Solid versus Laminate

Heretic

Perhaps Bob Holo, or others familiar with guitar construction can answer this question.
What affect does making a Selmer type guitar with solid wood back and sides have on the sound of the instrument as opposed to using laminated woods?
Dell Arte, for example has produced the same model of instruments with laminates, or with solid walnut.
In general what would the affect be to the sound of the instrument?

constantine

I have learned that in general, a lighter guitar makes a louder guitar thus solid woods would diminish the volume.

oscar

I don't necessarily agree that a solid wood guitar, being heavier, should always be quieter than a laminate. I had a solid cherry favino style guitar that was easily the loudest I have owned or heard.

IMHO, a solid wood selmac will give a thicker sounding note and a laminate will generally have a crunchier, more airy note, if that makes any sense.

djangology

i know that classical guitar builders much prefer solid woods but i personally wouldn't give "laminate" a second thought. in gypsy jazz it sounds great. Dupont MD-50 is a great example.