Ultimate Garage Band Posted September 20, 2004 Report Share Posted September 20, 2004 My sole acoustic currently is a Washburn EA11 which is an Indonesian cosmetic factory 2nd of an EA17; that's my best guess anyway. The Washburn site doesn't even list the EA11 as a model it makes though mine specs out exactily like an EA17. It's quilt maple on all 4 sides and less than 3" thick. This is a stage guitar, like Vai's would be, for high db, live use to cut back on feedback. In this context, the unplugged acoustic tone of the guitar is 2nd to the plugged in tone and the 'deader' characteristics of laminates are perfect for a guitar that's designed to minimize feedback. One thing you'll notice in the listing of the Ibanez is that they say it's quilt maple. One thing I learned about acoustics is that unless the word SOLID is in front of the species of wood, it's a laminate. So, that Ibanez is like my Washburn, 100% quilt maple laminate. Here's a sound clip of mine in I played poorly and incorrectly a riff a couple of times. The first time I think is pure unplugged acoustic tone recorded w/one MXL-V67 mic. The 2nd one would be that mic plus the guitar plugged in using it's B-band pickup system. The 3rd is just the B-band I think. http://ultimategarageband.com/hotlinks/EA17test3.mp3 This past weekend I had a chance to check out a ton of high end guitars at a gathering in Conyers, GA and played guitars by Santa Cruz, Goodall, Larrivee, Taylor, Olson, and others. I played at least 30 guitars that retail for $3000 or more. Here's what I came away with: 1. The 'perfect' wood combination that elicits a tone that I most enjoy is a Sitka Spruce top w/solid Koa sides and back. The Larrivees I played w/this combo were killer although the Goodall I played was a bit smaller than the Larrivees and I just slightly preferred it. Although I'd be VERY happy w/a Larrivee version. These were about OM sized bodies, 14 frets to the body, no cutaways. 2. Maple on acoustics, to me, is just too bright. I know that a personal taste thing, but I played several 00 and 000 sized guitars w/Spruce tops a solid flamed maple sides and backs and they were just too bright. Of all the guitars and wood combinations I picked up and played, I put those down the quickest. 3. One look at my Washburn and any acoustic player worth anything thinks "That guy plays electric guitar." Sure, these quilt lams are pretty, but as someone above said, acoustic guitars should be about tone first and looks 2nd. I like my Washburn ok for what it is, but wouldn't cry if I didn't have it. I'd certainly replace it w/something a bit nicer. At least now I now what my 'ultimate' acoustic is made out of. Larrivee has some at around $1300 or so. The Goodall would be around $3000. I've never made an acoustic guitar before, but at $3000 I think I'd be tempted to try. I'm not a woodworking rookie though; I've got tons of experience in furniture and some solid body guitar repair, etc.. I'm going to keep watching this thread, I'd like to see what you do. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GuitarMaestro Posted September 20, 2004 Author Report Share Posted September 20, 2004 Wow....THANKS ALOT for that hands-on info!!!!!!!!!! That soundclip was interesting as well! Thanks again, MK! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
erikbojerik Posted September 21, 2004 Report Share Posted September 21, 2004 This weekend I played a friends Gibson acoustic (don't remember the model #), spruce top and mahogany back & sides (mahogany neck, RW board). It definitely had that warm, almost soft tone to it that maple-backed acoustics (with the same kind of spruce top) don't have. The attack on the notes was definitely more rounded than a typical maple-backed acoustic. Now...what about mahogany back/sides and maple top? I've never played one, but it could be interesting. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GuitarMaestro Posted September 21, 2004 Author Report Share Posted September 21, 2004 Sounds interesting! Anyone tried that? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ultimate Garage Band Posted September 22, 2004 Report Share Posted September 22, 2004 (edited) here's one that has SOLID quilt maple sides and back w/a spruce top: http://www.elderly.com/vintage/items/20U-9033.htm You know, I just don't think you're gonna find a solid maple top because it's probably too rigid to give a good acoustic tone. It seems to me that once you start moving away from Spruce or Cedar, it can get very bright very quick. I have played a Koa topped guitar and a few Mahogany (they weren't overly bright but more than what you'd think) and some other Asian species I can't recall. It's kind of a cross between Koa and Mahogany. It was an Alvarez. These hardwoods, like maple, just don't 'breathe' the way the more supple softwoods of Spruce and Cedar do. They move more freely which means they're better at articulating tones and move air/bigger volume over their hardwood counter parts. Edited September 22, 2004 by Ultimate Garage Band Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GuitarMaestro Posted September 23, 2004 Author Report Share Posted September 23, 2004 Interesting....thanks for the link!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thisllub Posted October 3, 2004 Report Share Posted October 3, 2004 Find one or two with maple tops (Taylor makes one I know, a signature model, but I can't remember the guy's name...David Dykes, Doyle Dykes, Dick Dykes, something like that... ) Doyle Dykes signature Maple back and sides spruce top. Nice but not worth the price. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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