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Topic: wood or formica |
Morton Kellas
From:
Chazy, NY, USA 1
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Posted 30 Nov 2003 7:41 pm |
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I have read that some pro steel players, such as Paul Franklin, prefer the sound of a mica guitar over a lacquer finish. I know that lacquer models look great but what are the advantages of owning one? Is it better to go with a wood or an aluminum neck on a lacquer body? Perhaps I should stay with mica. Any advise?
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Jerry Roller
From:
Van Buren, Arkansas USA
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Posted 1 Dec 2003 7:51 am
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Morton, it might be a mental thing with me but I think a lacquer guitar is slightly more mellow. I have a LeGrande II lacquer and it seems to actually have a woody sound to me. I have a lacquer push pull which sounds great but not quite as bright as the mica guitars to me, however, it has wooden necks. Now, maybe someone else will jump in and give you their thoughts.
Jerry |
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David Doggett
From:
Bawl'mer, MD (formerly of MS, Nawluns, Gnashville, Knocksville, Lost Angeles, Bahsten. and Philly)
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Posted 1 Dec 2003 11:01 am
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| Somewhere over on the Carter site they talk about this (or maybe it was on the Forum). I believe they said that, in a blind side-by-side comparison of mica and lacquer Carters, the mica was very slightly brighter. They said it could only be heard side-by-side and was very subtle. I've got to think it is way more subtle than things like new strings, a different pickup, or even just tweaking the EQ on your amp. Also, somewhere on the Forum someone mentioned that the highly figured woods used in lacquer bodies have more imperfections than the plainer maple pieces used in mica bodies. This might easily explain the small difference people claim to hear. |
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Brad Sarno
From:
St. Louis, MO USA
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Posted 1 Dec 2003 1:19 pm
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What David said. I'm inclined to believe too that the straighter-grained, less-pretty wood used in mica guitars may be different sounding than the curly figured stuff.
When I refurbished my '66 Emmons, I took off all the mica and put it back on. If you knock on the naked wood body, it had a completely different sound than with the mica on it. With no mica it was bright and resonant, with the mica it was dark and thunky. How that translates to a fully strung up guitar, I dont have any comparison. But my gut made me think the mica would darken and fatten up the sound. Just a guess. It's hard to be scientific on this topic. Too many variables.
Brad Sarno |
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Len Amaral
From:
Rehoboth,MA 02769
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Posted 1 Dec 2003 3:04 pm
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Maybe it's a mental thing with me, however I feel more confident and would rather play a mica guitar on a gig as I know it is more durable than a wood laquer finish guitar.
I have an all wood beautiful Fulawka guitar that I only play at home as I fear it would get damaged at some of the places I play.
Go figure?
Lenny
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Lee Baucum
From:
McAllen, Texas (Extreme South) The Final Frontier
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Posted 1 Dec 2003 3:17 pm
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Lenny - Are you guys making any laquer-finished yo-yo's these days?
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Lee, from South Texas
Down On The Rio Grande
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Jeff A. Smith
From:
Angola,Ind. U.S.A.
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Posted 1 Dec 2003 4:30 pm
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| If it's true that a guitar with mica is more brilliant, I wonder if a contributing factor might be that mica enhances overall rigidity in some way? |
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Donny Hinson
From:
Glen Burnie, Md. U.S.A.
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Posted 1 Dec 2003 6:02 pm
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| Definitely. |
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Mike Perlowin
From:
Los Angeles CA
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Posted 1 Dec 2003 6:50 pm
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I have one of each, both MSA U-12s with identical copedants. The lacquer guitar definately has a darker more mellow tone than the mica one. However they have different pickups, and that might be a factor in this.
As a matter of personal taste, I prefer the lacquer one. But that's me, and not a reflection on the quality of the instruments, both of which are more than satisfactory.
It really does come down to personal preference. Asking whether one is better than the other is like asking if one color is better. (Of course we all know green guitars sound better than other colors) |
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Len Amaral
From:
Rehoboth,MA 02769
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Posted 2 Dec 2003 5:05 am
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Hi Lee:
I will have to do a test and see if wood yo yo's with a laquer finish spin longer than plastic yo yo's.....  |
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Joerg Hennig
From:
Bavaria, Germany
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Posted 2 Dec 2003 10:36 am
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I have two lacquer guitars that do not sound that mellow... A fellow player told me my ShoBud Professional has a rather "hard" sound compared to others, he meant a somewhat aggressive tendency, which I like fine since that´s just what I need for my way of playing. What it has is an amazing tonal range, it seems to jump right in your face all the way from the lows to the highs and in between. (Thanks again Ricky).
The other one, the Pro-II Custom, sounds even brighter, almost kind of "twangy" with not quite the fullness that I would like to have sometimes. But I think some of it might be due to the pickups, it sounds nice when unplugged. I´m considering changing them since the old ones are also microphonic.
Anyway, it looks to me that lacquer guitars do not necessarily sound more mellow than formica. Maybe some of them, but there definitely must be some other factors involved.
Regards, Joe H. |
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Ricky Littleton
From:
Steely-Eyed Missile Man from Cocoa Beach, Florida USA
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Posted 2 Dec 2003 11:03 am
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Let's not forget that the black lacquer sounds better than other colors.
Ricky
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Emmons LeGrande - 8x4
Session 400 Ltd
Dan-Echo, E-Bow, Ibanez Distortion, Boss Comp./Sustain, Ibanez Auto-Wah
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Joerg Hennig
From:
Bavaria, Germany
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Posted 2 Dec 2003 11:06 am
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Not quite true, Ricky. Actually it is like, black Emmons guitars sound the best but black ShoBuds play the fastest.
Joe H. |
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