thickness of back/sides effect on volume ?

wheelgunner

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I suspect that the sound board is the main driver for volume but what effect if any will the thickness of the back or sides have on the volume of sound produced by a ukulele? For instance, if you had a design that didn't need sides bent would it matter how thick the sides were?
 
There is a range of opinions in the lutherie world in how much a role the sides and back play in producing sound. Some think they do not do that much, (in flat top instruments) and others believe they are as important as the soundboard. My personal belief is somewhat in the middle. I think the soundboard is the main driver and the sides and back contribute about 20 - 30%. I think that in your example, you need to consider the effect of the overall mass of the instrument in dampening the sound if the sides were really thick.

Brad
 
Thank you very much for your insights, gentlemen. Anyone else have thoughts they want to share?
 
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