Furch Acoustic Guitar Comparison. Laminate Vs Solid Back & Sides. Save Money Or Invest A Little? 

Holy cow, thanks, this is helpful. I'm looking for a really nice sounding acoustic guitar, and didn't want to spend a lot, but after hearing this I realize it's worth spending more for solid wood. Cheers mate!

As someone coming from electric guitars who's been playing a strat for 4 years, I prefer the glassier tonal character of the laminates to be honest and the clarity between notes. As long as it isn't brittle or tinny, I'm perfectly happy with laminates. Better for dragging around the place too, as laminates are slightly sturdier. Each to their own, watch the video and make up your own mind folks.

Are the two first guitars sharing the same bracing construction? I found this : "Furch says the Indigo’s The back plate is pressed into an arch and requires no bracing." So the difference you hear is perhaps just from the bracing-less construction of the Indigo guitar. Furthermore it has been proven countless time that sides and back plays negligible role in how guitars sound. I would say that is even less something to worry about since your body is pressing against the back of the guitar, so the back resonance is already altered to a much greater extent by your own body regardless if it's laminate back or solid back (or even cardboard).

Quick note.... sometimes individual guitars can transcend their construction materials. At the moment I have a 30 yo laminated Maton that sounds vastly nicer than my 25 yo all solid Gibson J185. Big price difference also, but the cheaper guitar is better in this case.

Mike Norman: As an all wood devotee of 72 years generally I agree all wood guitars are the best buy. But laminated guitarist display their A team Standings in lo humidity climates. I owned a Martin all wood dreadnoght that fell victim to lo humidity cracking. A 6mm crack on the rear bottom bout. But my laminated Seagull S6 kept in the same room survived with nary a crack.

Well no surprises there. The Furch Blue ticks all the boxes followed by the Indigo and then the Faith hanging in there at the back. Perfectly illustrates how it is not all about the "solid" build thing. A lot has to do with HOW the guitar is built. Oh and new camera works a treat! :)

I'm pretty new to Furch (never played one), but one thing that I remembered when listening to both guitars, is that if you are doing electric gigging, bars, etc. a lot, and your sound is going through a pa, sometimes the laminates work better, and even sound better plugged in. The solid's definitely sound better acoustic. Having said that, Seagull/Godin made some solid top and back, with laminate sides, which sound good, and the sides don't crack as easy as solid, and a little cheaper than solid too. And, those sound really good. I think solid top and back is important. Sides, not so much.

1. Blue 2. Indigo 3. Faith

Richard how about doing a top 3 or 5 acoustics in the shop irrespective of price point that would be really interesting, cameras working fine by the way

I do the same like Richard in a guitar shop. My ranking for that competition is: 1. Furch Indigo 2. Furch Blue 3. Faith FKN I was very surprised about the sound of the Indigo. Because the laminated back is a light archtop and needs no braces. I think, that’s the reason of the warm good sound of the Indigo. The Blue sounds a little brighter and also very good. You can‘t go wrong with both Furch guitars. It‘s a thing of your personal taste. In that price range are these guitars one of the best, you can momentary buy.

Here is what I think....there is the belief that sometimes a laminated back and sides guitar can work with the solid top. The thinking is that the stiffness and non resonate relation of the layered back and sides causes the solid top to project and resonate larger because solid sides and backs suck up some of the vibration/frequencies taking away from the tops output. Another way to think of a speaker with a metal casing surrounding a paper cone. All the sound is projected forward. There are several highend classical guitar builders who use QUALITY veneer or laminated backs and/or side guitars IE; Bogdanovich, Beharad, O'Brien etc. Torres built several with laminates. Greg Smallmans 5 ply sided guitars sell for 20K. I also feel classical guitars need to be much more sensitive to the touch than steel strings...so that said I have a 42 year old Japanese guitar with a rosewood veneer B/S that sounds supremely beautiful and resonate. I prefer the laminated Furch over the other two and I have listened through very expnesive headphones :) Very good video btw!!

I like the simplicity in how he speaks so I decided to subscribe 👌🏻

As I have just received a Blue OM CM from Richard I can vouch for the sound and quality of the solid wood guitar. Simply fantastic for the money. Plus the service was exceptional. If you can afford it go for the solid Furch. Thanks Richard

It is hard for me. They all sounded pretty good. Difference, though there, is quite marginal. It depends how much you have to spend. As long as it is a solid wood top.

