Basic Guitar 101 Question

[Dan the Man]

Hi PRS peoples,
Was just wondering, many manufacturers sell at increased cost guitars with a figured laminated top. I understand the reasoning behind the added cost (labor, materials, etc), but my question is does this just look pretty or is there any tone enhancing properties associated? If it is tone enhancing, is there a link anywhere that shows which pretty top (flame / quilt / spalt; maple / koa / pine, etc) provides what tonal properties? Again, I also realize that every piece of wood sounds a little different, as does every pickup.

Like does 1 pc mahogany with flame maple top sound brighter than just solid 1 pc mahogany? I would imagine that the bridge bolts anchor into the mahogany and not into the laminated top, therefore not much tone difference.

Thanks for your time

Dan the Man

 

[toothace]

Let the games begin...

 

[Tone-y]

Well... A laminated top is normally a maple top with an added thin laminate of figured maple (flame, quilt, birds eye etc). The laminate is just there to look pretty as it's a far cheaper way of producing a figured top than having a solid figured top (you can produce many guitars out of a block of figured maple using laminates rather than just the one).

As to the tone, a maple cap on a mahogany body does affect the tone. I wouldn't say it's enhancing rather than just different. It will brighten the tone somewhat. The degree of figuring as far as I know has no effect on tone. And I don't think a laminate top rather than a solid maple top has much of an effect either.

 

[merciful-evans]

Grades of fancy grain is an purely aesthetic. The higher the number quoted, the more highly figured usually, and more expensive of course.

Generally speaking, the different tops are for cosmetic appeal for solidbodies. Hollowbodies are different. The type of wood used will affect tone for those,

Maple caps. Gibson say that a maple cap will add some top to a (warm) mahogany body sound. Some believe this and others dont believe it. The 'tonewood' debate has been an ugly scene with passions running high on both sides.

The subject is interesting, but IMO, not worth getting upset about.

 

[Alnus Rubra]

Put simply, the design, build and materials all have some effect upon tone.

According to PRSh we buy guitars with our eyes!

Maybe find one you like the look of and play it, if you like the sound it could be for you. It could be a fun journey.

What ever you decide, we’d all love to see pictures so we can share your fun.

 

[Deleted member 5962]

Hi PRS peoples,
Was just wondering, many manufacturers sell at increased cost guitars with a figured laminated top. I understand the reasoning behind the added cost (labor, materials, etc), but my question is does this just look pretty or is there any tone enhancing properties associated? If it is tone enhancing, is there a link anywhere that shows which pretty top (flame / quilt / spalt; maple / koa / pine, etc) provides what tonal properties? Again, I also realize that every piece of wood sounds a little different, as does every pickup.

Like does 1 pc mahogany with flame maple top sound brighter than just solid 1 pc mahogany? I would imagine that the bridge bolts anchor into the mahogany and not into the laminated top, therefore not much tone difference.

Thanks for your time

Dan the Man

Does your wife look better after she puts on makeup?

 

[11top]

The higher the figure, the stiffer the wood.

 

[sergiodeblanc]

Flame tops are better for hotter tones and quilts are better for softer tones.

There’s some pretty scientific data to back these claims.

 

[Tone-y]

Does your wife look better after she puts on makeup?

Don't answer that one. It's a trick question!

 

[Coop]

Flame tops are better for hotter tones and quilts are better for softer tones.

There’s some pretty scientific data to back these claims.

False. Everyone knows that quilts are warmer... not softer.

 

[AP515]

Does your wife look better after she puts on makeup?

 

[11top]

Does that mean “yes?”

 

[11top]

Flame tops are better for hotter tones and quilts are better for softer tones.

There’s some pretty scientific data to back these claims.

Big leaf is a softer, less-dense maple, so that makes sense.

 

[Tag]

Thats hot!!!

 

[Deleted member 5962]

A trip to the PTC may be in order. Paging Shawn...

 

[sergiodeblanc]

Big leaf is a softer, less-dense maple, so that makes sense.

Of course it does, I’m a scientist!

 

[Alnus Rubra]

Does your wife look better after she puts on makeup?

Next he’ll ask you if she looks like Julie Bowen!

 

[Alnus Rubra]

The higher the figure, the stiffer the wood.

Are you talking about plastic surgery?!

 

[Deleted member 5962]

Next he’ll ask you if she looks like Julie Bowen!

And, if she does, for your address!

 

[11top]

Next he’ll ask you if she looks like Julie Bowen!

That’s Julie Bowen in makeup?

Talk about a makeover.