Just curious, has anyone experimented with using different thicknesses based on the the type of wood used for a back, or 3 pc vs 2pc. Would a thicker back "dull" the overall sound or is most of the actual
sound affected only by the top?
Optimum thickness of backs?
Re: Optimum thickness of backs?
There are two schools of thought on the back of an acoustic guitar. The responsive back and the reflective back. Some people feel that the back simply reflects the sound produced. If that is the case, you want a sturdy, thick back that does not move. Therefore you want the back braced strong and leave it thick. Probably around .100 or thicker.
The responsive school of thought says you want a thinner back, .090" or even thinner and lightly braced so it moves and adds to the sound by producing more overtones and also by simply vibrating it will increase the volume of the guitar.
If you strum your guitar with it against your belly, then again with it away from your belly, you will hear a difference in the sound. That's why I think the back is part of the picture. Owners of custom guitars are usually more careful with their guitars and so you can make a lightly built, responsive guitar, and have it live for a long time. Factory made guitars are more heavily built to withstand abuse and mistreatment.
I think a good starting place is .090" thick for the back. As with your question about top thickness, it all depends on the piece of wood you are using. Rosewoods are denser and heavier than mahogany, Koa, etc. and as such would want to be thinner to get the same response as a lighter wood.
Some of the best sounding guitars are light as feathers and some are very heavy.
The sound you are looking for as well as the type of music you play dictate the style of construction you will use.
Sorry I can't give you a definitive answer but the best thing for you to do would be to play a boat load of guitars and decide what you like the best and then try to build that guitar!
Good luck!
Tony
The responsive school of thought says you want a thinner back, .090" or even thinner and lightly braced so it moves and adds to the sound by producing more overtones and also by simply vibrating it will increase the volume of the guitar.
If you strum your guitar with it against your belly, then again with it away from your belly, you will hear a difference in the sound. That's why I think the back is part of the picture. Owners of custom guitars are usually more careful with their guitars and so you can make a lightly built, responsive guitar, and have it live for a long time. Factory made guitars are more heavily built to withstand abuse and mistreatment.
I think a good starting place is .090" thick for the back. As with your question about top thickness, it all depends on the piece of wood you are using. Rosewoods are denser and heavier than mahogany, Koa, etc. and as such would want to be thinner to get the same response as a lighter wood.
Some of the best sounding guitars are light as feathers and some are very heavy.
The sound you are looking for as well as the type of music you play dictate the style of construction you will use.
Sorry I can't give you a definitive answer but the best thing for you to do would be to play a boat load of guitars and decide what you like the best and then try to build that guitar!
Good luck!
Tony