Guitar sides

[KreherGuitars]

I have been pondering the pros and cons between laminated sides, and the “composite” sides that many builders I admire now are using. That is, the sides that are super thick with full side length kerfing laminated. Those thick sides are very ridged but weigh a lot more too. And take up air cavity space. What are the thoughts?

[kiwigeo]

The main advantage of a laminated side....you don't need to use a full thickness set of valuable tonewood. Inside layer can be wood that is less showy.

[rocket]

The main advantage of a laminated side....you don't need to use a full thickness set of valuable tonewood. Inside layer can be wood that is less showy.

And the other main advantage of using double sides is the extra stiffness it produces and also the ability to add some cf at regular centres between the layers, I have used less expensive layer on the inside but usually try to use identical layers.

Cheers
Rod

[lamanoditrento]

Another advantage is very flat sides across their width which in turn should lead to a good binding channel with less work. I am thinking of giving this a go with my most latest build. Amboya outta and kauri inner

[nkforster]

I'm actually in the process of making a long video about this process. There are many benefits, approaches and options. The video should be for sale in the new year. I've been building guitars with laminated sides for years.

[KreherGuitars]

But is one better? The beefy laminated sides or the ultra beefy composite sides?

[blackalex1952]

I would refer to Trevor Gore and Gerard Gilet in the books...there is a distinct advantage in solid sides unless you are buiding Flamenco style where side leakage adds to percussiveness, Solid sides of any kind allow for the soundboard area to increase as available to modes t1,1 2,2 etc. no side lossand extra bass along with volume and projection. Experiment ! Ross