Meat in the Seagull Sandwich

OK. Question. What does Seagull use between their layers of veneer in their laminate back and sides? I know many guitar makers use poplar in the middle of the sandwich. I can't recall ever hearing what Godin uses. Anybody know?

Steve

your memory failed you It is TAYLOR  that uses poplar core with veneer.

Yes, if it says Wild Cherry back and sides at Godin, it means 3 layers of Wild Cherry hardwood laminate, all layers of equal thickness.  Not only that, but they cross them perpendicularly to create more strength and stability.  Meaning for example, the top layer grain will go horizontally, the middle layer vertically, then the bottom layer horizontally again.  Makes the laminate much stronger and more stable.

This provides 3 benefits, only one of which I think is a big one for the long run.

1) As stated, more strength and stability.

2) Because it's all hardwood laminate of the same type, the laminate will actually age and open up just like solid hardwood will, but, it will take way longer and the effect will be smaller.  But it's still there anyways.

3) This one for me is probably the biggest and most valuable one.  If one keeps the guitar for years and years, and does not take great care of it, the hardwood laminate will most likely stand up and hold.  With a thick wood middle and thin veneer top and bottom, over time, if you did not take care of the guitar, not only could your hardwood sound board crack, but the thin veneers on the back and sides lam sandwich (because of how thin the veneers are) could crack too.

So, hope that helps.  At the end of the day, if you take care of your guitar and you really like the sound of it today, the type of lam it has for the back and sides probably won't matter much.  But YMMV.