Are Laminate Guitars Bad? Let’s Clear This Up.
A lot of players hear the word “laminate” and immediately assume it means lower quality.
That’s understandable - but it’s not the whole story.
Laminate guitars aren’t bad guitars. They’re simply built for different needs than solid wood guitars. Once you understand the difference, it becomes much easier to decide which one makes sense for you.
🎸 What Is a Laminate Guitar?
Laminate guitars use layered wood for the back and sides instead of single, solid pieces of wood. The top may still be solid (many great guitars are solid-top with laminate back and sides). This construction choice isn’t about cutting corners, it’s about durability and consistency.
🌳 Solid Wood: Nuance and “Opening Up”
Solid wood guitars are often praised for their ability to “open up” over time. That means as the guitar ages and vibrates, the wood begins to resonate more freely, which can lead to:
Richer overtones
More dynamic response
Greater tonal complexity
This is a real benefit, especially for players who value nuance, touch sensitivity, and long-term tonal development.
🧱 Laminate: Focus, Stability, and Reliability
Laminate guitars trade a bit of that acoustic complexity for something else: stability.
Laminate instruments tend to:
Have a tighter, more focused sound
Be less affected by temperature and humidity changes
Hold up better to travel, gigging, and daily use
That makes them a great option for:
Students
Performing musicians
Travelers
Anyone who wants a guitar they don’t have to baby
In real-world conditions, that reliability matters.
🎶 A Note on Vintage Laminate Guitars
Some laminate guitars are actually highly sought after. For example, vintage models from companies like Yamaha - especially early FG Series guitars - are known for their sound, durability, and longevity.
That alone should tell you laminate doesn’t automatically mean “inferior.”
🎯 So… Are Laminate Guitars Bad?
Not at all.
They’re just designed with different priorities:
Solid wood = nuance, complexity, long-term tonal growth
Laminate = durability, consistency, and real-world reliability
A laminate guitar could be perfect for you. It really just depends on how and where you play.
Find the Right Guitar for Your Needs
At Morris Guitar Company, we help players choose guitars based on how they actually play, not just buzzwords.
Whether you’re looking for a solid wood acoustic, a laminate workhorse, or something in between, we’re happy to help.