Double Top Guitars

alembic1989 · #1 03-20-2014, 01:49 PM

I am curious about the tonal nature of double tops.
With a normal spruce, or cedar top we know what spruces sound like..and we know what the cedars sound like...but when 2 different types of wood are used for a top...which of the 2 woods " provide the tonal signature ?"
Are both components of a double top ALWAYS the same..or are 2 different types sometimes used...and if 2 types are used..is the tone some kind of hybrid of the 2 woods.
Any experts out there.?

DreadFred · #2 03-20-2014, 07:13 PM

Thomas Rein was a forum member who I think used this method...not sure if he still lurks here.

PTC Bernie · #3 03-20-2014, 08:29 PM

We're not ignoring you really

Double tops just aren't very common so I don't think too many people actually have any experience with them.

I'm actually curious about the answer myself.

MJRB · #4 03-20-2014, 08:33 PM

If I remember correctly Larry Pattis has (or had) a very nice double topped guitar. He may chime in.
Mind you my memory isn't what it was (as far as I remember).
MJRB

gotgas · #5 03-20-2014, 08:41 PM

I think there is a double-top Bamburg at Dream Guitars right now. I've been curious also. Hope we get some insight soon.

Matt.S · #6 03-20-2014, 08:44 PM

I had the same question enter my head after seeing a Luna with 7 different top woods.
http://lunaguitars.com/vista_introduction.php

fitness1 · #7 03-20-2014, 08:46 PM

Maybe Mr McKnight will chime in - I'll alert him!

rick-slo · #8 03-20-2014, 09:10 PM

Played three double tops - all were forum roadtrip guitars.

Hard to be too specific as to the tone of a double top as it obviously varies from guitar to guitar, however the ones I have heard can play loud, play with an even tone from string to string and fret to fret, and are a little less organic sounding than single tops. The outside layer has more effect on tone than the inside layer.

Here are the three I played and recorded (picture and sound clip of each).

McKnight Diamond double top: Italian spruce/Italian Spruce

http://dcoombsguitar.com/Guitar%20Mu...andLexicon.wav

Woolson Guitar LG Cedar/Lutz Spruce

http://dcoombsguitar.com/Guitar%20Music/WenWen.mp3

Cornerstone Guitar Cedar/Englemann double top

http://dcoombsguitar.com/Guitar%20Mu...eightTrain.mp3

Michael Watts · #9 03-21-2014, 06:25 AM

I've played several and have yet to be convinced that they work as well on a steel string as they do on a classical.

Happy to be proved otherwise though...

alembic1989 · #10 03-21-2014, 06:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Michael Watts

I've played several and have yet to be convinced that they work as well on a steel string as they do on a classical.

Happy to be proved otherwise though...

Hi Michael...I wonder why that should be the case hmmmm?
BTW..we've met..my name is Raj..I bought my harp guitar in to Dave Croziers place to sell on commission ...I've been meaning to try out the new Aran range too...
Take care
Raj

Michael Watts · #11 03-21-2014, 06:57 AM

Hi Raj!

I think it's got a lot to do with how the monopole works on the two instruments... I've found double-topped steel-strings to be loud but a bit "cold" tonally. The added volume that the design lends to a nylon string and the way that a the instrument responds makes it more beneficial to a classical guitar as far as my own tastes go.

nickyruskin · #12 03-21-2014, 07:03 AM

Double top or more, does it mean the wood is over the other? If yes, wouldn't that be laminate already?

Michael Watts · #13 03-21-2014, 07:06 AM

Well, not really... it's two thin soundboards with a Nomex core...

fitness1 · #14 03-21-2014, 07:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nickyruskin

Double top or more, does it mean the wood is over the other? If yes, wouldn't that be laminate already?

No, there is a layer of nomex (sp) between and little or no bracing....completely different than laminated.

rick-slo · #15 03-21-2014, 07:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nickyruskin

Double top or more, does it mean the wood is over the other? If yes, wouldn't that be laminate already?

Outer wood, nomex, inner wood laminate. Each layer is very thin. The result is a very light weight but strong top with less bracing needed. The vibration across the top is more uniform as is the tone. As I mentioned earlier it can be played louder without the sound breaking up.