Laminated Back & Sides Debate

Hello All,

Would like to touch on a touchy subject here. One that will send you guitar purists fuming through the roof. But I still feel the need to address it because there are some misconceptions about it as well.

I was on a forum recently (won't mention which one but I think you guys know) and the subject was based on the soundboard being the determining factor in the sound of a classical guitar based on torres famous papier mache back and sides experimental guitar.

Many people argue that you get tone from the back and sides. Yes you do, however the soundboard is a good 80% of your tone. I read in that same forum someone saying that retailers say that solid wood is better than laminated back and sides, and retailers who sell lower end guitars use the soundboard, papier mache marketing tool.

Here is the bottom line: 

Laminated back and sides are durable and will probably never crack. You can achieve great tone on a laminated back and sides guitar with a solid wood top.......BUT THERE'S THE CATCH!!!! 

Only if the top is done correctly. Greg smallman has achieved amazing results with a solid top and laminated back and sides using his lattice top bracing (not bad considering that his guitars start at 25k). Greg actually cuts a much thinner top, and with the lattice bracing system it really pushes that soundboard.

Don't get me wrong people, I love solid wood back and sides (as a matter of fact, that's all I own) I just want to clarify that laminated back and sides instruments are not inferior as long as the top is done right.

I used to own an aria ac-50 which only has a solid top and I got a great sound out of that. 

So do solid woods play a role in tone? Yes, but not much. Bracing is everything, and the type of wood that is used for the top is also very important, Cedar and Spruce project differently, but again, projection has more to do with the construction of the guitar. 

I'm sure I'll get some flack for this, I know you people think that your guitar has great tone because of that gorgeous brazillian rosewood, and again i'm not saying it doesn't. Builders usually tap the wood to test it's response, it does play a role, maple and brazillian create a different sounding guitar, i'm not denying that. I'm simply saying, it's more about the builder than anything.

Would love to hear from some builders and get your opinions.

Warmest regards,

-kelcey-

Getting Back To Playing

Hello All,

Would like to start this blog out by thanking you for visiting, and to more or less touch on what my blog is all about.

I called this blog "Classical Guitars" because that is what I foresee myself playing for the rest of my life, but that is not to say that we can't talk about any other types of guitars.

This blog is an open discussion regarding everything from technique, to type of guitar you play, practice, any gear you would like to discuss, etc.

Basically anything goes if the "G" word is involved.

My name is kelcey and I've been playing guitar for as long as I could remember. As time has passed and life continues on, I realize how enamored with music I am.

Most recently, I went through a period of not touching a guitar for about 3 months. To get myself back in shape I decided to sell one of my guitars to get some cash to pay off my "Joshua Alexander French" Guitar, instead someone contacted me regarding a trade, and I ended up with a 1991 Richard Prenkert. Getting that new guitar really inspired me to play again.

I called my music teacher back up and he gladly scheduled an appointment to see me. So for this first blog please feel free to submit any suggestions regarding practice, anything you may know about richard prenkert or anything that you find relevant.

I really just like to talk music and would like this to be place where we can all help and compliment each other.

Warmest regards,

-kelcey-