Solid Top Worth it?

[WorldWithoutE]

Hi all! I was thinking of maybe concentrating on learning the acoustic guitar before moving to electric in the future, so I can focus more. I am wondering, is it worth it to upgrade from a full laminate, currently a Maestro SD-2, to a Solid Spruce top? Or should I try to get a full solid acoustic instead, despite the much greater expense?

I have been only learning for about 3 months and I am committed to learning but I am currently working before university. I don't really think I can afford a full solid guitar and I am thinking of upgrading from my SD-2. I have been eyeing the Yamaha APX-700 and the Alvarez RD-20SC from Luther. Do you guys think these are okay?

I was thinking that Full Solid guitars would need much more maintenance than Solid Tops, and added electronics would be nice to have at that price range(although I am not sure I need it!). So that's my reason for choosing the above 2 models. If without electronics, I am guessing the Yamaha LL6?

Any suggestions by you guys?

 

[gsonique]

Hi all! I was thinking of maybe concentrating on learning the acoustic guitar before moving to electric in the future, so I can focus more.

Wrong ...two differant instruments! Pick one...But you can be enjoy both

I was thinking that Full Solid guitars would need much more maintenance than Solid Tops

Wrong !!

Just say you like an acoustic guitar...we understand

 

[EugeneSmasher]

Solid wood warps more easily in high humidity, so you'll have to remember to keep your guitar in the case when you're not playing. Should be fine that way. Generally the tone will improve over time, which is the main advantage of solid wood.

But there're other factors to consider too, not just solid vs. laminate. I chose my Ibanez Sage (all laminate) over an Ibanez PF (solid top), because the PF was just flat-out disappointing. They cost around the same but the all-laminate Sage was built a whole lot better, felt better, and actually sounded better. So yeah, don't judge just by the specs.

 

[Phil]

Hello to you again,

I just feel obligated to reply to your question,

In general, solid-tops offer a much fuller and richer tone. More substantial, for the lack of a better word.
Why? Because a solid top vibrates a lot better and more freely as compared to a laminated top. Which, if you think about it, makes complete sense. A laminated top is a few slices of wood glued together, the vibrations are limited by how it is constructed. A solid top on the other hand, is well, a nice, unsullied, solid piece of music-making mojo.

You were asking if you should just go for a solid-top only or a full-solid. No one can make the decision for you, but what we can do here is to provide you with enough information for you to make a well-informed decision.

The top, also known as the soundboard, is the core of your acoustic guitar. The top is the main determinant of how the acoustic guitar will sound. It is the top that is vibrating in direct relation to your strings. So naturally, a solid-top is the priority.
The back and sides reflect the sound, they help to shape the tone. But the fact remains that the top is the core of your tone.

I am not belittling the sides and back, they contribute a fair share to the tone. And a full-solid will generally sound a lot better. But if you're facing budget constraints, a solid-top only is more than enough. IMHO.

Regarding the humidity issue, solid-tops will take some extra care. But it is all worth it if you ask me. It is all about the tone man, a nice sounding instrument will make encourage you to play harder and better.

And of course, the solids offer the ability to 'open up' and get seasoned, with time and playing, new solid tops or full solids often sound very tight. Virgin wood, in a sense. After some time, they will vibrate a lot more freely and that's where you get the 'opening-up'. More responsive, more resonant. And frankly, it's a good feeling to know that the more you play, the better it gets, as opposed to most other things whereby they degenerate with prolonged usage.

Anyway, I'm also working before I enter university. Work hard, play hard! Money can always be earned back, mostly importantly, you must be happy!

 

[smurfpiss]

If you're not going to be performing much, forego the electronics and go with the Yamaha LL6. Then when you need to, you can install a pickup system like the ones from K&K which are relatively easy to fix up yourself and sound good to boot.

Bottom line is if it's an acoustic guitar that you want to keep for a long time settle for nothing less than a solid top.

 

[theunknown]

any idea why solid tops, or rather full solid, are much more expensive? since the difference is that laminated is many pieces glued. it should be cheaper! they save money of glue!

 

[MadWerewolfBoy]

I think the Alvarez RD-20SC at Luther is a good buy.. Eyeing that guitar too actually.. heh!

But if you like a more open/brighter sound, the Takamine 510 there is good. $600+ solid top with exceptional pickups.