WAVE Resonator
A complete soundbox. Light by design.
Sound & construction
Acoustic Resonance System
Resonance begins beneath the surface.
Discover the designInside the design
A different kind of wood construction.
Turkowiak ARS is a purpose-engineered, layered wood construction for guitar backs and sides. Think of the structural approach of a double-back or double-sides design, developed into an integrated resonant shell, rather than ordinary plywood.
Layer selection and the way those layers work together are part of the acoustic design. X-ARS adds a chemical-ceramic matrix. Both constructions aim to combine high stiffness, low internal damping and dimensional stability without relying on a thick, heavy body.
The outer wood remains part of the instrument's individual character. The material study below compares the actual ARS and X-ARS samples with traditional guitar woods.
ARS and X-ARS
These are two material variants, not two exterior finishes. Their measured properties are compared in the research report below. The instrument specification identifies the variant used.
Choosing the outer wood
Construction and appearance are considered together. We can discuss the wood, figure and materials appropriate to your instrument during a commission.
Care remains important
Dimensional stability does not make a guitar immune to humidity or temperature changes. Follow the workshop's care advice for the finished instrument.
The photographed instrument has its own specification. Decorative inlays and individual artwork are optional and quoted separately.
Material research / 2025
The study behind ARS.
Prepared by Dr Eng. Przemyslaw Mania at Poznan University of Life Sciences, commissioned by Turkowiak Guitars. Dated 15 September 2025.
Stiffness & damping
The tested ARS and X-ARS samples combined higher tensile stiffness with lower internal damping than mahogany. Their mean Q values were close to, and slightly above, Indian rosewood.
Dimensional stability
After 72 hours at approximately 97% relative humidity, the tested Turkowiak ARS and X-ARS samples showed less thickness swelling than the tested rosewood and mahogany samples.
| Material | Q factorMean +/- SD | Tensile stiffnessMOE / N/mm2 | Thickness swelling72 h / approx. 97% RH |
|---|---|---|---|
| X-ARS | 100 +/- 2 | 18,593 | 1.35% |
| ARS | 95 +/- 2 | 13,595 | 1.44% |
| Indian rosewood | 90 +/- 6 | 11,400 | 3.00% |
| African mahogany | 60 +/- 6 | 7,176 | 4.00% |
Source: report tables 4, 6 and 7. Damping and humidity tests used six samples per material; tensile stiffness used ten. The report notes that the small Q differences versus rosewood fall within measurement uncertainty. Finished-guitar response also depends on joints, finishes, soundboard and setup. The humidity test is not a recommended storage condition.
Considered together
Continue exploring.
Sigmoidal Sides Joint
A structural detail, drawn in a single curve.
Your instrument
Chosen together.
The right combination begins with your playing. Construction, materials and optional details are confirmed in your individual specification.