This instrument was built in 2009 by American luthier Jeremy Cooper and was made with a Nomex-core soundboard, a construction method inspired by the pioneering work of Matthias Dammann and Gernot Wagner. Cooper has continued to experiment with double-top construction to this day and remains committed to building highly responsive concert instruments that combine power with a rich and colorful musical voice.
The soundboard on this guitar is a Western red cedar/Engelmann spruce double-top with a lightweight Nomex honeycomb core. The cedar forms the exterior playing surface while Engelmann spruce is used for the interior skin. This composite construction allows the soundboard to achieve a very high stiffness-to-weight ratio, giving it the quick response, dynamic range and projection for which the best double-top guitars are known. It also features a soundport in the upper bass-side bout, which gives the player a more immediate impression of the instrument's sound. An elevated ebony fingerboard provides comfortable access to the upper register, while the neck design and overall construction reflect Cooper's emphasis on efficiency and playability. The back and sides are made from a beautiful set of CSA rosewood, displaying dramatic dark chocolate and reddish coloration with striking figure throughout. CSA rosewood is also used for the headplate, creating a visual continuity with the body. It also features a highly figured wood rosette, fine contrasting purflings and bindings, decorative bridge treatment and a three-dimensional relief in the headstock design.
Sonically, the design is intended to provide the immediacy and carrying power associated with modern double tops while preserving the warmth and complexity expected from a fine classical guitar. Cooper describes his Nomex design as having exceptional volume while retaining a clear, articulate and balanced voice. Players of his instruments have likewise commented on their combination of power, sweetness, balance and unusually broad tonal palette. His instruments have attracted several top players, most notably Sergio and Odair Assad.
In excellent condition with no damage or repairs (only some very mild playing wear in the finish), this is a striking and bold example of Jeremy Cooper's work, and is an excellent value for the concert player looking for a modern instrument that will provide versatility in any musical setting - solo playing, ensemble work, live performance or in the recording studio.
