Slingerland Songster / Pressed tops / laminate backs

[adamrhowe]

Has anybody had any experience with these 1930s Slingerland Songsters? I have found one for sale which I am tempted to purchase (pictured). However, from my research on the model, it has a pressed (solid) top and laminate back and sides. How do these things effect volume/projection?

If gypsy jazz guitars are anything to go by, the laminate back and sides should make it louder?? Or is it not as simple as that? I heard that this is partly responsible for the projection of GJ guitars because the sound refects off laminate backs better than solid and therefore sends more sound forwards, a bit like a banjo resonator? I would therefore guess that laminate backs will be harsher and less warm than solid carved?

Also, are pressed tops more likely to be affected by temp and humidity changes?

For context, I'm looking for a LOUD archtop for busking acoustically.

Thank you!

[nevershouldhavesoldit]

For context, I'm looking for a LOUD archtop for busking acoustically.

Unfortunately, the loudest acoustic archtop by far is a flattop - you can put out a lot of sound from almost any of the imported models from the name brands for under $US 500 new. Some of the great archtops put out a big sound, but they're rare and largely unaffordable. If you really want to do this on an archtop, I'd go for a decent, inexpensive one with a pickup, like this $200 Grote.





Play it through one of the many very nice battery powered amps now available from Yamaha, Orange, Blackstar, Roland, Vox etc. That's just my 2c - I hope it's helpful.

[John A.]

Has anybody had any experience with these 1930s Slingerland Songsters? I have found one for sale which I am tempted to purchase (pictured). However, from my research on the model, it has a pressed (solid) top and laminate back and sides. How do these things effect volume/projection?

Pressed tops are usually louder than laminated tops but quieter than carved tops (though there are some exceptions in both directions)

If gypsy jazz guitars are anything to go by, the laminate back and sides should make it louder?? Or is it not as simple as that? I heard that this is partly responsible for the projection of GJ guitars because the sound refects off laminate backs better than solid and therefore sends more sound forwards, a bit like a banjo resonator? I would therefore guess that laminate backs will be harsher and less warm than solid carved?

IME, I don't think laminated back and sides vs solid makes a difference in terms of loudness in archtops and flattops. It does make some difference in the tone, all else equal, but whether one particular guitar sounds better or worse than another is subjective and might not be traceable to only one specific construction detail.

I've read what you note here about laminated B&S being louder in Gypsy Jazz style guitars, but I've only played laminated ones, so can't speak from experience. Overall, I think it's important to bear in mind that it's difficult to isolate the effect of one construction element everything else in a guitar's construction. Loudness is affected by a lot of things besides just carved vs laminated vs pressed in top, back and sides -- wood species, bracing, guitar shape and size, neck and bridge angle, top thickness, degree of arch, how the instrument is played, and probably more.

Also, are pressed tops more likely to be affected by temp and humidity changes?

I suspect that top thickness and bracing are more important factors than laminated vs pressed. All else equal, pressed is probably a little less stable, but there probably aren't a whole lot of guitars that are all else equal for purposes of this comparison.

For context, I'm looking for a LOUD archtop for busking acoustically.

Thank you!

I think rather than asking which construction details will get you there, you'll probably get more in the way of recommendations by specifying about how much you can spend and letting people know what you've tried and like/disliked so as to narrow the field a bit. FWIW, I think one of the lower end GJ style guitars (e.g., Gitane, Cigane) is a very good solution for what you're looking to do. $500 used buys you a hell of a loud guitar that'll take a fair amount of abuse.

[adamrhowe]

I think rather than asking which construction details will get you there, you'll probably get more in the way of recommendations by specifying about how much you can spend and letting people know what you've tried and like/disliked so as to narrow the field a bit. FWIW, I think one of the lower end GJ style guitars (e.g., Gitane, Cigane) is a very good solution for what you're looking to do. $500 used buys you a hell of a loud guitar that'll take a fair amount of abuse.

Excellent! Thank you for your detailed response! Yes, the more research I do, the more I think a GJ guitar will suit me. I've been toying with the idea of getting an Altamira M01 or something.

[John A.]

Excellent! Thank you for your detailed response! Yes, the more research I do, the more I think a GJ guitar will suit me. I've been toying with the idea of getting an Altamira M01 or something.

I have a Gitane D500, which I enjoy a lot.

[Cavalier]

I'd suggest a vintage Ovation like a Legend 1117 or similar. The fiberglass back will project louder than just about anything as well as be the most durable in a street brawl or downpour. Upside down over your head it is a effective umbrella and a stock case can survive a war, important when you have to fight your way out with the haul. These are the guitars I take sailing for durability and emergency paddling reasons

[jonh]

Has anybody had any experience with these 1930s Slingerland Songsters? I have found one for sale which I am tempted to purchase (pictured). However, from my research on the model, it has a pressed (solid) top and laminate back and sides. How do these things effect volume/projection?

For context, I'm looking for a LOUD archtop for busking acoustically.

I’ve restored three Slingerlands. Two Songsters and an all-mahogany parlor archtop. Are they loud? Yeah, they are loud. Not necessarily louder than other guitars but they’re not subtle. They have that mid-range bark to cut through. It would theoretically, I suppose, cut through street noise pretty well if you’re busking.

My concern is if you have played the one you’re looking at. All three I restored needed a neck reset. There is no truss rod so make sure the neck is straight. All the suggestions in this post about other guitars make a ton of sense if you want reliability. But playing a 90-year-old guitar in public is kinda cool.

I have a blonde Songster that is perfect for big band swing and Freddie Green comping. I have a piezo pickup under the bridge, works great.

Good luck!