The laminate back guitar sounds pretty amazing but the low strings booms while strumming and did not sound as crystal clear as the solid back. I never thought laminate back and sides would make such difference when the top is solid on both....and are same make and shape. Thank u for the wonderful comparison....never seen one before which compared apples with apples. Definitely worth the extra in my humble opinion for a serious acoustic guitar player.

The way it comes across in the video from a single listen: The Faith is more focussed, and seems to have a less expansive frequency range which by comparison makes it sound slightly boxy. Not a bad sound, just different and more or less suitable depending on the application. The Furch guitars seem to have a little bit of the sound I'd typically associate with a rosewood (back and sides) guitar in that they seem to have a wider frequency response, more highs and lows with richer overtones. The tuning difference between the Furch guitars is making it difficult to make a judgement. I find even playing the same guitar tuned differently alters my perception of its characteristics.

Richard loves all his guitar, how can that be possible . . . All Fantastic that can be . . . that feeling is for Sales too 🐴

Interesting and entertaining video. I actually think that the faith sounded pretty good. The Blue was the clear winner - as you would expect. It is hard to pick a winner from the other two but I would probably go for the Faith based on this - slightly more resonant I think and as a solid guitar will improve with age. I have subscribed - keep up the good work.

I have a yamaha fg800m and I love it. Super good budget guitar. But I notice that although the solid top vibrates like crazy, the laminate back and sides seem "dead" for lack of a better term. All the vibration seems to eminate from the top. It does have some dimension of tone, but it is ideal for strumming in my opinion as it has a very smooth tone and great sustain. But I don't think it is HPL. Just normal laminate. Being a beginner, I feel I can't justify spending on a high end guitar right now, but I wonder how much of a difference solid back and sides would make?

Didn't know laminated VS solid could make such a big difference, but one can clearly hear more depth in the sound of the Furch Blue (all solid) compared to the other two. Yet, to my ears Furch Blue > Furch Indigo > Faith FKN (all solid), meaning that "all solid"-only doesn't explain everything. The Faith sounded the driest of the three. Yet, if you'd own any of the cheaper two and had never encountered the Furch Blue, you'd be well happy, because they sound good.

I think the tuning is more careful on the solid and that may be affecting the comparison.

Thanks for compare 🙏👍👍

I bought this exact guitar.. Faith. From Richards guitars, and was really disappointed in it, it cost just over 400 pounds, I didn't like the action on it and thought the sound was poor, it wasn't as good as it looks

I am not that way inclined but , hey you move the guitar and that is what I’m looking at...... Your flies are undone mate.ill finish watching with a smile, and comment on the guitars when your are finished

I have some pretty nice monitors and to me the Indigo sounds closer to what I like, the Blue seems boomy and the Faith not nice at all. Different strokes I guess.

Great video, thanks 🙏

They all sound amazing to be fair but the solids just had the projection and warmth

1st off, I'd never kick the Laminates under the bus. I'm going with the solid wood iteration. I've been playing guitar since 1949 (71 years nuther words). I have owned both solid woods an HPL's (Martin & Taylor) But I always gravitate back to solid wood guitars. Regardless of brand. Jus sayin.

Taylors sound beautiful until they break, my taylor is less than 2 years old and it cracked. Here is the video ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-38-9G21wjRs.html

How can I stop my takamine graphic designer making vibrtn noise wen I'm playing top e or bass e',chords .just need to quick fix it's a a g Series .about 3oo.99dollars

New camera is great - check your fly buttons next time.

Wow, the Blue is far superior. I've been thinking of getting a Blue Masters Choice. I probably will.

Furch blue is better than indigo but indigo is amazing. The difference does not motivate me to spend more for blue. However, Indigo is sooo much better and mellower than Faith. Great video!

I totally agree with your rating order Richard; It's refreshing to see that you get what you pay for in this instance. I Just wish that Furch would do that Blue model with a clear pickguard though! Great informative video...

I have found solid top laminate back and sides guitars, are the easiest to record backing tracks with. Just hang a 57 or 58 and with minimal EQ, with a decent mic pre, you've got it. Sticking a piece of piano felt-don't use a "Charlie", it's disgusting (yes we remember Squidgygate)-under the strings at the headstock on some guitars helps. I've also used a magnetic soundhole pickup and ran that to a guitar amp in the distance and let that provide some background "zing" leaking through the primary mic, or if you have tracks to burn hang a mic on the amp and mix them. Don't be afraid to try different string sets and also keep in mind that felt picks can be another tool in the armamentarium, especially with silk and steel string sets.

Man, I dont hear a thing. Both sound like an acoustic guitar to me.

Laminate woods will always have small spaces, voids, regardless of the pressure to squeeze the layers together or type of glues used to fuse them. The end result is a chunk of layered wood that cannot respond or vibrate naturally. There will be areas which are stiffer, more brittle, and areas that are more flexible or softer. It's a crap shoot. Get the best you can afford regardless of the woods, and if you have to skimp on having an extra pint for a month to get the better guitar, you will be further ahead in the end. You can always catch up on the pints. I used to be more indecisive - now I'm not so sure.

I can hear it to,though the Indingo sounds very good.

Again, both interesting and educational (especially, if like me you're in the market for a new acoustic guitar). I'd even go as far to say a even myth busting exercise on the laminate vs solid back debate (I liked the Furch Indigo better than the all solid Faith, which I was thinking about) and all put across with less waffle this time! Thanks Richard. Just please, for the sake of matrimonial harmony, don't show us the £1,000 to £1,200 price breaks!!!

The solid more expensive mahogany guitar has more rounded notes and more depth in the tone with the compression on chords that sound complete. The other layered guitar notes are less rounded with more focus because the bandwidth of the note is more narrow. The compression is less presence again with no degrading the overall tone of it. Yet it has a pleasing tone to it. It is just different. I agree with the you that the price points choices are important open up consumer choices to place the availability of the guitar in line with the consumer's goals. Thanks!

£800 £400 £600 on sound... The £800 Furch is more than a step up from the others though. £400 Faith on looks (I prefer without pick guard). The colour Indigo is darker than Blue...

"More presence, more dynamic, there's detail to the notes." Your opinion is flawed, and you have NO objective measuring criteria. This sort of marketing drivel is rampant in the musical instrument industry. Fail.

Think that the all solid guitar has more air less edgy than the laminate

This video sold me on the all solid furch! I've just ordered mine now! 😀 Thanks Richard

Hei! Richard if you have to choose what is best?? Faith or Furch guitars?? THanks more powers to your shop and youtube channel

The solid is much better but not so much better

Just as important as the sound is the width of the neck. The Faith has a nut width of only 43mm which rules it out for me.

New camera, visually better but lip/sound sync is a bit out or is that me? Above aside, and as a recent Faith buyer, I have to agree that the Furch Indigo is not impeded by the constrained almost nasal sound that the Faith was putting out there. The Blue is another step up again as said previously by other folk here. I really enjoy these videos, thanks very educational for a noob like me. Furch savings fund already started.

It’s always the B string 🤪

I like them all but the most expensive one there is awesome but not necessarily the best sounding of the 3 as they all sound awesome

Great camera upgrade. Money well spent buddy. Your audio set up really captures the subtleties of these guitars.

Your fly is open.

You are sitting in a guitar store right?

Sir. Your zipper!!!

Love the blue series G-CM

“Solid” All Day, ANY Day

Mahogany vs sapelle back and sides? Any thoughts. Can’t decide between eastman e1d and e6d? 🙏

Better quality camera for sure, furch guitars sound mint..

I own a D61 LUX (mid 1996) I think this is the follow up? Think mine is laminated. Also own the D18.

I'm disappointed with Furch, they become greedy. I wanted to buy Furch vintage 2 and it was $3000AU compare wit Martin D18 $3800AU and D28 $4100AU but now they increased to $3800 for vintage 2 and over $4000 for vintage 3. Furch is nice guitar but it is not Martin and need long way to go. Just greedy as they get good reviews. Not happy, wages in Czech Republic are lower than USA and now they charging more than Martin for less quality.

Loved the two Fuchs. The top is much more important than the back and sides. The solid Fuchs did have that edge of dimensionality and tone slightly above the laminate. Will definitely make a difference in the recording studio. Doubt it will make much difference in a live setting. Loved both those Fuchs guitars.

Do your fly up!

Maybe it's just me, but I find their product line of guitars confusing. Your presentation is not, it's fine! I was at a shop that showed me some guitars, and the Blue, the green, the yellow, the weird model numbers.... I don't know, there seems to be a lack of direction and focus. Again, maybe it's me. I played 3 of their solid wood guitars and they were ok. Very light, at least the three I played. One was walnut, which i didn't really care for, and the other was mahogany and the other roesewood. Two were satin finish, one was gloss something or other. One had a different headstock logo. Furch was written out as opposed to the initial. The catalogue confused the f**k out of me! As for the sound, the mahogany and rosewood were very nice. Would I buy one? I don't think so. I think I'd take a big hit if I were to try and resell it used.

