European Spruce

The European Spruce (European Spruce / Picea abies) is considered one of the finest types of Spruce and comes from the forests of Central Europe. It is known for its acoustic beauty and its rich history in the craft of handmade musical instruments. History of musical use: It has been used for centuries in the making of famous violins (such as Stradivarius) and traditional Arab oud, making it one of the oldest woods used in musical crafts. It is considered the preferred wood for the top of the oud by many makers of the Levantine, Egyptian, and Gulf Arab oud. Performance on the oud: Sound: Very pure and clear tone, with a balanced mix of warmth and brightness Dynamics: Provides a gradual and rich performance depending on playing intensity, and shows high-precision musical expression Resonance: Has a “long sustain” and clarity in details, even in soft playing Preferred by: Senior makers of classical Arab oud due to its balanced tonal character and flexibility Specifications: Color: Creamy white with a golden hue, with fine and uniform veins Weight: Medium Density: Less than Adirondack and closer to Engelmann, making it more responsive Drying: Preferably air-dried for a long period, as the wood is sensitive to humidity and weather changes 🔸 It is the ideal choice for those seeking the “authentic classical Arab oud sound,” with a soft and emotional musical character