Specs

[coolarrow]

How can you tell if a guitar has solid wood back and sides? I see some specs use the term such as "Solid Walnut back and sides" and other times it wil say just "Walnut back and Sides" and then there is "Rosewood Laminate".

A guitar salesman mentioned that if it comes with a gig bag instead of a hard shell case it is most likely a laminate guitar.

Any help would be appreciated.

Thank you.

[Roselynne]

The word "solid" is the best guarantee. If it doesn't say "solid," it pretty much always ain't.

If it says something like "solid cedar top," but "mahogany back and sides" (w/o "solid"), only the top is solid.

[the.ronin]

What she said ^^

Originally Posted by coolarrow

A guitar salesman mentioned that if it comes with a gig bag instead of a hard shell case it is most likely a laminate guitar.

... and I'm not sure I would subscribe to that rule of thumb.

[Roselynne]

I read somewhere that traditional Spanish luthiers prefer tonewood laminates (2 -3 thin layers of quality tonewood) for classical and Flamenco guitars, both for sound and durability.

Don't know if that's true; haven't had the chance to try any all-solid classicals.

I do know that all laminates aren't created equal. Some are all tonewood; others are pretty much plywood.

(And I don't go with the gig bag v. hardshell "rule," either.)

[HNLim]

Smallman used laminates for the back and sides of his guitar. I understand you have to wait 5 or more years for his guitar and it cost over $20,000/- each.

Smallman guitar is John William's Favorite guitar.

[Herb Hunter]

Originally Posted by Roselynne

I read somewhere that traditional Spanish luthiers prefer tonewood laminates (2 -3 thin layers of quality tonewood) for classical and Flamenco guitars, both for sound and durability.

Don't know if that's true; haven't had the chance to try any all-solid classicals. ...

In my experience Spanish luthiers, actually most classical guitar luthiers of any nationality, are very conservative and solid wood is a very old tradition. However, I'm aware of a few Spaniards using the laminated/honeycomb top pioneered by the Germans, Mathias Dammann and Gernot Wagner.

[Garthman]

I've always suspected that solid wood is an old tradition because laminate wasn't invented back then.

[AN0INTD]

I just look at the grain on the outside and see if it matches up with the inside. I haven't had any issues yet figuring out if a guitar was laminate or solid. Unless specs say "solid ...," check the grain. BTW, the quality of sound, though (in case this is an issue for you), has more to do with overall construction rather than solid or lam. I've played some "pretty" all solid classicals that were complete dogs and vice-versa. Also, hardshell cases can come with whatever guitar the salesman is trying to sell...that's no indicator in the least. good luck

[the.ronin]

Originally Posted by AN0INTD

BTW, the quality of sound, though (in case this is an issue for you), has more to do with overall construction rather than solid or lam. I've played some "pretty" all solid classicals that were complete dogs and vice-versa.

Very true.

But I would add that solid opens up over time. So you've got something to look forward to. (Granted, the majority of sound is explained by the top but lets not get into that whole debate.)

[AN0INTD]

Originally Posted by the.ronin

Very true.

But I would add that solid opens up over time. So you've got something to look forward to. (Granted, the majority of sound is explained by the top but lets not get into that whole debate.)

Interesting...I've heard that lams can also open up very nicely as well ....sorry, couldn't resist

[Roselynne]

Originally Posted by Herb Hunter

In my experience Spanish luthiers, actually most classical guitar luthiers of any nationality, are very conservative and solid wood is a very old tradition. However, I'm aware of a few Spaniards using the laminated/honeycomb top pioneered by the Germans, Mathias Dammann and Gernot Wagner.

That would have been my expectation -- solid wood's a much older material -- and I've never been sure my (now misplaced) source was correct.

I gave it some credence, however, because I've never had the chance to see or play a solid wood classical. They seem rather rare(?).

[Herb Hunter]

Originally Posted by Roselynne

That would have been my expectation -- solid wood's a much older material -- and I've never been sure my (now misplaced) source was correct.

I gave it some credence, however, because I've never had the chance to see or play a solid wood classical. They seem rather rare(?).

In my experience, the use of solid wood for the back and sides is rare in the lower price ranges but common in the more expensive guitars.

[the.ronin]

Not that rare. My Esteve is student level all solid. Most of the major factory brands make an entry level all solid. Kremona makes surprisingly nice sounding all solids in the sub $1K range. Granted, all solids aren't equal. And aside from Kremona, the price range tends to be in the $1K range on the low end.