If I was getting into the £850 area, I’d choose the Faith Blood Moon

Hello from Greece.I am a beginner and I am between Cort l450c and Lag t88a. Have you tested any of them? What is your opinion? thanks anyway

Yes, the first guitar is the best. It has good quality sound, the base is very balance with the treble. The secomd guitar is also very good and but it is a little bit too bright. The last one is also good by itself but it is not comparison to the first and the second. Money wise probably the thrid one is okay. But if money is not an issue I would go to the first one. It stand out clear to the others.

And then you play blues (9:40) , chuck/mute the strings and there goes the $400 extra for the projection and sustain.

They sounded very much the same. Somehow the first one did seem to be "projecting" which may or may not translate well.. I've only got laminate. It seems the rear body resonant does more than expected. Some points I prefer the laminate. Whatever the resonant at 8:00 was.. My full Laminate Yamaha f310 has had a terrible life but with some love and setup time It's become a better guitar every time I restring it. I think I paid $20. I've got a $75 Takamine G cutaway all laminate. Sounds different because shape. Unexpected scooped midrange

Not well desiigned Laminate back and side seems have HOLE in the sound wave, that can be more noticable by distance.

Yes, based on just listening to this through my iPad.... 1) Blue, 2) Indigo, 3) Faith. I hope to be the owner of a Furch someday and it's likely I'll come to you Richard. 👍

Outstanding video!!!

My ears say the the laminates lose out on zing. They just don't ring. My guitar is laminate top. Yamaha. I will save up.

All wood has Sustain. Laminate guitars have no sustain. They sound good but no sustain and duller s

Knowing a guitar is more expensive, this can lead to believe it has a better sound. Willing to test this theory?

Solid wood got fuller sound to my ears anyway.

High Pressure Laminate - AKA everywhere else as plywood. If you only buy a solid top guitar you are in effect only buying half a real guitar

nice review man... it will make us think more practical than spending more in one piece...thanks man for the idea👍

How much of the guitar is laminated? Is it just the sides or back and top also?

What would be good to know is how the different constructions age and what sounds better after a few months/years.

wow! your guitar is very nice very loud and clear tune...what is the brand?

wow thats a lot of acoustic guitars good video glad i found your channel liked and subscribed ! I have a few acoustic guitars my fav is my PRS Angelus

I can’t concentrate on the differences with this guy’s fly open.

Your sound recording is awesome. Man, that Furch Blue sounds incredible. Cedar? Geez.

they all sound great!

In Texas USA there is a saying "You get what you pay for". Audio on this video was hard to understand. Just what is the brand name of these guitars? Was the brand name Furch?

Tune the laminate guitar first

Looks like Sapele. Also laminate/ layered guitars don't really open up over time, except the tops

Garbage on the lam - you can hear it on the first bass note you struck how it just dies, no overtones, no character, just an initial spike and slow response. But why would a dealer care if there is money to be made, right, mate?

Night and day

Sounds quite exceptional to me! Have you tried (/might you want to try) Dowina?

Meant to say: i wonder how a Faith FKNCD (Naked Neptune with solid Cedar top and solid Mahogany back and Sides) would compare to the Furch Cedar tops? It would be a fairer comparison, "like for like" in terms of tonewoods, given the Neptune that was to hand had a spruce top. Just saying......

To me the guitar with laminated back and sides , has a little more “ bite “ to the sound , but there actually very close . I have an Australian made acoustic guitar called a Maton , it has laminated back and sides with a solid spruce top ... and I absolutely love it , wouldn’t part with it .

Some guitars are good for picking, some are brill for strumming... Korea made great laminated guitars.. really strong..like a clysdale horse... But fuck , you would not take it to win The Aga khan trophy.

just curious what pick do you use? THX!

With the solid wood guitars,it's like adjusting the EQ and volume at the same time. It's undeniable

400 pounds sterling for the solid wood, 600 pounds sterling for the Laminated? Since when do new solid woods sell for less than Laminated woods? Not in the real world I live in (Texas USA)

What camera are you using? And how are you recording the sound? Cheers.

Why bother guessing, since you didn't put the same strings on both guitars...

which guitar will last longer?

Well for me the camera works welll, the Furch all wood ,tops the list followed by the faith ,then not least the indigo , great vid man you r coming along great with these . Question does the Furch come with a gloss top I think I saw a Furch plus somewhere , cheers mate keep up the good work ,