maple back

[mezamurillo]

Which is better and why, a one piece maple back or 2 piece?

[grandmainger]

I think the general wisdom is that there is no real difference in terms of sound. One-piece figured maple backs are less common and therefore tend to cost more money compared to a similarly-figured bookmatched back. After that, it's a question of looks...
http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mandosmiley.gif

[sunburst]

A mandolin with a one piece back has one less glue joint to fail. Glue joints in mandolins very seldom fail in normal use, so it's a small advantage at best, and to the point of being a negligible advantage.

[Dale Ludewig]

Like John said- no real difference acoustically. Aesthetically (sp?)- Yes. More money. Yes. The wood costs more if you can find it, depending on species this can vary greatly.

Does look nice. But one must ask what species. Quilted? One piece can be just make you fall over. On the other hand, some two piece quilted backs can be quite lovely. Curly? That's a toss up also. Some one pieces are beautiful. Some two piecers are just lovely for the symmetry. Look at the wood and decide. Or better, if you trust the builder, let him, she decide.

Once again- no sound difference that I've ever heard. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[Stephanie Reiser]

This is just my personal preference here, not that that matters, but I love the look of a one piece quilted back and that of a two piece curly back. I prefer the two pc. curly as opposed to a one piece. Most violins are two piece, as well.
No acoustical advantage, as was mentioned - just economics and style.