Do veneered tops on electric guitars really matter?

Does the wood on electric guitars matter?

The answer is that it does. Generally, heavier woods like mahogany resonate differently than a medium-bodied wood like alder and a lighter wood like basswood. And don’t forget feel. A big part of your tone comes down to how you play — how you fret chords and how you strum or pick.

What is a veneer guitar top?

A guitar veneer is an extremely thin layer of wood that has been carefully cut and glued to the top of a guitar. Using veneers allows you to add more aesthetic beauty to the finish of your guitar. There are many different types of veneers available on the market.
 

Does a maple top affect tone?

Not one bit of difference. So it seems the Maple top is just for looks and imparts nothing tangible in the way of tone alterations.
 

How do I know if my electric guitar is good quality?

Guitar Test Checklist

• Visually inspect the guitar for damage.
• Test the electronics.
• Detune, then re-tune the guitar.
• Play songs you know well.
• Test the intonation.
• Check every fret for buzzing.
• Check the action height.
• Check for neck warping issues.

What should you not do with an electric guitar?

But here are some of the most important things you should definitely avoid:

1. DON’T Expose It to Extreme Temperature and Humidity Change.
2. DON’T Clean With Water.
3. DON’T Use Soap, Furniture Polish or Window Cleaner.
4. DON’T Wipe It With Paper Towel or Tissue.
5. DON’T Use Compressed Air to Dust the Guitar.

Do electric guitars get worse with age?

While there might be a difference in sound, electric guitars won’t change much over the years. Unlike acoustic guitars where wood resonates and has a lot less lacquer, electric guitars use pickups to create sound. But this doesn’t mean that the new guitar is the same as the old one.

Is veneer high quality?

Veneered furniture can be high quality if the underlying wood is solid—just look at the pieces from the 50s and 60s that are still going strong. Veneer is also often the only option for some fine furniture features like curved drawers, bookmatching to create a unique pattern or using an expensive, exotic wood species.
 

Is veneer a good idea?

Dental veneers are a great way to improve your smile, and they’re a popular option for those with chipped, cracked, or misshapen teeth. They’re also an excellent option for those who have gaps between their teeth. The veneers are thin covers that adhere to your teeth and give your teeth a straighter appearance.
 

What are disadvantages of veneer wood?

Disadvantages to Wood Veneers



Wood veneers are not as heavy as natural wood, which can be off putting to some buyers. Additionally, since wood veneers are not coated with surface polish, it’s easier for liquids to be absorbed into the wood layer and cause damage.
 

Can you use any wood for electric guitar?

In general, these are the most commonly used woods in electric and soundboard guitars (classical/Spanish, flamenco and acoustic). The best wood for electric guitar: poplar, mahogany, ash, American basswood, maple, rosewood. Also Indian rosewood, agathis, walnut, meranti, New Zealand pine, sapelli, laurel.

What wood is used for electric guitar bodies?

Some woods, such as alder, basswood, and mahogany, are commonly used for electric guitar bodies. Rosewood or maple fretboards are typically used for neck and fretboard construction, and ebony fretboards are occasionally used as well. The most common type of wood used in the construction of acoustic guitars is mahogany.
 

Do you need calluses for electric guitar?

The short answer is yes. When you build calluses on your fingertips they let you play without any pain and for longer. This in turn will mean you can practice more, develop greater technique and generally get better at playing the guitar. Without calluses you would experience significant pain every time you played.
 

Does wood matter for electric bass?

Generally, the more resonant the wood, the broader and smoother the tone will be from the lower to higher frequencies. The denser the woods, the more you’ll get a more focused, narrower frequency band.
 

Is it easier to play bass or electric?

For a beginner, the bass is almost certainly easier than the guitar. Learning the electric guitar can be rewarding in its own right, and learning to play the bass can be a lot easier once you’ve mastered it.
 

Is bass harder than electric?

Playing the bass requires a different knowledge base and skill set, so to speak. So no, the bass isn’t necessarily easier to play than the electric guitar. If you can’t play the guitar, then just play bass. This is somewhat connected to the myth above.