Are solid back & sides worth the extra $$$?

[inadu ridge]

Originally Posted by zmf

If Santa Cruz or Bourgeois made laminates, I wonder what they'd sound like. And could I tell the difference in a blind test.

I was just thinking, I wonder what a Martin D-18 Authentic with laminate back and sides would sound like. I'm guessing pretty dang good.

[Larry Pattis]

Originally Posted by steamfurnace

You could ask the same question regarding solid wood furniture vs "veneer" for front and sides. I would say that yes, the solid wood costs more, but is it more functional? Opinions will vary, certainly.

Guitars are not furniture...

[Ed-in-Ohio]

Another thing that should be thrown in the mix here is the fact that an all solid wood guitar will retain more resale value than one with laminate pretty much regardless of how it sounds.

[bld522]

Originally Posted by inadu ridge

I was just thinking, I wonder what a Martin D-18 Authentic with laminate back and sides would sound like. I'm guessing pretty dang good.

Funny you should ask. I bought a Sigma DM-1ST with solid spruce top and laminated mahogany s/b because it reminded me in size and tonality of my dearly departed D18. Does it sound as good as my D18 did? Nope. But does it sound good enough to bring a smile to my face when I play it? Yep. And the only thing I've played so far that sounds more like a Martin than it does is . . . you guessed it . . . a Martin.

[DESERTRAT1]

To me solid back and sides sometimes seem to matter and sometimes don't. I've heard as many great sounding laminates as solids. IMHO it's all about the top, bracing and build quality. with back and sides running a very distant second place. Most times so distant that I wonder if it's really worth worrying about.

[Rockguy475]

Depends on which 2 guitars you are comparing. I have an all laminated (top,back,and sides) Martin that sounds good enough but doesn't come close to my all wood body one.

[fitness1]

Originally Posted by ljguitar

Hi f-1...

Bonding two solid pieces of wood with the grain aligned the same direction is not the same as using plywood (laminate) for sides and backs which is what manufacturers use in less expensive guitar models. Nor is it more economical (which is the reason manufactured guitars use laminate).

It takes more time to cut, prepare, bend, and bond double sides. This is labor and cost-wise more expensive.

Yes, I know that.......didn't ever say it was the same. Just mentioned it for purpose of comparison.

[zombywoof]

Originally Posted by Ed-in-Ohio

Another thing that should be thrown in the mix here is the fact that an all solid wood guitar will retain more resale value than one with laminate pretty much regardless of how it sounds.

That is only because today companies use laminate as a cost cutting measure and so it is generally found on entry level guitars. But guitars such as the laminate maple body Banner J-45s ain't exactly going for what I would call cheap.

[jseth]

If YOU are asking the question, it's pretty clear what YOUR opinion is...

If you really don't hear/feel any difference, then you just saved yourself a whole lot of money...

I do have to add that a serious guitarist would not even ASK this question...

[Molder]

How long has the lamination process been around?

Is it possible for the layers to separate after many years like it does with some of the cheaper furniture?

I guess the glue on a solid wood guitar could come apart but it could always be re-glued, right.

[scottishrogue]

I don't put much credence in the idea that all solid back & sided guitars are better than a guitar with laminate back & sides. It depends on the guitar, because every guitar is different and the soundboard, bracing and strings have a greater affect on the tone. I own a fair number of all solid wood guitars, as well as guitars with laminate back & sides, and they all sound very good, but that is because I'm very picky about the strings I select for each guitar...whether or not I'll be using an amplifier, whether I'll be part of a group or playing solo.

So, is it worth paying extra for a guitar with solid back & sides? Sometimes yes, sometimes not. It's important to use the right tool for the right job.

[ewalling]

Originally Posted by jseth

I do have to add that a serious guitarist would not even ASK this question...

Oh, you 'do have to add' that stinging putdown, do you? That's not very nice, is it?

In the OP's defense, I would add that 'serious guitarists' do ask questions that challenge conventional thinking. It's one of the things that makes them, well, ... serious!

[woodstock64]

IDK, Selmer Maccaferri guitars all had laminated RW back and sides. No one ever accused them of being low end guitars. Just my $.02.

[jcarlos]

Originally Posted by Molder

How long has the lamination process been around?

Is it possible for the layers to separate after many years like it does with some of the cheaper furniture?

I guess the glue on a solid wood guitar could come apart but it could always be re-glued, right.

This is actually something that I am curious about as well. ANyone have any insight to this?

[Dave T]

Are solid back & sides worth the extra $$$?

They are to me. And since I'm an adult I get to spend my money on what I want. If you're an adult (i.e. it's your money) you get to do the same thing.

Dave