In general, it seems like people think in 2 camps. . . all laminate ukes, or all solid wood. Perhaps we should think more distinctly about the middle guy, the laminate back and sides and solid tops. No doubt about it, technology is enabling us to build better instruments, and the newer laminates are thinner, stronger, and better than ever before. I applaud those builders who are embracing these new ideas.
In particular, I have been listening to the newer breed of laminate body/solid tops, such as those by Kala (KA-SC family). They also offer their spalted maple and Koa line, which are laminate bodies but sport cedar or spruce tops. They sound very nice indeed when paired with the right strings. Ohana also has some great sounding ukes that are of the laminate/solid combo.
Considering the harvest pressure on some woods, modern laminates that produce good sound but give us the "look" that we want ought to be encouraged more, in my opinion. We also have to consider the strength benefits of laminates, and the better resistance to humidity.
I think that as the uke community grows, demanding more harvest of our favorite woods, we ought to encourage greater development of instruments with GOOD laminate/solid top combinations. It is a good and reasonable compromise, and will keep ukes more affordable for us all! I would like to see (or hear) some blind tests of good solid wood vs. laminate/solid instruments. My guess is that we would be surprised at how close they sound (this assumes good materials, construction, etc.).
What are your favorite laminate, laminate/solid top instruments, and why?
In particular, I have been listening to the newer breed of laminate body/solid tops, such as those by Kala (KA-SC family). They also offer their spalted maple and Koa line, which are laminate bodies but sport cedar or spruce tops. They sound very nice indeed when paired with the right strings. Ohana also has some great sounding ukes that are of the laminate/solid combo.
Considering the harvest pressure on some woods, modern laminates that produce good sound but give us the "look" that we want ought to be encouraged more, in my opinion. We also have to consider the strength benefits of laminates, and the better resistance to humidity.
I think that as the uke community grows, demanding more harvest of our favorite woods, we ought to encourage greater development of instruments with GOOD laminate/solid top combinations. It is a good and reasonable compromise, and will keep ukes more affordable for us all! I would like to see (or hear) some blind tests of good solid wood vs. laminate/solid instruments. My guess is that we would be surprised at how close they sound (this assumes good materials, construction, etc.).
What are your favorite laminate, laminate/solid top instruments, and why?