Opinions on "VENEERING""

[metalj]

ok ive been playing guitar for about 22 years and ive never until recentely heard of the term "veneering" except for counter tops and cabnets.

whats the deal? Is this a cheap ass way of making a guitar look good.

does it effect the sound in anyway vs a maple cap, or top or however they normally made/make guitars.

maybe they have always done this but i never knew ??

Ive seen PRS, and Kagstrom guitars have them now as their low end guitars. Are we being ripped off with a cheaper product and yet a same price point ??


Just wondering.

 

[dgatwood]

Depends on the woods used, the thickness of the veneer, the uniformity, the glue job, etc. If we're talking about inlays or something, it shouldn't affect the sound much at all. If we're talking about plywood, yes, it will diminish the natural ringing of the wood.

For drums, this is arguably a good thing. For a solid body guitar, I'm guessing it probably doesn't matter very much. For a hollow body, I'd probably avoid it.

Some other people's thoughts:
http://www.musicplayer.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=19;t=012014;p=1

 

[gibsonsg64]

A veneer will most likely not alter the tone. usually, they take the place of hard maple tops, which are said to brighten the tone of woods like mahogany because of maple's great density. Les Paul and PRS guitars are commonly typical examples of a mahogany back with a maple top. With a veneer, they are typically on the order of 1/20" or so, so it improves the look on trans finishes without using too much material. They cannot be used on carved tops and do not affect the tone.

 

[sloom]

I wish my Schecter bass had not been veneered. It does not necessarily add a higher-end look to your axe.

 

[travelin travis]

veneer tops look cheesy to me......they have an exec or old rich guy vibe. i like my guitars same as my women. plain and ugly.