Using solid wood for the top is still preferred by most builders because the top plays a major role in translating the initial energy of vibrating guitar strings into rich acoustic sound.
Acoustic guitar laminated vs solid.
In an all solid wood acoustic guitar each body wood component is solid and not layered or laminated.
Many low end acoustic guitars are made of laminated wood rather than solid wood.
While laminate guitars are not made with solid pieces of tonewood they are able to be made to look like solid pieces of wood.
That means the top back and sides are all made from solid wood components.
The visual difference between laminated and solid tops is a divisive issue for guitarists.
Laminate refers to a multi layered construction.
Laminated wood is economical but it s also strong and stable and can withstand a little more abuse than a higher quality instrument.
A keen eye can spot these tiny layers in the top if you look at the soundhole opening.
That s why the top is referred to as the soundboard.
Many argue that the difference is marginal as it s essentially the same wood being used except veneers are thinner.
Others say that laminate wood guitars are just as good or even better than solid wood ones even though it is cheaper.
My hd 28vsb sounds better all of the time and and took a great leap sound wise at the 12 year point.
These pieces are glued together.
Look for a change in grain direction at the edges of the soundhole.
Others are made of laminate.
Either way the wood is picked because it looks great you ll rarely see a flawed top on an acoustic guitar.
The back does influence the sound and solid wood becomes better and better as the years roll by.
Purists say there s nothing better than a solid wood guitar which is why it costs more.
Many times these guitars are stained in such a way that an otherwise plain cut of maple or cherry wood for example can be made to look just as compelling as the solid wood options at a fraction of the cost.
Both of these environments can expose the guitar to extreme dryness or extreme humidity both difficult for solid wood guitars to withstand.
Laminate guitars on the other hand can be made to accentuate certain color variations and grain patterns in the wood that are not only pleasing to the eye but are far more cost effective as well.
A solid wood guitar has a back of heavier solid wood such as mahogany for deep rich tone and a lighter wood such as spruce for the top.
With that being a point of agreement among forum members it is safe to say that a solid wood guitar is better than the laminated ones.
Laminate guitars can be made in a more cost effective way highlighting color variations and grain patterns in the wood.
Solid wood acoustic guitars argument has raged.
Many acoustics are made of solid wood.
