[charlieD]

A number of high-end builders, following Erwin Somogyi, are using laminated sides, but with carefully chosen woods for the interior. The theory is that the two layers make the sides more rigid, and the entire body becomes more drum-like. The sides then transmit more vibration between top and bottom, rather than absorbing energy by deflecting. Or so it's been explained to me.

It also makes the sides less prone to damage.

Of course, we're talking about master-grade woods and top-tier artisan techniques here, not mass-production factory work.