Laminate guitars, on the other hand, can be made to acce… Carved details would also mean a piece is made of solid wood. One of the widely recognized distinguishing features of a premium or professional-grade acoustic guitar is the use of solid wood panels for the top, back and sides. Merely stating the types of wood used in the manufacturing process doesn’t cut it; they may be laminate layers of the same wood. OK, so instead of an ES-175 I now wanted an L-4, except that they didn't make those anymore (at that time). These woods are generally the same types of wood used to make solid wood models, so they usually look very similar cosmetically to their solid counterparts. 4) Look at the wood grain. Solid Wood is constructed out of a solid piece of natural wood. Guitar manufacturers love to tell you that their solid wood models are just that. Some of the construction differences involve mere cosmetics, such as the inlays on fretboard or designs on the pick guard. Laminate wood simply means money (and wood) was saved by using thinly veneered layers of wood combined to create your guitar. If it does then it's solid wood, if not it's a laminate. In the world of guitars, terms plywood and laminate are used interchangeably. There is no doubt that aesthetics factor significantly into our everyday purchases, and instruments are no exception. The laminate wood’s climate-resistant features boost the durability of a solid top acoustic guitar’s body, making it a resilient product with an awesome sound. If you stare long enough, you will likely find boards with the same wood grain. However, Guitar industry prefers to use the word laminate exclusively. Similarly, if you are on a tight budget, you may not be able to spend a lot of money on your first one. That said, it was an entirely functional guitar and served my guitar-learning needs just fine. As you’re determining whether or not to buy a laminate or solid wood guitar, consider this: laminate wood in the hands of an experienced, well-established guitar maker will sound better than solid wood in a poorly-manufactured guitar. Laminate guitars are typically less expensive. Even in furniture, all solid wood parts are less common these days, and much easier to spot than in a guitar. Really heavy. Look around the inside of the soundhole and see if the wood grain goes all the way through. The vibration of the wood when the strings are struck is what gives the guitar its “voice,” or tone. If you are looking for an upgrade, or you have sufficient funds and desire to take your playing to a higher level, then a solid wood model is recommended. Quiz: Where In The World Are These Guitar Brands Based? When you're considering the purchase of a new desk, you may wonder if the top is veneered or solid. Beginners through advanced students are welcome. Some will say that there laminated Washburn sounds better then the solid wood Martin. Solid Wood. The choice between real wood or laminate can be easy as long as you know the facts about both. Solid wood means that the top, sides and back are made from single pieces of wood. It may not be obvious right away, but that’s only because you’re not looking for it. The accompanying rule of thumb is: If it doesn’t say that it’s solid wood, it generally isn’t. I’ve got a lot of questions on laminating wood techniques and I notice a number of folks are interested in how to laminate … But don't discredit laminate top instruments. That is the worst it will sound. Laminate Wood is constructed with very thin sheets of wood glued together. If your furniture is fairly light-weight, it’s probably not solid wood. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Some luthiers say that selecting the right wood for the top is one of the most important in determining the overall tone of the guitar. Some wood-looking things nowadays are pretty good at imitating solid wood. Solid top acoustic guitarGuitar lessons Poway 619-306-3664. The guitar is mahogany back & sides, which is a bit amorphous, so not easy to tell. Ask your dealer if you have any questions. The laminate wood used in less-expensive guitars is constructed of thin layers of wood glued together. 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. Solid wood furniture is usually heavier than a veneered piece. What accounts for the disparity in prices? How to Tell the Difference Between a Solid and Laminate Top Guitar Updated: December 18, 2019 If you’ve been playing guitar, or even looking into buying a guitar, for any length of time surely you’ve come across the topic of solid vs. laminated acoustic guitars. It is not a secret that the type of materials and craftsmanship affect the quality, durability, sound and price of acoustic guitars. A friendly and well-meaning fellow at a music store told me that if I really wanted a good sounding guitar I've better get something made of solid wood and not laminate wood. ( The Companies Headquarter ). I am an experienced, patient, and enthusiastic teacher with 30 years experience. Private lessons are available in Poway for children and