What are double top guitars?
The new version of double top guitars is a very different instrument to those that have been around for many years. The older "double top" guitars were not always what they claim to be. Some had an extra top just under the main top, and the other version actually had two backs, but for some reason were called double top guitars. The new versions being produced today is a composite top made from an inner and outer skin of thin wood with an inner "core" made from a product called Nomex. Nomex is a brand name, but it is basically thin paper shaped in small honeycomb shaped cells. The paper is covered in an aramid compound. This aramid compound is better known as Kevlar. The cells are around 3-4mm diam and the thickness of the sheets varies from a couple of mm upwards. The two layers of wood are glued to the top and bottom surface of the Nomex to form a sandwich style top. These tops are lighter and generally stronger than a top made from solid wood. Because of the lower weights, the tops will now perform better, especially on classical guitars that have very little string energy to activate the top when being played.
I also make a double back guitar in the same fashion and as far as I know I am the only person doing this today. Combined a double top with a double back and the resulting instruments are absolutely stunning performers. There is nothing quite like them available anywhere today.
Production of these instruments has started and orders are being taken. Please contact me if you have any questions you would like answered regarding these world class instrument or check the For Sale page for currently available instruments.
I cannot speak highly enough about these instruments, there is nothing quite like them.
