Spruce Centre block on a semi?

**Doug B** · 03-18-2022, 01:50 AM

I was just browsing the Sadowsky web site and noticed that he makes his Semi-Hollow Archtop with a chambered centre block.

Does any one else use spruce for a centre block?

Thanks

Doug

**D.G.** · 03-18-2022, 02:56 AM

Godin Montreal.

**Cavalier** · 03-18-2022, 03:09 AM

Gretsch G5622, chambered spruce hard tail or Bigsby and several other models.

**Grez** · 03-18-2022, 10:01 AM

Collings I35-LC

**Doug B** · 03-18-2022, 10:25 AM

Originally Posted by D.G.

Godin Montreal.

Chambered yes; but is the centre block SPRUCE?

**Doug B** · 03-18-2022, 10:32 AM

Originally Posted by Grez

Collings I35-LC

Thanks-now all I need is some money! <sigh>

**Hammertone** · 03-18-2022, 10:43 AM

For the @20 years that Hofner made electric guitars in Europe from 2000 to @2020, Hofner used spruce for the center block on the
-Verythin Classic
-Verythin Standard
-Verythin John Stowell
-Thin President, later version

I have a LTD Edition (one of six) Verythin Standard with a spruce center block, for sale on this forum. It's located in Toronto.

**Doug B** · 03-18-2022, 06:40 PM

I assume that your Verythin is quite light weight since it has a spruce centre block (vs. maple centre block on some other semi-acoustic?

Thanks

Doug

**Hammertone** · 03-18-2022, 07:23 PM

Originally Posted by Doug B

I assume that your Verythin is quite light weight since it has a spruce centre block (vs. maple centre block on some other semi-acoustic? Thanks Doug

6.44 pounds | 2.93kg

Here:
https://www.jazzguitar.be/forum/sale/86335-hofner-verythin-standard-made-germany.html

**Doug B** · 03-18-2022, 10:11 PM

Originally Posted by Hammertone

6.44 pounds | 2.93kg

Here:
https://www.jazzguitar.be/forum/sale/86335-hofner-verythin-standard-made-germany.html

Thanks, but I think I'll pass. From what I heard of the Verythins on Youtube, it's not what I am looking for. They seem to have a kind of jangly pop type sound.
I know youtube isn't always the best sound but it is kind of hard to try the guitar out in person.

**Litterick** · 03-18-2022, 10:21 PM

Originally Posted by Doug B

Chambered yes; but is the centre block SPRUCE?

Spruce, Bruce, but only in the Montreal Premiere Supreme. The lesser Premieres have a cedar core, while the mere Montreals are a mystery to me.

**Doug B** · 03-18-2022, 11:12 PM

Originally Posted by Litterick

Spruce, Bruce, but only in the Montreal Premiere Supreme. The lesser Premieres have a cedar core, while the mere Montreals are a mystery to me.

I'm pretty sure that even cedar is way lighter than the maple that some use for their core.

Thanks though.

**Litterick** · 03-19-2022, 05:07 AM

It is a “breathe-through” carved spruce core, which looks like a row of arches, so it does not use much wood.

**Hammertone** · 03-19-2022, 08:21 AM

Originally Posted by Doug B

Thanks, but I think I'll pass. From what I heard of the Verythins on Youtube, it's not what I am looking for. They seem to have a kind of jangly pop type sound.
I know youtube isn't always the best sound but it is kind of hard to try the guitar out in person.

I don't really associate John Stowell's, Sid Jacob's, Jimmy Wyble's and various other jazz players' Verythin sounds with a "jangly pop type sound" but it can certainly go there. It can also do some interesting hi-gain sounds because of how responsive it is. If you're ever in Toronto from wherever in Canada you live, I'd be happy to show you whatever Hofner Verythins remain in Hofner Canada's inventory.