adults. Solid wood construction tends to express a wood’s tonal personality in the fullest, most complex way, resulting in a superior musical sound. It wouldn't be as big of a deal if the sides and back are laminate. The major factor, however, is the wood being used. A laminate top guitar by a top brand can well be superior than a solid top guitar by a low end brand. In general, solid wood is best, especially with regards to the guitar top, or soundboard. Stick your nose into the soundhole and sniff--you'll know if it's rosewood. A great indicator of solid wood is dovetail construction. Learn to play classical, jazz, rock, blues and pop music from a working professional musician. When glued to composites, plywood or solid wood, veneer helps produce a product natural in appearance but more affordable than solid wood … These layers are usually glued together to form a thicker surface. It is ideal for guitarists who are on the road a lot and need a guitar that can take a beating and keep on singing. Question: I recently bought a 2012 Spring LTD Taylor GS Mini Rosewood, and I was wondering how the wood laminates in the GS Mini Spring Limited Series (or the standard Mini) can sound different if they are all just laminate back and sides with maple, rosewood, blackwood or sapele veneer. Solid wood guitars are longer-lasting and have a richer tone than their laminate counterparts. Which one (within your budget) sounds and feels the best to you? When you first wander into a music store to shop for an acoustic guitar, you are generally met with many choices. Can anyone tell me how much the acoustic tone of a solid-body electric guitar matters? You may even decide in time that another instrument would be preferable to the guitar. Although certain brands tend to fall into a particular price range and the country of origin can play a big factor, the main difference between models and their corresponding prices is their construction. Others are made of laminate. Professional grade acoustic guitars have their top, back and sides made up of solid woods, while beginner and… While laminate guitars are not made with solid pieces of tonewood, they are able to be made to look like solid pieces of wood. When it comes to wood laminating, pieces of plastics or another layer of wood are laminated to composites, wood, or plywood. There is no shame in that. Solid top means there’s one single piece of wood that makes up the top of the guitar (the one with the soundhole). Learn to play the guitar, piano or keyboard. — Gabriel N. Answer: Good question, Gabriel. I recently tested a guitar that I know was made from laminated wood (supposedly very bad from what I've read) against a guitar made of solid mahogany. GUITARSCAMP.COM, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED, For instance, with the same guitar wood that has. The outer edges of the top are painted black, I presume to disguise the layers. You will be able to see the cross-section of the guitar's top and tell whether the guitar's top is constructed of solid wood or composed of laminated wood plies. Lessons focus on proper playing techniques, music theory, keyboard harmony, music reading, and improvisation. Boutique builders will often utilize more exotic wood species, such as Brazilian rosewood, cocobolo, or koa, but the limited supply of these materials means that these options – though visually striking – are simply not available at the more modest price points. Weight. Quiz: Can You Name These Iconic Guitarists? Another important factor is the quality of the components such as the tuners, nut, or bridge. Solid wood tops typically sound better, and will actually improve over time when they're played, something laminate does not do (or at least not to nearly the same degree). Drawer Construction. Many acoustics are made of solid wood. However when someone buys a brand new high end Martin, that guitar will not sound as good as it should. Solid Wood is constructed out of a solid piece of natural wood. If you do your shopping carefully, you can find an inexpensive laminate model that will still give you a good sound. Solid-wood is widely regarded as being superior to laminated wood for several reasons. It is not helped by the inter-webz wisdom suggesting that there were both laminate and solid woods used in the early models, and apparently Gibson identifying one guitar as laminate, which turned out to be solid ! The main difference between hardwood flooring and laminate flooring is that hardwood flooring is made from real wood, and laminate flooring has a picture of wood on the surface. 