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.
Acoustic guitar laminated vs solid.
Others say that laminate wood guitars are just as good or even better than solid wood ones even though it is cheaper.
Solid wood guitars are longer lasting and have a richer tone than their laminate counterparts.
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.
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.
Solid wood acoustic guitars argument has raged.
Laminate wood is well known to resist the elements much better than solid woods which make it a great option for people that prefer to hang their guitar on the wall or play it around the campfire.
Others are made of laminate.
Laminate guitars can be made in a more cost effective way highlighting color variations and grain patterns in the wood.
Either way the wood is picked because it looks great you ll rarely see a flawed top on an acoustic guitar.
Look for a change in grain direction at the edges of the soundhole.
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.
Many argue that the difference is marginal as it s essentially the same wood being used except veneers are thinner.
For years the laminate vs.
Laminate refers to a multi layered construction.
These pieces are glued together.
The back does influence the sound and solid wood becomes better and better as the years roll by.
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.
That s why the top is referred to as the soundboard.
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.
The visual difference between laminated and solid tops is a divisive issue for guitarists.
Purists say there s nothing better than a solid wood guitar which is why it costs more.
A keen eye can spot these tiny layers in the top if you look at the soundhole opening.
In an all solid wood acoustic guitar each body wood component is solid and not layered or laminated.
Laminated wood is economical but it s also strong and stable and can withstand a little more abuse than a higher quality instrument.
