Solid Top VS. Laminated Top??????

[Norton666]

Ok,

What exactly is the difference between the two?

Why are solid tops more desirable?

What are some things I should know about the two? Care? Tone?

[RainsongDR1000]

A solid top is just that a solid piece of wood (or usually 2 bookmatched side by side). Laminate is plywood, usually 2 sandwiched together because it is cheaper to make that way.
Solid tops are more desirable because they vibrate more freely and usually sound better. A solid top will also "open up" meaning by continually playing it over the years the vibrations will cause microscopic breakdowns in the wood allowing it to vibrate even more freely and improving it's tone. The downside of solid top is that it isn't quite as durable as a laminate top, but that only means you can smash then on stage easier. as long as you take care of the them there is no reason to get a laminate top if you can afford a solid top. Solid vs laminate back and sides are a different discussion, though.

[kwakatak]

Laminated tops never improve with age but they are less sensitive to changes in humidity. They aren't indestructible though.

[DonK]

Originally posted by Tioga_Man Given the number of solid top guitars at a reasonable price, try real hard to get one.

 

 

Yeah, you really don't want a laminated top. Also, for the most part, a guitar with a laminate top is going to be so bargain basement that it's likely to have other flaws/compromises as well.

[Markguitarbitz]

Laminated top Acoustic guitars are fine if you want to make some noise or get to grips with the instrument but If you are want to get the most out of a guitat then invest in a solid top - even if you can't tell the diffference now