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With most ES335s being laminated tops, I was wondering if there were any other reasons, other than cost, that semi-hollow tops are laminated? Is it likely to cause more feedback? Was thinking about custom ordering a Heritage 535 with a solid front - should have more resonance shouldn't it? Thx.

hmm laminated vs solid.....explain the difference.

If solid is thicker and or heavier, it will probably reduce the resonance. the dynamics of a semi hollow are slightly different than solids, they're like acoustic guitars. You want the parts to resonate with eachother and amplify the sound, not be too heavy or thick to resonate with the rest of the body well.

Sorry - just to clarify, by solid I mean 1 piece (like on an acoustic). Not a top with differing layers sandwiched together. Both should be of around the same weight and thickness. If a solid, 1 piece top on a acoustic is better than a laminated top, then wouldn't it apply to something like a 335?

hmm now i get you.

Yeah, it could be true, but dont 335's have a curved top? I'm pretty sure a curved set of layers sandwiched together would hold together better than a bent plank of solid wood.

Same reasoning behind stranded wire for cables. The more strands, the less delicate they are to bending or breaking. I would think that the structural integrity of many bent thin slices would be greater than a warped sheet of wood.


Originally Posted by Quencho092If solid is thicker and or heavier, it will probably reduce the resonance.

Actually, the opposite is true. Solid wood is more resonant. Higher density = sound travels better. Think about striking a metal tuning fork vs. striking a sponge.

the dynamics of a semi hollow are slightly different than solids, they're like acoustic guitars. You want the parts to resonate with eachother and amplify the sound, not be too heavy or thick to resonate with the rest of the body well.

Again, not true. Resonance depends on many factors, but density is generally the biggest one. Tight grained woods, like maple, tend to resonate better on the higher frequencies, while more porous wood resonates more on lower frequencies. Wood that is too soft and porous, or wood that has gaps in it like laminate does, tend to resonate quite poorly. Also, solid wood is not necessarily heavier or thicker than laminate.

The most important thing is how well the instrument is constructed, and the quality of the materials used. The best way to judge is to play it and listen and feel how it responds. There is no hard and fast rule: there may be a laminate top guitar out there that sounds great, and a solid top that sounds like crap. Judge with your ears and hands.

Oh, I'm sure the strength factor is a big plus, but being a semi-hollow I'm already going to be careful not to do a Pete Townsend

Tho the integrity is a factor, sound is compromised when laminated. For example, on Taylors, Martins, etc the sides are solid but are steam bent to the shape. More expensive, but the sound is apparently fuller and more resonant.


Originally Posted by ratherdashingThe most important thing is how well the instrument is constructed, and the quality of the materials used. The best way to judge is to play it and listen and feel how it responds. There is no hard and fast rule: there may be a laminate top guitar out there that sounds great, and a solid top that sounds like crap. Judge with your ears and hands.

I can understand your point, and as you say construction and quality is a big factor. But what if I'm thinking of getting a custom instrument without being able to play it?


Originally Posted by ratherdashingActually, the opposite is true. Solid wood is more resonant. Higher density = sound travels better. Think about striking a metal tuning fork vs. striking a sponge.
Again, not true. Resonance depends on many factors, but density is generally the biggest one. Tight grained woods, like maple, tend to resonate better on the higher frequencies, while more porous wood resonates more on lower frequencies. Wood that is too soft and porous, or wood that has gaps in it like laminate does, tend to resonate quite poorly. Also, solid wood is not necessarily heavier or thicker than laminate.

The most important thing is how well the instrument is constructed, and the quality of the materials used. The best way to judge is to play it and listen and feel how it responds. There is no hard and fast rule: there may be a laminate top guitar out there that sounds great, and a solid top that sounds like crap. Judge with your ears and hands.Yeah i see what you mean. I thought seraphial meant that the solid top was going to be heavy initially, and i didnt think that a big chunk of wood on top of a semi-hollow would help it vibrate easily. Got me dude

But what's your call on the bending of the laminate vs solid wood? I say laminate.

i bet it would sound wonderful if it were a carved solid top


Originally Posted by Quencho092hmm now i get you.

Yeah, it could be true, but dont 335's have a curved top? I'm pretty sure a curved set of layers sandwiched together would hold together better than a bent plank of solid wood.

Same reasoning behind stranded wire for cables. The more strands, the less delicate they are to bending or breaking. I would think that the structural integrity of many bent thin slices would be greater than a warped sheet of wood.

with it being an arch top, if it were made from a solid pice of wood, it would be carved instead of bent. as for the sound, i think it would sound better than a laminate if the quality standards were up to par:ie: the thickness of the top. like some of the new mandolins gibson is putting out , the tops are not thin enough and they don't have a really good sound. it all will depend on the workmanship imho.

Any builders have any comments? Blueline?

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