I think Spaw"s hit it on the head.

The main differences are in strength and dimensional stability. Spruce (of different species and depending where it's grown), pine (again with the same criteria) and cedar, not to mention Western Red Cedar, Douglas Fir, and several others already mentioned all differ in these respects. Even the aspect of the tree and how and where the log is cut all have a bearing. I have or have owned instruments with Swiss Pine, cedar, Englemann Spruce, Sitka spruce and Western Red Cedar tops and with mahogany, bubinga (Ovangkol), Indian rosewood and Brazilian rosewood bodies, all in varying combinations.

Cedar tends, as Spaw mentioned, to be more resistant to humidity changes due to its structure and high resin content.

At the end of the day it's all in the sound that works best for you, aesthetic qualities, the quality of lutherie and of materials, even the glue used. All of the woods mentioned are tried and tested by many top manufacturers and they all have their different characteristics, alone or in combination with other woods.

mooman (still apparently male but not sure ...and who once VERY VERY long ago was a wood scientist and instrument repairman!)

mooman (ex-mcmoo)