Results 1 to 9 of 9

Thread: Is a solid back generally considered better than bookended?

  1. #1

    Question Is a solid back generally considered better than bookended?

    I'm comparing many different F type mandolins and I think I'm getting the gist of the value scale and features. One item I noticed on one particular mandolin is that it has a solid back. As it seems priced a touch higher than it's "peers" of similar model and spec, I'm wondering if that attribute may be considered a more desirable (expensive) feature/element?

    I wonder, if you would, what's the general consensus on that, if there is one?

    Thx!

  2. #2
    My Florida is scooped pheffernan's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2013
    Location
    Fort Lauderdale, FL
    Posts
    3,858

    Default Re: Is a solid back generally considered better than bookended?

    The designation of a solid back suggests that is constructed of solid wood rather than laminate, a trait that is largely seen as desirable and met with a higher price.
    1924 Gibson A Snakehead
    2005 National RM-1
    2007 Hester A5
    2009 Passernig A5
    2015 Black A2-z
    2010 Black GBOM
    2017 Poe Scout
    2014 Smart F-Style Mandola
    2018 Vessel TM5
    2019 Hogan F5

  3. #3
    Registered User Chris Fannin's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2022
    Location
    Hutto, Texas
    Posts
    90

    Default Re: Is a solid back generally considered better than bookended?

    I think you mean a one piece back rather than a 2 piece. A larger piece of wood is needed to make a 1 piece rather than glueing or bookending 2 pieces, which generally results in a higher price.
    Eastman MD315 Mandolin

  4. #4

    Default Re: Is a solid back generally considered better than bookended?

    Quote Originally Posted by Chris Fannin View Post
    I think you mean a one piece back rather than a 2 piece. A larger piece of wood is needed to make a 1 piece rather than glueing or bookending 2 pieces, which generally results in a higher price.
    Yeah! exactly, one piece. But the one piece seems less fancy (not flame maple or anything). Nice, just not perhaps exotic. But it is one piece for sure.

  5. #5
    harvester of clams Bill McCall's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2014
    Location
    Forest Grove, Oregon
    Posts
    2,775

    Default Re: Is a solid back generally considered better than bookended?

    Often ‘fiddleback’ maple is bookmatched due to the grain pattern and size of the original tree. Quilted and birdseye are often found in one piece backs for similar reasons.

    But not always.
    Not all the clams are at the beach

    Arrow Manouche
    Arrow Jazzbo
    Arrow G
    Clark 2 point
    Gibson F5L
    Gibson A-4
    Ratliff CountryBoy A

  6. The following members say thank you to Bill McCall for this post:


  7. #6
    Mando-Accumulator Jim Garber's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2003
    Location
    Westchester, NY
    Posts
    30,753

    Default Re: Is a solid back generally considered better than bookended?

    If you are asking if the tone would be better for one or the other I will say there would not be any difference except appearance.
    Jim

    My Stream on Soundcloud
    Facebook
    19th Century Tunes
    Playing lately:
    1924 Gibson A4 - 2018 Campanella A-5 - 2007 Brentrup A4C - 1915 Frank Merwin Ashley violin - Huss & Dalton DS - 1923 Gibson A2 black snakehead - '83 Flatiron A5-2 - 1939 Gibson L-00 - 1936 Epiphone Deluxe - 1928 Gibson L-5 - ca. 1890s Fairbanks Senator Banjo - ca. 1923 Vega Style M tenor banjo - ca. 1920 Weymann Style 25 Mandolin-Banjo - National RM-1

  8. The following members say thank you to Jim Garber for this post:


  9. #7
    Registered User
    Join Date
    Jun 2019
    Location
    Hiram, Maine
    Posts
    250

    Default Re: Is a solid back generally considered better than bookended?

    All of the bits about wood size and specie apply but some of us do equally enjoy, or even prefer the look and aspects of a two-piece bookmatched back. In both mandolins and violins. It's like getting twice the wood geek-out instead of just one 🤣.
    Acoustically or playing-wise, I don't think there's a difference in the hands of a capable maker. It may even be an advantage vibration-wise.

  10. #8

    Default Re: Is a solid back generally considered better than bookended?

    Thanks everyone. This was helpful!

  11. #9
    Registered User Bren's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2002
    Location
    Aberdeen, Scotland
    Posts
    1,036

    Default Re: Is a solid back generally considered better than bookended?

    I have asked this question of luthiers and they generally say it doesn't really make a difference to the sound.
    Both my Marshall Dow and Peter Coombe mandolins have single-piece carved backs.
    They look great.
    Bren

Bookmarks

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •