Getting some acoustic GAS

[zontar]

A real acoustic can have a laminate top

[die Bullen]

is that common?

[zontar]

In lower priced & medium range ones yes
But they can still sound good
It depends what you like

[die Bullen]

Might be better for someone like me who is very concerned about low humidity

[zontar]

There are advantages
But overall a solidtop that is made properly will be preferable sound wise
A poorly made one is no good
So you can't just go by having a solid top

[die Bullen]

Yes. Believe it or not I have never had a carved top archtop- all of mine are laminate

[zontar]

Most electric ones would be laminate
As the pickups do a lot of the work

But a real nice acoustic one could be carved

[die Bullen]

The really old ones from the 40's are mostly (all?) carved

[zontar]

Even the early electrics were mostly laminated

[die Bullen]

Probably why they are still around