Another Minstrel Spotted in pawnshop

RobertW, just out of curiosity what were they asking for it? I'm not interested in buying it but one was listed on the local online used stuff site last January. The person was asking $150 with case. No, my memory isn't that good, it still comes up on a Google search for minstrel guitars. Another one that came up was listed on Reverb 3 years ago and the person (from England) wanted almost 1000 pounds. Bit of a range!

Yes, it has a plywood top. They're an early CHEAP version of a Seagull. DEFINITELY not worth $400!! $40 maybe...

Serial number 1973 was probably made in early 1988.

I used a Menestral (french version of Minstrel) neck on my YamaGull hybrid guitar. I do not like the neck. It isn't the normal hard mahogany, it was kind of soft and easy sanded. I think it ruined the sound of the guitar, possibly dampening it. I will never by another Minstrel (Menestral) guitar,

I did say :"Gloss cherry-laminate top"

not all rare things are worth that much...

Laminates have the grains oriented parallel, plywood has alternating grain (typically 90 degrees) and an odd number of plys for stability.  I never looked into the glues though.  You claim does make sense, although the glue probably has more to do with the common construction of both, with plywood being much more common.

I've done way too much research to counter the claims that vintage Yamaha's are laminate guitars, when I've proven they have alternating odd number of ply plywood.  For whatever that's worth.  :?P