Acoustic Guitar Soundboard

[Friendoftheirish]

Hello to all!
I'm in planning process of building an acoustic guitar.
I'm hoping to go all-out on the cosmetics, but still retain good tone.
So my question is this:
I'm planning on using a solid spruce top, but I was thinking of putting a thin veneer over it just for looks.
Would the veneer adversely affect the sound, even though there is solid spruce under it?

Thanks in advance,
Stephen

[AndyT]

I don't know the answer to that one but I'm curious as to what kind of veneer are you going to use? What will it look like?

[Friendoftheirish]

Hi gingold,

I'm not positive about the exact veneer I'd use, but it would probably be some type of walnut burl like one of these: http://www.certainlywood.com/woodmenulist.cfm?c=40.
I think something along those lines would look pretty awesome, I'm just concerned that it would affect the sound.

[Hydroman52]

Looks nice! The more I think of your original question the more I think a veneer would affect the top's vibration. I would think that anything sandwiched on would keep the spruce from vibrating to its maximum. I don't know how noticeable it would be though. I'm sure there are many sonic purists out there who would scoff at the idea of gluing something on top of solid spruce, but I myself would be interested to know how it sounds. Maybe someone who has better knowledge of tonewoods and lutherie than I can offer their insight. Keep us updated though--I am curious!

[rcsnydley]

From what I have read and learned about tonewoods and vibrations, the answer is it would defiantly affect the sound. Depending on how you did it and what the veneer was would determine how. It would be interesting to have someone do and report back on the results.

Keep Playing
Ric

[Friendoftheirish]

Thanks for the advice guys!
I'm still unsure about the veneer, but I don't have to worry about that until it's time to make the top.
This project will probably take a while, but I'll be sure to keep everyone updated.

Thanks again,
Stephen

[larry g]

Adding a veneer of wood is basically like turning the top into plywood. I used to build guitars and would never think of doing this. On the other hand, it may actually turn out quite nice. You never know til you try it.

[pak452]

Building a guitar is on my to do list. I have some very expensive veneer laying around, (I was a custom cabinet maker for 30 years). I never thought of doing the veneer thing, but now you have peaked my interest. If you do this please lets us know the results.

[oldfingers]

Anything you glue over the top is going to make it plywood and that does not work well for acoustic guitars. Deadens the vibration of the top.

[BigBear]

Making a veneer guitar top would be a disaster IMHO. If you think about, the purpose of the guitar top is to vibrate and thus amplify the sound. With even a single veneer you would be gluing one type of wood to another, both with different thicknesses, densities and resonance. Not to mention the effect of a stiff glue. Without the freedom to vibrate freely, the veneer will sound very dead. Try strumming a chord on any acoustic, letting it ring and then putting your hand on the guitar top- Dead! You've stopped all the vibration.

The worst part would be getting the whole thing built only to discover it sounds awful! That being said, you could make an electric guitar with a veneer top since electrics don't rely on these natural vibrations.

Good luck with your project!