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First Archtop build
http://luthiersforum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=10101&t=47970		 Page 1 of 1
Author:  martintaylor [ Sat Jul 02, 2016 4:47 am ]
Post subject:  First Archtop build
So, this is my first archtop build.
Soundboard: Englemann Spruce
Back and sides: QLD Maple
Neck: Australian Red Cedar
Fretboard: Australian Gidgee
Pickguard and headstock veneer: Gidgee
Bindings: Curly Maple
Pickup: Benedetto S6

I'm really pleased with the outcome, it is loud acoustically and sounds awesome plugged in. I will definitely be making more. I loved the hand carving although my wife would probably point out at this moment that I did complain of shoulder pain at the time!

Also, the bridge is an experiment to try and get full contact and also have adjustability. It is a little heavier (35g) than what I want to get to (25g) but I will make a few options for it I think.

For those interested I used the Benedetto book as reference although I am not that good at following books (except for yours Trevor Gore).

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Author:  Colin North [ Sat Jul 02, 2016 6:46 am ]
Post subject:  Re: First Archtop build
That's just B-e-a-u-t-i-f-u-l.
What a nice guitar!
Author:  jfmckenna [ Sat Jul 02, 2016 7:08 am ]
Post subject:  Re: First Archtop build
Agreed, quite the beauty. I've always wanted to try my hand at one of these but they are rather intimidating to build. A different animal from what I am used to for sure. Did you happen to record how many hours it took you?
Author:  Alex Kleon [ Sat Jul 02, 2016 7:21 am ]
Post subject:  Re: First Archtop build
Just...beautiful!

Alex
Author:  martintaylor [ Sat Jul 02, 2016 8:51 am ]
Post subject:  Re: First Archtop build
jfmckenna wrote:
Did you happen to record how many hours it took you?


In the end it took about the same as I spend on a normal acoustic. and I understand the intimidating bit, I certainly felt that as I stepped off the abyss but I must say, it was really enjoyable and I'll definitely be doing it again. I know I haven't said the hours but I work fairly quickly so all up approx 50 hours of build time. The spraying was done by a friend who is an amazing guitar builder near where I live.
Author:  Chris Pile [ Sat Jul 02, 2016 8:52 am ]
Post subject:  Re: First Archtop build
Well done, indeed! I can only hope to match you when I finally embark on my own archtop project.
Author:  dzsmith [ Sat Jul 02, 2016 9:22 am ]
Post subject:  Re: First Archtop build
Wow!
Really great looking guitar Martin!
Dan
Author:  Terence Kennedy [ Sat Jul 02, 2016 10:25 am ]
Post subject:  Re: First Archtop build
Nice! You are hooked. