Wood question, greenish = Poplar? Model 6

[2Loud2Old]

I finaly go my M6 down to bare wood.

Poly is near indestructable. - phew.

I always thought that the higher end Model series had Alder Body wings.

I noticed that there are one or two areas that are greenish in colour. They are around 2 to 3 inches long by 1/4 to 1/2 inch wide or so.

Wouldn't that indicate Poplar?

BTW, there are no "lines" or anything that I can see that showswhere the "wings" join the neck.

It looks almost 1 piece, cant be of course, but it sure looks it.

I'll try to post some pics.

[Budman68]

Re: Wood question, greenish = Poplar? Model 6

Hey there,

Yes, you are correct. The Model 6's were maple through body with Poplar wings. Would love to see pics of it.

Dave->

[2Loud2Old]

Re: Wood question, greenish = Poplar? Model 6

Okay.

I figured out how they made these things.

It is indeed 3 piece construction. Maple neck/center sandwiched between the 2 poplar wings.

If you look at the front and back of the guitar, you would think this was a one piece guitar at first, as there are no join lines as mentioned in my previous post.

The ONLY hint on the front is the different grain pattern on the forearm contour.

IF you look into the pickup cavities, and the back edge of the guitar ( Bottom if it's standing on a stand) - you clearly see the maple neck/center.

So what you have is a 3 piece guitar, with a very, very thin veneer on both the front and back.

I'n not quite sure what it's made of, alder maybe?

Why was it built this way?

I suspect the veneer was to hid the join lines, which can sometimes show through paint.

Anybody have any other ideas?

Oh, and were Soloists made the same way??

I'll try to get pics up, you'll see clearly what I'm talking about.

[j2379]

Re: Wood question, greenish = Poplar? Model 6

my model6 also has the veneer back & front.
i dont think usa soloists have the venners, my SD doesnt anyway.... you can barely see the seams

[Jim Shine]

Re: Wood question, greenish = Poplar? Model 6

What color was it?

[Budman68]

Re: Wood question, greenish = Poplar? Model 6

I have an 86 black Model 6 also with no veneer as you can see the joint lines now. Maybe they changed the type of construction?

Dave->

[straycat]

Re: Wood question, greenish = Poplar? Model 6

Just checked out my 87 model 6 and yup I can see the joint so no veneer on an 87.Maybe if the wood was uncooperative or the joint was just an ugly joint perhaps they would use a veneer to cover them up.Good question. [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]

[toejam]

Re: Wood question, greenish = Poplar? Model 6

The Model 6 I had was black cherry with no veneer. You could see the neck through the body in certain light.

[j2379]

Re: Wood question, greenish = Poplar? Model 6

mine is an 87 & has the veneer

[Budman68]

Re: Wood question, greenish = Poplar? Model 6

Well, I also just checked my '88 and it has NO lines. Hmmmmmmmmm......


Dave->

[j2379]

Re: Wood question, greenish = Poplar? Model 6

how well can U see the joint lines & do they go all the way around. i thought i saw the seams in mine when it was still mint, so i decided to stripe it I got the back completely done before i realized it was veneered. & yes mine is a black 87 model 6. as for them only veneering ones that needed it i doubt that, since it would be cheaper to veneer them all than it would to go & select the bad ones shave 1/16- 1/32 off front & back then go & add veneers to the front & back. BTW the back veneer is as thick as the recess for the control cover. my veneer is cracked & missing the section at the bottom of the control cover.

[guitar geek]

Re: Wood question, greenish = Poplar? Model 6

my 87 doesn't have veneer as well: the lines are visible as well.

harrald