The primary material for the top (resonant) soundboard of the mandolin is undoubtedly spruce. The dense structure of this wood provides the bright and clear sound of the mandolin, typical of other strings - guitar and violin. Spruce, more than any other wood, conveys all the nuances of performing technique. Because high-quality spruce wood is a rare and expensive material, some manufacturers are replacing it with cedar or mahogany, which give a richer sound. The top decks of the best mandolins mandolinexpert.com are handmade from solid spruce and come in curly and flat shapes.