ajoso Posted September 30, 2008 Share Posted September 30, 2008 I'm curious - how thick were the maple tops on those early '80's specials? I've seen a couple and it looks like a very thin veneer to me. How did it compare with the Special FM series? Any tonal differences between the two? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
veatch Posted September 30, 2008 Share Posted September 30, 2008 You are correct, sir. The early Specials had a thin veneer as compared to thicker 1/4" or so top on the later models. Even the later Special FMs have a thicker top. It's hard to say how much difference the top causes. I would like to say, "The thicker maple top did XXX", but there were other differences that makes it hard to say. The change from the sustain block to a TOM would likely have a bigger change in tone, but i'm sure opinions vary... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David B Posted September 30, 2008 Share Posted September 30, 2008 They both rock. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
specialk Posted September 30, 2008 Share Posted September 30, 2008 The Specials and the Sunbursts look pretty much identical to me. Anyone know of any differences between the models?ON EDIT: To the OP, go to this page:http://www.hamerfanclub.com/andrewlarge/specials.htmand scroll about 2/3 of the way down. They show the difference in tops in a picture.sk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GusS Posted September 30, 2008 Share Posted September 30, 2008 the difference is no binding vs binding Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
specialk Posted September 30, 2008 Share Posted September 30, 2008 Thanks, Gus! My eye for details must be getting better, cuz that was the only difference I saw in them. Oh yeah, and some Sunbursts have an archtop. I'm guessing no Special or Special FM did.ON EDIT:Never mind about the archtop question. It appears that Specials were made with them. As for the binding, I guess the Sunbursts have body binding and Sunburst Customs have body and neck binding. See here:http://www.hamerfanclub.com/sunburst.htmlUnder "Description From The 1990 Catalogue". Unfortunately the sentence is not completed:"The Sunburst is also available in either Standard or Custom configuration. The Custom features a bound rosewood ". Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gregc Posted September 30, 2008 Share Posted September 30, 2008 0.10" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve Haynie Posted September 30, 2008 Share Posted September 30, 2008 If you want to see what a maple veneer looks like, go to a good lumber yard. Sometimes Lowe's or Home Depot will have veneers for sale. It will be in the section with the project wood like small pieces of oak and poplar. The veneer is thin wood that is about the thickness of poster board. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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