Double-top guitar construction

what does it mean?

Turkowiak double-top classical guitar

What is it?

A double-top classical or acoustic guitar (also called a “composite top” or “sandwich top”) uses a soundboard built from two layers of tonewood—either the same or different—separated by a material such as Nomex (a Kevlar polymer manufactured in a honeycomb pattern, originally developed for the aviation industry), balsa wood, or other materials that luthiers often keep secret. This construction creates many empty, air-filled spaces within the top. German luthiers Gernot Wagner and Mathias Dammann pioneered this design.

A this kind of top is thicker than a lattice-braced top and, acoustically, behaves much more like a traditional solid-top guitar.

Luthiers developed this concept to increase the amount of sound energy that the soundboard emits without adding weight to the instrument. As a result, double-top guitars produce a louder, more responsive sound with improved projection. The second layer also stiffens the soundboard, which improves overall stability and reduces the risk of warping or cracking.

Turkowiak double-top guitar lit from inside - visible spacers.

Double-top guitar construction

Building this kind of guitar top takes a complex and time-consuming process that demands exceptional skill and expertise. Luthiers must perform the lamination with absolute precision and care, because even the slightest misalignment or imperfection can harm the guitar’s sound and structural integrity. They must also design and execute the bracing and internal construction with great attention to detail to keep the guitar both structurally strong and acoustically optimal.

Overall, a double-top classical guitar represents a high-end instrument. Compared to a traditional single-top guitar, it delivers greater sound quality, stronger projection, and enhanced stability.

Who makes this kind of classical guitars?

Several guitar makers construct double-top classical guitars, some of the well-known luthiers and companies that construct guitars this way are:

– Gernot Wagner: He is a German luthier who is considered one of the pioneers of the double-top guitar construction. He is known for his high-quality double-top guitars and his unique approach to the construction process.

– Rafał Turkowiak – an innovative polish luthier.

– David Skolnick: He is an American luthier who has been building double-top guitars for many years. His guitars are known for their excellent sound and craftsmanship.

– GSI (Guitar Salon International): They are one of the most well-known distributors of double-top guitars, representing several luthiers and brands that construct double-top classical guitars.

– Dario D’Attis: He’s an Italian luthier, who is known for his high-quality double-top guitars.

– Daniel Friederich: He is a French luthier who is considered one of the leading makers of double-top guitars. His guitars are known for their exceptional sound quality and craftsmanship.

Double-top guitar by Stanisław Partyka

Who plays a double-top classical guitar?

Professional and advanced classical guitarists typically play double-top guitars. Luthiers design these instruments to deliver improved sound, greater projection, and enhanced stability, which makes them ideal for concert performances and recording sessions.

Many performers choose double-top guitars for their increased volume and projection, especially in large concert halls or when playing with a full orchestra. Recording engineers also value these guitars because they produce a clear, accurate sound that microphones can capture with ease.

Guitar teachers and students who want a high-quality instrument also turn to double-top guitars to support their learning and performance. However, because double-top guitars usually cost more than traditional single-top guitars, they remain less accessible to beginners and intermediate players.