Max Cuker, 2026

We're excited to add this 2026 cedar and satinwood doubletop from Lithuania based luthier Max Cuker to our collection. It's one of the most impressive doubletops we've had in the shop, holding its own against some of our favorite examples of the genre.

Cuker builds his doubletops without a separate core material. Rather than sandwiching a balsa or honeycomb core between two skins, he routes channels directly into one of the cedar top's own layers, an approach that lets the guitar retain the warmth and natural voice of a traditional concert instrument while still delivering the power and quick response associated with modern doubletop construction.

Paired with a striking set of satinwood back and sides, this is a guitar that feels both contemporary and grounded in classical tradition.

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Specifications

Luthier: Max Cuker
Year: 2026
Top: Cedar
Back & Sides: Satinwood
Construction: Doubletop
Scale Length: 650 mm
Nut Width: 52 mm
Tuners: Barnett
Strings: D'Addario XTC45FF with normal tension nylon first string
https://ddar.io/guitar-collection
Condition: New, unplayed

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Construction & Design

The cedar top uses Cuker's routed channel doubletop construction in place of a conventional core, built on 5 fan bracing. The back and sides are satinwood, and the guitar includes a side sound port for added projection toward the player. The raised fingerboard and smooth Barnett tuners round out a design that is as thoughtful visually as it is structurally.

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Sound & Playability

This is a doubletop with real presence. It is quick to respond and easy to project from, while still holding onto a natural, musical character that doubletops do not always manage. Built on a 650 mm scale with a 52 mm nut, the guitar feels familiar and comfortable in the hands.

We'll have a fuller set of sound and playability notes after spending more time with the instrument ourselves, but it is a guitar that announces itself the moment you pick it up.

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About the Luthier

Maxim Cuker is a professional guitarist and luthier based in Vilnius, Lithuania. He built his first guitar at age eighteen under the guidance of Yuri Zirin, later refining his craft through independent study and close examination of the work of Ukrainian luthier Nikolay Rudenko. His experience with instruments by Masaru Kohno, Jose Ramirez, Manuel Contreras, Dieter Hopf, and John Price has informed his tonal goals and design sensibilities.

In 2014 one of his guitars received first prize at the Guitar Virtuosos luthiers competition in Saint Petersburg. Today his instruments are played worldwide, and his work continues to gain recognition for its blend of musicality, craftsmanship, and modern design.

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New and unplayed, arriving to us directly from Cuker's workshop.

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