From a hobbiest perspective, a 14' saw with a riser block is all you need. My saw is only a 3/4 horse motor, and I've cut 8" mesquite and 10" sapele with it. You do have to go slow, but taking a couple of hours to resaw backs and sides is not that significant if you're building two or three a year.
I would like to upgrade the motor, but I doubt that the frame is stiff enough for much of an upgrade. It does alright with a 5/8" blade, I use a Timberwolf with 3tpi for resawing. I usually keep a 1/2" 10tpi Timberwolf on the saw for general cutting, the saw gets a lot more use for general cutting than resawing, and I do cut all my own backs and sides.
I'll agree with the experts that bigger is usually better, but the price goes up pretty quickly when you get bigger than 14". With that kind of investment, it may be the hobby changes from building guitars to resawing wood.
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Rodger Knox, PE
1917 Martin 0-28
1956 Gibson J-50
et al
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