Two Voices, One Philosophy
In the world of boutique acoustic guitars, some brands quietly earn a reputation among serious players for their craftsmanship, tone, and musicality. Stonebridge Guitars is one of those names.
For years, Stonebridge served as the North American brand used to introduce instruments built by Czech luthier František Furch and his company Furch Guitars to players across Canada and the United States. These instruments quickly built a following for their refined tonewoods, meticulous build quality, and exceptional value in the boutique acoustic market.
Over time, the Stonebridge brand evolved into Stonebridge Guitars International, continuing the tradition while expanding into new designs and collaborations with modern luthiers.
One of those collaborations led to the Avenir Series, which is currently handcrafted by Singapore-based master luthier Ho Zen Yong. Yong studied advanced guitar voicing under legendary American luthier Ervin Somogyi, a pioneer of modern fingerstyle guitar design. Drawing on those influences, Avenir guitars emphasize responsiveness, balance, and dynamic sensitivity, qualities highly valued by today’s acoustic and fingerstyle players.
The result is a line of instruments that blends Stonebridge’s legacy of craftsmanship with modern boutique guitar design.
One of the standout lines in their catalog is the Avenir Series.
The Avenir Series: Boutique Craftsmanship for Modern Players
Avenir Guitars represent a modern interpretation of boutique acoustic design. Hand-built with performance in mind, these guitars feature premium tonewoods, individually voiced tops, and thoughtful design elements aimed at enhancing both comfort and tone.
Common features across the series include:
- Individually voiced tops for improved resonance
- Bone nuts and saddles for optimal tonal transfer
- Walnut appointments and refined aesthetic details
- Florentine cutaways for upper-fret access
- Arm bevels and ergonomic body contours
- Boutique-level fit and finish
These instruments are designed to shine equally well in the studio, on stage, or in the hands of a player exploring subtle dynamics at home.
A great example of this philosophy can be seen in two Avenir models that highlight one of the most classic acoustic guitar debates: cedar vs. spruce.
Spruce Power: Avenir 20 AC-EW-FF
The Avenir 20 AC-EW-FF showcases the timeless versatility of a solid spruce top.
Spruce has long been one of the most popular soundboard woods in acoustic guitars thanks to its ability to deliver clarity, projection, and dynamic headroom. Players who strum aggressively or need strong note definition often gravitate toward spruce for its articulate highs and focused low end.
On this model, the spruce top pairs beautifully with the guitar’s auditorium body and modern design features. The result is a guitar that responds well to a heavy attack while still retaining nuance for lighter playing styles.
Key tonal characteristics include:
- Clear, articulate high frequencies
- Tight and controlled low end
- Excellent dynamic range
- Strong projection for ensemble playing
With its cutaway design and onboard electronics, the 20 AC-EW-FF is equally comfortable on stage or in the studio.
Cedar Warmth: Avenir 20-CC-CR-FF
On the other side of the tonal spectrum sits the Avenir 20-CC-CR-FF, featuring a solid cedar top.
Cedar is known for its warmth and responsiveness, making it a favorite among fingerstyle players and those who prefer a lighter touch. Unlike spruce, cedar reaches its full tonal potential quickly, offering a more immediate response and rich harmonic complexity.
The concert body size adds to the instrument’s comfort and focus, creating a guitar that feels intimate and expressive.
Players can expect:
- Warm, rounded tone with rich overtones
- A softer attack and quick responsiveness
- Exceptional sensitivity for fingerstyle playing
- A comfortable body shape that encourages long sessions
For nuanced playing and expressive dynamics, cedar provides a beautifully musical alternative to spruce.
Two Voices, Same Vision
While these two guitars offer distinctly different tonal personalities, they share the same foundation of craftsmanship that defines Stonebridge’s approach to acoustic instruments.
Whether you gravitate toward the clarity and power of spruce or the warmth and sensitivity of cedar, both guitars demonstrate what happens when thoughtful design meets meticulous construction.
It’s ultimately less about which is “better” and more about which voice speaks to you.
For some players, the crisp articulation of spruce unlocks their creativity. For others, the warmth and responsiveness of cedar feels like home the moment they play the first chord.
So the question remains:
Are you Team Cedar or Team Spruce?
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