The cedar top and mahogany back and sides project great tone on Sierra Guitars’ SDS43 Sequoia Acoustic Dreadnought.

FOR: Acoustic guitarists one and all. The Sequoia has a familiar body shape, a modest price tag and a classic, no-frills design. Attractive natural wood bindings and inlay are the flashiest visual points. We found the tone especially warm and thoroughly loud when called upon.

NOT FOR: Plugging in. A reasonable alternative might be Sierra’s acoustic-electric Sunrise Auditorium or Palisades Classical. Both have cedar tops, Barcus-Berry electronics and rosewood back and sides.