- Laminated wood is constructed from several thin layers of wood glued together under compression. The perpendicular grains of alternating layers create a finished product with high strength and durability. A solid-wood construction consists of a thinly sliced veneer cut from a single piece of timber and tends to be more expensive. Both materials are used in the consutruction of guitar bodies, though because laminate is cheaper than solid wood it has become more associated with budget guitars.
- Advances in production technology mean higher quality laminates are now more widely available. Despite this progress, laminates still have far less tonal resonance than the traditional tone-woods used in guitar construction. Laminates in general produce a more lifeless sound, with poor sustain when compared to solid wood. Solid wood on the other hand has a rich resonance that brings vibrancy to a guitar's sound.
- Laminate tends to be more durable and less sensitive to temperature changes and low humidity that can cause solid wood to dry and crack. If temperature and humidity are a concern, a guitar body constructed from laminate is a sensible choice, especially if you have a tight budget. However, because 90 percent of a guitar's tone is influenced by the top or soundboard, a guitar with good quality laminate sides and back together with a traditional solid-wood top is a good compromize between quality and value.
- Whatever your choice, taking good care of a guitar will prolong its life and maintain performance. Always keep it in a case when not in use to maintain a more even temperature and prevent accidental knocks: physical impacts can loosen joints and split layers of laminate necessitating potentially expensive repairs. If you live in an area prone to low humidity, consider storing your guitar with a humidifier. These devices are placed inside the guitar's body during storage to maintain optimum humidity and prevent the wood from drying and cracking.
previous post