AA Light Curly Dread Sitka Spruce represents an undiscovered treasure for discerning luthiers seeking exceptional tonewood for flat-top instruments. This particular Sitka Spruce Dread soundboard showcases subtle visual depth through light curl figure, with the distinctive curl guaranteed to indicate boards cut within 1-2 degrees of perfect vertical grain (VG) for superior cross-grain stiffness and moderate to strong medullary rays. The wave-producing curl indicates unrestricted movement of tonal energy, delivering both great tone and remarkable visual character. For those preferring an alternative aesthetic, our Light Quilt variant originates from the same log block, offering a different visual presentation of 3-D depth through a slightly off-VG cut that captures enhanced figure while maintaining excellent stiffness for soundboards. You are welcome to request a custom mix of quilt and curl when ordering multiples.

Enhanced Resonance and Acoustic Properties

Crafted from centuries-old, salvage-sourced old-growth timber, these Sitka Spruce Dread soundboards are engineered for superior acoustic performance. Experience the depth of tone and responsiveness that only naturally aged wood can provide:

• Superior Projection and Dynamic Range: The exceptional stiffness-to-weight ratio of old-growth Sitka Spruce delivers powerful projection and a broad dynamic palette, perfect for expressive playing.
• Enhanced Resonant Properties: Natural aging over centuries creates wood fibers with enhanced ability to vibrate freely, resulting in rich harmonic content and incredible sustain.
• Optimal Grain Orientation: The curl figure guarantees boards cut close to perfect vertical grain (VG), ensuring cross-grain stiffness for robust soundboards. The quilt figure, slightly off VG, maintains excellent stiffness tolerances for outstanding sound performance.
• Unrestricted Tonal Energy: The natural wave of the curl and quilt figures indicates unimpeded movement of tonal energy, translating into lively and responsive instruments.

Technical Specifications

Each Sitka Spruce Dread set is meticulously prepared to meet the highest standards for luthier-grade tonewood:

• Wood Species: Sitka Spruce (Picea sitchensis), renowned for its acoustic versatility across instrument types.
• Grade: AA Light Curly/Quilt, offering subtle, beautiful visual figure with exceptional tonal qualities.
• Source: 100% salvage-sourced old-growth timber, ensuring sustainable practices and naturally seasoned wood fiber.
• Cut for Curl: Precision vertical grain (VG) cut within 1-2 degrees for maximum cross-grain stiffness and strong medullary rays.
• Cut for Quilt: Slightly off VG cut, specifically oriented to capture the stunning 3-D quilt figure while maintaining excellent stiffness.
• Target Instrument: Optimized for Dreadnought guitars and other flat-top instruments.
• Moisture Content: Kiln-dried to professional luthier specifications for stability and workability.

100% Old Growth Reclaimed Wood Guarantee

Our commitment to sustainability and quality is paramount. Every Sitka Spruce Dread soundboard originates from naturally fallen or salvage-recovered trees, never from clear-cutting operations. This sustainable approach preserves old-growth forests while providing luthiers access to timber with centuries of natural seasoning. Our Sitka Spruce tops, part of our EarthTone Soundboards™ collection, represent the environmental gold standard in tonewood production.

Quality and Durability Assurance

Alaska Specialty Woods’ 30+ years of expertise ensures each Sitka Spruce Dread set meets rigorous structural and aesthetic standards. Our comprehensive grading system evaluates not just visual appearance, but critical factors including grain slope, stiffness, and resonant properties. Professional luthiers worldwide rely on our consistent quality for their finest instruments, confident in the durability and performance of our Sitka Spruce soundboard tonewood.