Center block of semi hollows electric guitars

[Wayne27]

Are the center blocks of semi hollows laminated?

[Mincer]

Re: Center block of semi hollows electric guitars

No, generally. It would be a solid block of wood, not like the top, sides and back (of say, a 335).

[dystrust]

Re: Center block of semi hollows electric guitars

Are the center blocks of semi hollows laminated?

I can't speak for all semi-hollows, but my ES-335 has a solid center block, as did the Hamer Echotone that preceded it.

[Wayne27]

Re: Center block of semi hollows electric guitars

Since the center block is made from solid wood, that means they are sensitive to humidity change?

[ICTGoober]

Re: Center block of semi hollows electric guitars

Since the center block is made from solid wood, that means they are sensitive to humidity change?

Usually the thicker the wood the less sensitive to humidity and barometric changes.

[ItsaBass]

Re: Center block of semi hollows electric guitars

Since the center block is made from solid wood, that means they are sensitive to humidity change?

Yes, they can be, a little more than solid body guitars...but it's most likely going to have little effect on anything except the finish. IME, hollows and semi-hollows are more likely to have dramatically checked bodies than are solid body guitars.

[Mincer]

Re: Center block of semi hollows electric guitars

As far as guitars go, I think for the most part, solid woods have a lot more benefits than downsides. Humidity wouldn't be a reason to pick plywood over solid wood. But in the end, just make sure you have a healthy environment for your guitar. If you live in a dry area, know the humidity in the room you keep your guitar and adjust it. Where I live, it is near 100% humidity daily, so that is never a concern.

[Wayne27]

Re: Center block of semi hollows electric guitars

Does the center block expand and cause the checking on the finish outside?

[Mincer]

Re: Center block of semi hollows electric guitars

Does the center block expand and cause the checking on the finish outside?

More like the wood of the body under the finish can contract and cause it. I don't think it is a center block issue.

[ICTGoober]

Re: Center block of semi hollows electric guitars

Does the center block expand and cause the checking on the finish outside?

Checking occurs because wood and finishes expand and contract at different rates.

[Mincer]

Re: Center block of semi hollows electric guitars

Checking occurs because wood and finishes expand and contract at different rates.

That's a better explanation than mine.

[DavidRavenMoon]

Center block of semi hollows electric guitars

The block is solid maple, but there’s a piece of spruce between the block and the top to fill the space.

Finish checking is just in the finish. Has little to do with the wood. You can make the finish check by freezing it with one of those air spay cans.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Wayne27]

Re: Center block of semi hollows electric guitars

Thanks for the help everyone!

[GuitarDoc]

Re: Center block of semi hollows electric guitars

Checking occurs because wood and finishes expand and contract at different rates.

Exactly. And it is usually temperature related. Sudden cooling causes the finish to contract more rapidly than the wood causing checking. Sudden warming = just the opposite. That's why you should always leave your guitar in its case for a while before opening if coming in from a cold environment...let the finish and wood slowly/gradually/uniformly warm up to room temp. And vice versa if going from a hot environment to a cold one.

[Wayne27]

Re: Center block of semi hollows electric guitars

Yes, they can be, a little more than solid body guitars...but it's most likely going to have little effect on anything except the finish. IME, hollows and semi-hollows are more likely to have dramatically checked bodies than are solid body guitars.

I read online that checking usually occurs on nitrocellulose finishes. Not Polyurethane.