resonoob - Posted - 03/10/2009:  19:52:50

Whats the difference? And is it worth the few extra hundred?

Bob

RW - Posted - 03/10/2009:  22:37:02

I'm just beginning myself and have never played a PBS, but I own a PBSM and love it. The difference is that the PBSM is solid mahogany instead of laminate. Also, the PBSM has beautiful curly maple binding. That doesn't make a tonal difference, but is sure is purdy! IMO, the PBSM is worth the extra since it is solid wood, but like I said, I've never played a PBS so I'm not gonna say anything against them, I've heard great things about them as well.

If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. -2 Chronicles 7:14

Edited by - RW on 03/10/2009 22:39:03

banjomon - Posted - 03/11/2009:  09:17:02

When I was making my first reso purchase, and was considering both the PBS & PBSM, I asked my self the same question before I made the purchase. I ultimately decided on the solid mahogany for the following reasons.

1.) Since I didn't know if I would stick to playing reso, I didn't want to invest a ton of money. But, I didn't want to be too chinchy either. I wanted to get the best that I could get and I figured for the price difference, the solid was the way to go.

2.) The solid mahogany wood will age and thus produce a better tonal quality than plywood as time goes by.

3.) The resale value (I think) will be strong on the solid mahogany if not abused.

4.) All of my instruments are solid wood and I didn't want to break that tradition.

I've never played the plywood version and i'm sure it is a great little guitar for the money. You can't go wrong with a Paul Beard anything! But the solid wood just seemed to be the way to go for me. Since I've had the solid reso, I have no regrets at all for my decision and am glad that I made the purchase.

Good luck with your purchase!

RW - Posted - 03/11/2009:  09:31:24

Very well said banjomon...

If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. -2 Chronicles 7:14

RobA - Posted - 03/11/2009:  10:29:44

I feel pretty confident telling you that the solid mahogany guitar is well worth the extra $$$. I recorded sound clips for the Gold Tone company website and had all 3 versions of their reso at my home studio for about a week or so; plenty of time to play all 3 models side by side.

Hope this helps,
Rob Anderlik