Comparing two guitars: TORRES and NOMEX Double Top

Comparing the differences between a traditional Spanish school guitar with Torres bracing made by Christopher Dean and a contemporary lattice-braced nomex topped guitar by Yulong Guo.
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[@johnlay3040]

Essentially a double-top (DT) is like collection of cells in honeycomb pattern forming a collection of little drums sitting side by side. It is facilitated by the Nomex sandwiched between 2 thin pieces of wood. Just imagine, a banjo is one large drum, but DT is a collection of little drums organized in cell pattern. Each honeycomb cell is hollow. So Nomex is not just a reinforcer, but it forms small hollow cells in between 2 layers of woods as well. The application of glue must be very careful not to spill it over to the cells. It produces so much volume, because it is like beating hundreds of little drums at the same time. Using other material, e.g. balsa will work, because it is still forming those little drums.

[@GiuseppeFuscoGuitar]

Thank you! Now i understood the incredible difference in volume between the two types of guitar

[@gtrmusic69]

If both were being offered for sale in a store I'd walk out with the Torres copy, just based on the sound samples I heard. The double top sound is very "heavy". I prefer a lighter tone. It projects just as much.

[@JonnyMoscoGuitar]

Thanks for listening. I agree - I still own the Christopher Dean traditionally braced guitar!

[@PhilMcKelliget]

I used to own a double top guitar by a reputable luthier and was forever trying to warm it up. I was told that the air in the cavities in the top generated by the nomex had to be energised through playing. I found it most frustrating, particularly as I tend to practice in short bursts rather than long periods. Has anyone else had this problem? By the way, I like to call them composite tops so as not to confuse them with the Contreras design.

[@JonnyMoscoGuitar]

That is fascinating, I'll do some research - thanks.

[@fruitcakedrifter1286]

Thanks for sharing....

[@jeffreagan2001]

I doubt that Segovia, Bream, or Williams had any problems with volume or projection in the great concert halls playing a traditional classical guitar.

[@JonnyMoscoGuitar]

I remember a concert at The Sheldonian, Oxford, where John Williams stopped the concert twice as the guitar was not loud enough. Once to ask them to close the windows, then for them to make a stage... he was playing his Smallman!

[@WVNicholson]

John Williams has a double top - the Smallman referred to - so he must find some value in these guitars. However, I'm sure he does well with traditional classical guitars as well...

[@WVNicholson]

Actually, I may have that wrong. Smallman guitars have lattice bracing another innovation (i.e. not really traditional either) that is sometimes compared with double tops, I think. Although they may include guitars with either type of build?

[@themusiccovenant]

Excellent

[@mark-eq5qb]

very interesting

[@markbryant2012]

3:50. WOW

[@scottbaxendale323]

3:44 no one has ever had the edge of an acoustic guitar cut into their arm because of no arm rest.

[@JonnyMoscoGuitar]

Try telling luthiers that!

[@scottbaxendale323]

@@JonnyMoscoGuitar I’ve built over 2000 hand made guitars starting in 1974, which is why I made the comment.

[@scottbaxendale323]

@@JonnyMoscoGuitar I build a guitar in three minutes in this video. kzbin.info/www/bejne/eJDPZapjms9jr5osi=ptM0cpWnJdmOKeFt

[@jeffhildreth9244]

NOMEX and SOUND PORTS.....silly affectations. Sterility at its best.

[@YYShen]

Don't talk so much. Demonstrate.

[@stefanodifonzo]

Sound 0,1% Bla bla bla bla bla bla...99,9%

[@JonnyMoscoGuitar]

Grazie per aver guardato

[@NeverTalkToCops1]

None of this is valid. More guitar myths. Stop it.

[@PhilTaylorGuitar]

Very interesting video, nice guitars and sounds too. Regards, Phil.

[@BobStCyr]

Louder yes but the tone on the fan braced top still sounds sweeter to me - of course listening to a recording can't make up for the real thing but still, I would give up the volume for the tone.

[@jodyguilbeaux8225]

I WILL JUST STICK TO THE ORIGINAL FAN BRACING, that is the warmer type of sound i like. if it was good enough for Torres, then i am happy with that. forget the double top.

[@ladizlaus]

Have you further opened the port on the side? (Good description BTW!)

[@JonnyMoscoGuitar]

Thanks and no, that's as it is on the Yulong Guo.

[@chungkong9573]

thank you for your quick reply. what's DT. If you choose only one through Spanish and yulong guo, which one would like to choose? because? Ted from HI of USA

[@JonnyMoscoGuitar]

I have to say the warmer Spanish sound is more versatile and intimate, but I still miss the YG.

[@carlosaugustomachado533]

Esse segundo violão o som lindo,E a beleza incomparável á qualquer violão.

[@pocoloco5160]

The elevated fingerboard on the classical guitar is not a modern innovation. Johann Stauffer made early guitars in the 1800's with elevated fingerboards,way before Humphrey and other makers.

[@chungkong9573]

conclusion, which one do you prefer to?? ted from usa

[@JonnyMoscoGuitar]

Well, I own only one of them now! The Dean of course, but the Yulong Guo is a sweet Double Top and less nasal than most.

[@schubiduba1]

Too much talking and too less playing