13412 Pomerado Rd Suite A Poway, CA 92064. You could take out the pickups and then have a look at the cavity.You should be able to see the cross section of the guitar top.From the thickness of the top you can tell if its laminated or solid. Veneered wood is a laminate. Guitar manufacturers love to tell you that their solid wood models are just that. Hardwood flooring is made from solid wood… The sound is generated by the vibration of the top, and a laminate (plywood) top does not vibrate as freely as a solid piece of wood. The answer is they don’t really sound different. A laminate model is apt to deteriorate more quickly, even if you take perfectly good care of it. 1. Laminate wood is manufactured, not milled like traditional wood. Laminated wood can be put together by hand and skillfully used to reinforce solid-wood sections. Solid wood furniture is heavy. © 2020 Poway Music Lessons. If it doesn't smell perfumey than it might be mahogany or some other wood. Whether it’s a solid wood acoustic or a laminate, the choice comes down to sound, feel, and what you will enjoy the most. There are several ways to determine this. Merely stating the types of wood used in the manufacturing process doesn’t cut it; they may be laminate layers of the same wood. That can make it difficult to tell sometimes: Solid wood v. veneer real wood v. veneer fake wood. Wood. Guitars of many brands, sizes and colors decorate the walls with price tags ranging from under $100 to over $5000. It also covers veneer laminating. The most important material in the construction of a guitar is the wood. Laminate tops will have seams between each layer of wood that are parallel to the top. For lower priced guitars an important question is whether the top and the body of the guitar is made from solid wood or laminate. … These pieces are glued together. Rosewood gives a distinct sweet smell. Fact #2: Not All Laminate Wood is Equal. The top and bottom layers' grain runs parallel to the strings while the middle layer runs perpendicular. Laminate is a marketing-friendly term for plywood. A lot has transpired through the years in the debate over acoustic guitars in the area of laminate versus solid wood construction. Laminate doesn't stain the way natural wood does, so if you see water rings, random splotches or discolorations on the floor, it is probably hardwood. Laminate flooring will have a repeating pattern. Consider Climate As any musician knows, wood is a fickle thing, and depending on where you live, taking care of your guitar can take some time investment. 2. Many laminate models still sound very good. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. There is no point spending a lot of money on a guitar that does not offer you durability. 3 Factors Learning To Play Beginner guitar Online Surpasses Private Guitar Courses, Guitar Course For That Beginner – Is Reading Tab A Necessity, GUITAR LESSONS: Acoustic vs. Electric Guitar, The Guitar Wood – Solid Wood or Laminate Wood. A solid wood model will better handle the normal dings and scratches that result from long-time use and still sound great. Solid or Laminate? This does not mean you should always buy solid wood. Acoustic Or Electric Guitar : WhaT Should You Know! The veneer is a thin layer of real wood, typically 1/32 to 1/16 inch in thickness, sliced from logs in sheets. A "select" or laminate top with matte finish might easily have better tonal quality than a solid-top with a high-gloss or painted surface. You’ll be able to feel the grain if a piece is made of solid wood. Most importantly, it’s more resonant and tonally superior. Here is the top edge, near the neck, of a solid … However, most laminate guitars sound weak when played next to a solid wood guitar. The best thing you can do for yourself, particularly if you are new, is go to a music store and try some different guitars. So, how can you tell if your furniture is solid wood versus laminate or veneer? All Rights Reserved. These can definitely have an impact on both the sound and the price of the guitar. Acoustically the laminated guitar was a bit brighter (clearer), but sustained as long as the mahogany guitar. Laminate Wood is constructed with very thin sheets of wood glued together. If you are a student or beginner, you may not know exactly what you want in a guitar. Laminate is made up of several layers of wood glued together. The wood grain of a solid top guitar will run straight up and down vertically. Let’s compare them. How to Tell if the Top of a Desk Is Veneer or Solid Wood. Although they can also be very sturdy, glued sheets of wood simply can’t have the same vibrational quality as a solid piece of wood. The accompanying rule of thumb is: If it doesn’t say that it’s solid wood, it generally isn’t. They are also generally much more expensive. However, you have varying quality of laminated woods too. … some wood-looking things nowadays are pretty good at imitating solid wood preferable the! But that ’ s only because you ’ ll be able to the! Into a music store to shop for an acoustic guitar, you can find an inexpensive laminate model apt! All solid wood is Equal working professional musician its “ voice, ” tone! Of guitars, terms plywood and laminate are used interchangeably experienced, patient, and enthusiastic teacher 30. Not looking for it imitating solid wood means that the top, and! Is no doubt that aesthetics factor significantly into how to tell laminate from solid wood guitar everyday purchases, and enthusiastic with... 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