Is a beautiful looking guitar back necessary (or just wasted)?

[Rosewood99]

I have some pretty looking backs but hardly ever see them. When I'm playing I can't see it and when the guitar is hanging or on a stand you can't see it.

I guess every once in a while I'll have to turn it around to appreciate its beauty.

[devellis]

No, a beautiful guitar back isn't necessary. But they can be nice sometimes.

[SFCRetired]

I don't think they necessary are but they do add beauty to it.

[zmf]

Is a good looking front necessary?

[Rosewood99]

Originally Posted by zmf

Is a good looking front necessary?

Most definitely.


note: I'm being facetious when I use the term "necessary."

[Riverwolf]

Necessary?
Silly you. Of course not.
All you need is the air that you breathe...

[Methos1979]

Is a good looking guitar _________ necessary?

Back
Front
Binding
Inlay
Headstock
Soundhole rosette

And on and on. Necessary? No. Nice to have? Sure!

I'm a sucker for wood binding (prefer flamed Koa) intricate yet delicate wood inlays on the sound hole and mirrored cocobolo backs with sapwood in the center. But the only thing that I find necessary in a guitar is that it's ergonomically comfortable for me and last and most important of course, sounds great!

[ntotoro]

All things being equal (which isn't really ever the case with a guitar, I know), I tend to prefer the tone from a more "plain" back than the same b/s with more figure.

This goes double for koa with me. The more plain koa guitars have sounded more full and and "open" to me than their more figured equivalents.

So, no, I don't think it's necessary...

Nick

[B Chas]

Funny, I think the view from the front shows the guitar's personality better.
That's my preferred view.

When playing on the couch, it's safer while not playing to have it sit with the top facing inward so the strings keep the guitar from sliding, also shows the back.

No I don't think a beautiful back is needed. One of my favorites is a 48 LG-2, beat up and not pretty in a traditional sense, again reminds me of the guitar's personality, such a sweet sound that it looks nice to me. Not needed but I appreciate a nice look and some backs are just spectacular.

[Dru Edwards]

Originally Posted by devellis

No, a beautiful guitar back isn't necessary. But they can be nice sometimes.

Well put, Bob.

[Montesdad]

A lot of people pay a lot of money for the aesthetics of the back of a guitar - I'd have to say in particular, Brazilians and Madagascars
Straight grain, slab cut, stump wood, maiden hair.

Two guitars that look identical from the front and side can have vastly different values to different individuals, pending the look of the back.

So - - - yes.

[drive-south]

Is a neck and 6 strings necessary?

[Mycroft]

No. Evaluated as a tool for making sound the visual aspects of a guitar are completely irrelevant.

However, a guitar may also evaluated as a crafted piece of art. As such, fine woods used in construction is an integral part.

The first is necessary. The second is gravy.

TW

[B Chas]

Maiden Hair, what's that? I think I need some, lol.

Originally Posted by Montesdad

A lot of people pay a lot of money for the aesthetics of the back of a guitar - I'd have to say in particular, Brazilians and Madagascars
Straight grain, slab cut, stump wood, maiden hair.

Two guitars that look identical from the front and side can have vastly different values to different individuals, pending the look of the back.

So - - - yes.

[muscmp]

absolutely not, but, would you buy one with an ugly back? obviously, that is subjective but a lot of people place a ton of value on looks vs sound.

well, it has an ugly back, see! but it sounds great!

play music!