I've just picked up a Sigma DR28 which is listed as solid Spruce top with Rosewood back and sides.I can see by the grain that the b&s are not solid, but interested in how this is done if anyone knows?
Is it several different strips of timber / ply (like an engineered wood) or do they ever use a photo for the external finish (like laminate flooring)?
I'm an architect, and I know from product research that engineered flooring is far more stable and less probe to movement than solid timber, I assume that is why, along with cost, it is such a good construction method for the back and sides?
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On decent quality laminates the outer veneer will be bookmatched. Even at that, it reduces cost and makes for a simpler, stronger construction. How much it affects the sound compared to solid wood is debatable, but it does to some extent.
For some purposes it's arguably better - eg a stage electro-acoustic where you want to play at higher volume without feedback, since it's less resonant than solid wood.
"Take these three items, some WD-40, a vise grip, and a roll of duct tape. Any man worth his salt can fix almost any problem with this stuff alone." - Walt Kowalski
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I've often been surprised that a really well-done laminate should be cheaper to make than a solid back too, but it does seem to be.
The catch is that these days, they carefully lie by omission in the spec - I know you weren't fooled, but a lot of people are. If they say "solid spruce top" and only "rosewood" or "mahogany" back and sides, you know it's laminate.
"Take these three items, some WD-40, a vise grip, and a roll of duct tape. Any man worth his salt can fix almost any problem with this stuff alone." - Walt Kowalski
"Only two things are infinite - the universe, and human stupidity. And I'm not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
As said above, one of my guitars I play purely (Alvarez-Yairi) acoustically and u couldn't tell it was laminate by the excelent tone. The other is for playing lugged in and the rigidity of b&s helps stave off feedback at higher sound levels.
Do note that some custom builders use the 'double sides' technique to stiffen the 'frame' that supports the s/board - keeping the vibration energy in the s/b.
If it sounds good to u - get it 'n play it.
Resonance is just one quality of tone.
On the other hand I've never played an all laminate guitar that I've liked. I think a solid top is quite important.
Solid top makes a huge difference IMO, but back and sides I dont know so much.
"Take these three items, some WD-40, a vise grip, and a roll of duct tape. Any man worth his salt can fix almost any problem with this stuff alone." - Walt Kowalski
"Only two things are infinite - the universe, and human stupidity. And I'm not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
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I had one of the Martin HPL dreadnoughts for a while - the only reason I sold it is because I got my Gibson. It didn't sound *exactly* like a D-28, but it was remarkably close given the difference in materials - not forgetting that the neck was laminated 'Stratabond' as well.
"Take these three items, some WD-40, a vise grip, and a roll of duct tape. Any man worth his salt can fix almost any problem with this stuff alone." - Walt Kowalski
"Only two things are infinite - the universe, and human stupidity. And I'm not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
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It isn't as good as my HD28V but it was better sounding than guitars in the same shop that cost twice as much when I bought it.
That may not matter to you, though - but it doesn't help the resale value if you come to move it on.
"Take these three items, some WD-40, a vise grip, and a roll of duct tape. Any man worth his salt can fix almost any problem with this stuff alone." - Walt Kowalski
"Only two things are infinite - the universe, and human stupidity. And I'm not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
Having said that, I find myself using that guitar sometimes even when I do have the car and the option of using the expensive one. If I'm playing live I'll often take whichever of my acoustics has the best strings on it, and I'll play the others at home for a bit longer to get more life out of the strings.