What's a better sounding wood on acoustic guitar?

Question:Rosewood sides and back or mahogany sides and back?
Both have spruce tops. All solid wood. I can't compare the sound because they are mailorder.

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: Rosewood sides and back or mahogany sides and back?
Both have spruce tops. All solid wood. I can't compare the sound because they are mailorder.

Mahogany gives a light brite tone. Rosewood guitars are louder and bassier. I prefer rosewood because of the beauty and durability. I never buy a guitar that I have not played first. No 2 instruments sound the same. I have 2 martin D-28s that have different sounds. Martins are expensive but there are some fine guitars under $300. Washburn makes some fine guitars that won't kill your budget. If you can afford $600 + Blueridge guitars are excellent. Guild makes fine guitars in the $500-$800 range. Good luck.

It's the spruce top that makes the big difference... but mahogany is usually used in the more expensive guitars.