Doeringer Posted June 11, 2006 Report Share Posted June 11, 2006 Obviously bookmatched wood is more popular, promotes a very classy look and is very artistic. But how much does wood that is not symetrical take away from the look, or does it even add to it? I put this picture up just as an example. I bought it out of the stock Walnut at the lumber yard just because I thought it was interesting and the parts pictured are from two separate ends of the board and have a little figure. I placed it next to some guitar pieces to get some ideas and wanted to see what you guts thought of the bookmatched vs non-symetrical guitar top. I'm looking for feedback more on the topic and less on this specific picture. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ben Posted June 11, 2006 Report Share Posted June 11, 2006 It doesnt 'take away' anything IMO. That wood in the photo looks great btw! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Supernova9 Posted June 11, 2006 Report Share Posted June 11, 2006 Obviously bookmatched wood is more popular, promotes a very classy look and is very artistic. But how much does wood that is not symetrical take away from the look, or does it even add to it? I put this picture up just as an example. I bought it out of the stock Walnut at the lumber yard just because I thought it was interesting and the parts pictured are from two separate ends of the board and have a little figure. I placed it next to some guitar pieces to get some ideas and wanted to see what you guts thought of the bookmatched vs non-symetrical guitar top. I'm looking for feedback more on the topic and less on this specific picture. One-piece tops can be just as attractive as bookmatched tops. Some of Ron Thorn's guitars have one piece tops, using woods such as Koa, and they look absolutely stunning. For example: You can make stunning guitars with two pieces for the top that aren't symmetrical also, just if there's a sharp divide it can look a little different from the norm. But who's to say that's a problem? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fryovanni Posted June 11, 2006 Report Share Posted June 11, 2006 If it looks good to you it is perfect . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WezV Posted June 11, 2006 Report Share Posted June 11, 2006 I like the top picture because there is something seperating the two peices of walnut and i like the second because its one solid peice. Not sure how it wood look with two different peices right next to each other but i am sure that with the right wood it would look fine Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
j. pierce Posted June 12, 2006 Report Share Posted June 12, 2006 I think the vibe you've got going in your first picture there looks terrific - the figuring of the walnut flows well "across" the whole body shape, and the neck-through lams help break up anything that might look too jarring where two dissimilar pieces meet. Honestly, if you're happy with it, that's all that matters. Some of my favorite-looking guitars have been non-bookmatched three-piece alder bodies, but that's just me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mickguard Posted June 12, 2006 Report Share Posted June 12, 2006 This one definitely falls under personal preference. I realize flamed or quilted bookmatched tops are all the rage around here, but personally I hate 'em --maybe I've just overdosed on it, looking at all the builds here... My own preference leans toward a single piece of wood, even though that's more difficult to find, of course. I really like the look of plain maple-- and because of the fairly straight lines, it doesn't really need to be bookmatched, you can achieve a great look by choosing your pieces carefully. I guess that goes for any wood type-- it's up to you to find the visual interest in the grain. That's actually more difficult to achieve than buying a bookmatched 'kit' , in my opinion. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Southpa Posted June 12, 2006 Report Share Posted June 12, 2006 I'm not a fan of any guitar with wood that lacks continuity. One piece and bookmatched tops, body etc. is fine. But 2 different pieces (like your example) should at least have the grain running in the same direction. Otherwise, it just doesn't look right. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mickguard Posted June 12, 2006 Report Share Posted June 12, 2006 I'm not a fan of any guitar with wood that lacks continuity. One piece and bookmatched tops, body etc. is fine. But 2 different pieces (like your example) should at least have the grain running in the same direction. Otherwise, it just doesn't look right. Well, that's what I mean by 'visual interest' . Although I've seen photos of the early non-bookmatched Les Pauls, doesn't look like they spent much time matching the grain on them. They still look pretty great. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RAI6 Posted June 12, 2006 Report Share Posted June 12, 2006 There seems to be a nice "flow" in there, and with the neck-through it will almost look like the two halves came from the same cut..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fryovanni Posted June 12, 2006 Report Share Posted June 12, 2006 I'm not a fan of any guitar with wood that lacks continuity. One piece and bookmatched tops, body etc. is fine. But 2 different pieces (like your example) should at least have the grain running in the same direction. Otherwise, it just doesn't look right. I think in this case the look is more along the lines of Crotch Walnut. The beauty or appeal of it is that it twists and whirls in unique directions (very non-linear). I think with the seperation due to the neck thru section. It is effective. I really think it is a personal appeal kinda thing. Align the pieces so they look cool to you and run with it. I am a very linear kinda guy myself. I wish I could be more relaxed and creative. I really am impressed by people that are free with their design choices, and think outside the box. It has more risk, but sometimes creates jaw dropping results. Peace,Rich Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GregP Posted June 12, 2006 Report Share Posted June 12, 2006 I first looked at it with exactly the same eye as RAI6. In other words, I really DO think they have continuity and form a nice pattern. I like it WAY better than typical bookmatching, and these particular pieces hold a lot of visual interest. I say give'er. Greg Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mickguard Posted June 12, 2006 Report Share Posted June 12, 2006 I first looked at it with exactly the same eye as RAI6. In other words, I really DO think they have continuity and form a nice pattern. I like it WAY better than typical bookmatching, and these particular pieces hold a lot of visual interest. I say give'er. Greg Now, is there any chance you can get rid of those laminates? Ruins the coolness, if you ask me. But then I've been a fan of that kind of thing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thegarehanman Posted June 12, 2006 Report Share Posted June 12, 2006 I actually prefer the look of a non-bookmatched, 2 piece figured top. If you look at the original LP's, you'll see that they didn't book match their tops. I've always felt like a non-bookmatched top always looks a bit more natural or organic than its bookmatched counterpart. peace, russ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SoundAt11 Posted August 1, 2006 Report Share Posted August 1, 2006 I kinda prefer the 1-piece top. It really makes the top look larger and more spacious. Also bookmatched tops always draw my eyes directly to the center line, so that's all I see on the guitar top is that seam down the center. With the 1-piece tops (or 1-piece looking in the case of a neck-thru), it really adds a lot of visual space. That Walnut looks great next to the Mahogany, great choice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robert Irizarry Posted August 1, 2006 Report Share Posted August 1, 2006 Nice. Very nice. Like SoundAt11, my eye is drawn right to the seam of book matched tops - I'm not a fan. What you've done is actually very cool. Even with the dissimilar wood down the center, there is a nice flow to it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
al heeley Posted August 1, 2006 Report Share Posted August 1, 2006 Yep, that combination will make a stunning guitar, for me far more interesting than another perfectly bookmatched quilt or flame top. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
badsnap Posted August 1, 2006 Report Share Posted August 1, 2006 A good looking, deep, interesting piece of wood is stunning whether it is symetrical or not ...IMHO. No offense to PRS guys but the over abundance of perfect, matched, flamed and/or quilted tops has left me rather dulled on the whole look/experience. I personally would rather use a unique and interesting piece of wood. Hey, if everyone drove Porsche's, that VW would be the coolest car out there and draw the most attention...but then again, I love to break the rules!!!...Rog Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
al heeley Posted August 1, 2006 Report Share Posted August 1, 2006 well yes but I'd rather be sitting in the porsche Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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