- What is an acoustic guitar top?
- Do solid and laminate tops look different?
- Do laminate and solid tops sound different?
What is an acoustic guitar top?
Tonewood is an integral part of what gives an acoustic guitar its unique sound, defining the tonality, presence, overtones, vibrations through the body, and the overall volume of the instrument. The neck, fretboard and body of an acoustic guitar can be made of different woods, each one complementing the other.
One of the most important components of an acoustic guitar’s body is the top wood, also known as the soundboard. This is the piece of wood that makes up the face of the guitar. It’s one of your acoustic guitar’s first points of contact with the strings – the vibrations reach the rest of the body via the bridge and the top wood. It’s also the home of the bracing and the soundhole, both of which also shape the sound of your instrument.
Along with deciding on the shape of an acoustic, guitar builders pick from a variety of types of woods, with all sorts of traditional exotic options on the table providing different tones. In an ever-more competitive beginner-to-intermediate market, many manufacturers also turn to laminated woods over solid woods to make more budget friendly instruments. So, what’s the difference? Let’s take a closer look.
What is a solid top?
A solid top is essentially one piece of wood. This wood has been carefully selected, cut, carved and fitted, but always comes from a single source from the timber to the instrument.
You’ll know if an acoustic guitar has a solid top by looking carefully at the soundhole; because the guitar soundhole has been cut into the wood, you’ll be able to see a cross section of the grain when you look at the edge (see image below).
Occasionally, the solid piece of wood is divided into two and mirrored. You’ll notice a distinct divide in the middle of a guitar top when this is the case.
What is a laminated top?
A laminated top is made of more than one piece of wood. These much thinner layers are joined together using a combination of heat, pressure and adhesives, depending on the manufacturer. The process is common practice as it allows a manufacturer to increase their output while using less wood – a win/win in terms of both cost and build time.
For example, a builder takes a single piece of mahogany and divides it into four thin laminate layers. They’ve now got enough four acoustic guitars with rich mahogany tops, all of which came from a one piece of wood. What this also allows is the use of cheaper materials to make up the rest of the laminated wood. Because you can’t see what’s underneath the top layer, it could be anything from maple to plywood to plastic resin.
If you look at the soundhole below, you can just about make out the different layers of wood – the grain from the top doesn’t continue all the way through.
What is a veneer?
The term veneer is often used to describe the top (or visible) layer of laminated wood. While the layers underneath might consist of cheaper/composite materials, you still want it to look good. As mentioned above, manufacturers will take a nice-looking (and thin) layer of mahogany, maple, koa – whatever takes their fancy – and apply it to the top of the laminated wood. This ensures an organic appearance but uses less wood and a less complicated process.
Do solid and laminate tops look different?
The visual difference between laminated and solid tops is a divisive issue for acoustic guitarists. Many argue that the difference is marginal, as it’s essentially the same wood being used except veneers are thinner. Either way, the wood is picked because it looks great – you’ll rarely see a flawed top on an acoustic guitar as lot of builders like to make acoustics with a natural finish. Others argue that a piece of wood chosen for a veneer will be cheaper, and therefore not as pretty
What do you think? Below: a laminate top on the left and a solid top on the right – both are spruce.
Do laminate and solid tops sound different?
The sound is where the debate really heats up. Is there a difference in sound quality between solid and laminated tops? Given the fact that acoustic tops (soundboards) play such a vital role in the sound of your acoustic guitar, I would go so far as to say – objectively – yes.
A solid piece of wood has a consistent grain and density. Because of this, you tend to get good sustain and a richer resonance. Different types of woods offer different tonal flavours, but if it’s a solid piece, it’ll benefit from these factors, even if the overall sound is or isn’t to your liking.
An overlooked factor is that solid tops can age and will therefore increase in resonance as they get older. Veneers will not age in the same way because it’s a combination of different woodcuts and you simply don’t get the same effect.
The best acoustic guitars in the world are all made with solid tonewoods – it’s as simple as that. However, if you like the sound of a certain, it doesn’t matter what it’s made from, right? While solid tops offer a more resonant sound, you may simply prefer a laminate-topped acoustic guitar. That part is totally subjective!
What about durability?
It’s a well-known fact that guitar made of solid woods are susceptible to temperature changes, humidity and age. Because solid wood relies purely on its own sturdiness and thickness (and its bracing), it can fall prey to cracking, warping and other side effects.
If you’re a guitarist who’s always on the move, or for whatever reason you find yourself playing your acoustic guitar in extreme climates, you may want to consider the implications of travelling and gigging with a solid-topped guitar.
Laminates tend to survive better in their battle against the elements. Because they’re comprised of multiple layers and go through a combination of heat, pressure and adhesive processes, they’re more resilient. It’ll take quite a lot more than rapid changes in temperature and the odd long-haul flight to do damage to an acoustic guitar’s laminate tonewood.
Are solid tops more expensive?
For the most part, yes. If a certain piece of wood is selected for a solid top of an acoustic guitar, chances are it’s of the highest quality in every respect. It’ll look stunning for starters, meaning a lengthy selection process with eagle-eyed precision for flaws. It’ll also sound excellent, as we’ve discussed – solid tops are something of a tonal holy grail for acoustic luthiers. Finally, the wood used for solid tops tends to be ethically sourced from a sustainable supplier. This ensures that the wood is of excellent quality, that the trees are in good health and that the company does their bit to protect the environment.
We did say for the most part – many manufacturers manage to strike a balance between quality and affordability. Companies such as Yamaha, Fender, Alvarez, Faith Guitars and Sire understand the tonal importance of top woods, and the importance of making sure every player is catered for. Many of these guitars are well under £1000, each one with its own solid top. This means brilliant sound, stunning looks and a sensible price tag. A good deal if you ask me.
Want to know more about specific acoustic guitar tonewoods like maple, mahogany and spruce? Check out our full Acoustic Guitar Tonewood Guide!
Interested in finding out more about music gear to expand your knowledge? Browse all of our Learn articles.
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