lively response, Adirondack spruce retains exceptional clarity even with an aggressive attack.