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Whilst it's true that a luthier can voice a guitar one way or another with construction techniques, they are only going to be able to change the sound derived from the wood choice by a limited amount
I've bought a few Avalons, and tried quite a few more, the ones made of the same woods sound similar, the ones made from different woods sound different. Same with other makers where I've owned or tried 3+ instruments, and I've have had to sell on certain wood combinations whilst keeping other wood combinations from the same maker
In particular, I don't think Mahogany B+S works for me, I've sold most of my guitars made this way, and expect to replace the last ones
There is always the issue of whether some makers cancel out the effect of the B+S whilst others might build on the effect. I think Nigel Forster (need to check) says that using a laminated back and sides to make the back and side even more rigid works with his designs. Whereas other makers insist on solid back and sides and welcome the effect.
Anyway, I need to play more woods to be sure of my personal opinions
Actually, I quite agree with you - it's just that I don't think differences in timbers are such that one can be identified as being good or bad for a particular genre, personal preference aside.
I find the whole topic of guitar (especially acoustic) construction fascinating, both practically and psychologically, and unfortunately an internet forum is not always the best place to communicate nuanced discussion.
If you are ever up in Scotland, I would welcome a chat over a guitar and a beer!
Adam
My YouTube Channel
I've always thought that I could tell the difference between say, a rosewood B&S guitar and a mahogany B&S guitar blindfolded (an interesting variation on the stork / butter challenge!)
I've always viewed the soundboard / bridge as the sound generator - and the back & sides as a sound processor. However, things are rarely that simple
Perhaps I’m wrong but I find the idea that any reasonably experienced guitarist can’t distinguish between B & S in a blind test quite strange. Not all woods and not all of the time - but sometimes it’s deafeningly obvious.
The research in the link above refers to “guitarists” used in the blind tests. Since the basis of the conclusions is the views of these “guitarists” perhaps it’s the case that their ears weren’t that experienced.
Or maybe I’m just hearing what I expect to hear.
My YouTube Channel
My YouTube Channel