Is this a "one piece" top? and..

[sjsamaha]

I'm also curious what you all think of the filled in F-hole design aesthetic?? I called PRS and they claim it has no real effect on tone, but more an aesthetic...

I must confess I do like it as a "Different" way of doing artistic inlay work, and I'm sure it helps a bit with humidity changes.. More surface for the sound to bounce off, and less feedback issues?

(Sorry for the link, but I can't figure out how else to post an image of this)

PRS Private Stock #11006 Owls in Flight Special Semi-Hollow Electric Guitar - Natural

Semi-hollowbody Electric Guitar with Macassar Ebony Top and Neck, Black Limba Body, Ebony/Maple Fingerboard, and 3 Humbucking Pickups - Natural

www.sweetwater.com

 

[Slo-mo]

I don't like that look. It makes it look kind of fake, like a pretend semi-hollow. Other than that, it's a gorgeous guitar in every other way.

 

[sjsamaha]

I don't like that look. It makes it look kind of fake, like a pretend semi-hollow. Other than that, it's a gorgeous guitar in every other way.

you think it's a one piece top? doesn't look "Book matched" to me.

 

[Slo-mo]

It's not maple, so it probably is one piece Black Limba as it's listed.

 

[deathworlder]

Ebony top?
I'll go with bookmatched; that'd be a huge piece of ebony for one piece.

 

[sjsamaha]

Ebony top?
I'll go with bookmatched; that'd be a huge piece of ebony for one piece.

but look at it, there's not an exact symmetry between the two halves, I don't think it's book... but I'm not really sure I guess.

 

[Slo-mo]

I didn't realize the ebony top was referring to body. I can't see anything that looks like a seam, so I would assume 1 piece.

 

[sjsamaha]

I didn't realize the ebony top was referring to body. I can't see anything that looks like a seam, so I would assume 1 piece.

Yeah, that is one large piece of Ebony

 

[Going Modal]

but look at it, there's not an exact symmetry between the two halves, I don't think it's book... but I'm not really sure I guess.

There's no specific reason--other than visual appeal/symmetry--that it even needs to be the same bookmatched piece, though. And with the grains running along the axis of the body/neck, it'd probably be pretty easy to hide a seam in there. I'm just playing devil's advocate here...

 

[deathworlder]

but look at it, there's not an exact symmetry between the two halves, I don't think it's book... but I'm not really sure I guess.

Looks like a seam to me...
The bands of darker grain on either side of the bridge, lends me to believe it's 2-piece as well.

 

[sjsamaha]

I was reading the description that Sweetwater put, and it implies single piece. But I still also don’t see any symmetry, even if there is arguably a seam in the middle.

 

[deathworlder]

I was reading the description that Sweetwater put, and it implies single piece. But I still also don’t see any symmetry, even if there is arguably a seam in the middle.

I'm using some artistic license in my mind's eye...
I can 'see' it, given what could have happened in cutting, joining, planing, sanding, etc.

I'm imagining a slight transition layer that might make sense.

 

[Moondog Wily]

I am in the two piece camp! I think I can see some symmetry with grouped bands especially between the pups. They are not perfect, but when it is split, the kerf takes some wood and then the sanding takes some wood, so it is often not a perfect mirror. With the vertical grain, very difficult to tell either way. Before I dropped that kind of coin, I would want to know (as I LOVE one piece tops) and ask the dealer to give me a definitive answer. I do not like the F-Hole fill at all. First of all, why? Second of all, using flame maple to fill that in clashes horribly with the grain of the Ebony top IMO. If I were going to fill that in with wood (which I wood not), I would have used a burl or some quilt, but not a grain that does not even run perpendicular or parallel to the top's grain. It is beautiful other than that and I would not kick it out of bed ;~))

 

[sjsamaha]

I am in the two piece camp! I think I can see some symmetry with grouped bands especially between the pups. They are not perfect, but when it is split, the kerf takes some wood and then the sanding takes some wood, so it is often not a perfect mirror. With the vertical grain, very difficult to tell either way. Before I dropped that kind of coin, I would want to know (as I LOVE one piece tops) and ask the dealer to give me a definitive answer. I do not like the F-Hole fill at all. First of all, why? Second of all, using flame maple to fill that in clashes horribly with the grain of the Ebony top IMO. If I were going to fill that in with wood (which I wood not), I would have used a burl or some quilt, but not a grain that does not even run perpendicular or parallel to the top's grain. It is beautiful other than that and I would not kick it out of bed ;~))

I'm going to ask PRS tomorrow actually... I still think there is no symmetry and the "Seem" doesn't pop out no matter how hard I stare.

 

[SinSir]

I see a seam and the fake F hole thing isn't for me at all, but sweet guitar regardles.

 

[sjsamaha]

I see a seam and the fake F hole thing isn't for me at all, but sweet guitar regardles.

According to PRS it's not fake, it's just filled in... this is a "Semi-Hollow Special" effectively.

 

[SinSir]

According to PRS it's not fake, it's just filled in... this is a "Semi-Hollow Special" effectively.

A hole covered up or filled in is no longer a hole. Either way or however it's done it still looks wrong on an otherwise bad ass guitar. I'd personally live with a 10 piece jigsaw puzzle top over it.

 

[Moondog Wily]

A hole covered up or filled in is no longer a hole.

Can't it "identify" as a hole? Don't be such a holist!

 

[DISTORT6]

Can’t un-drill a hole.

TWSS

 

[Alnus Rubra]

Well it’s no longer available, so when does it arrive?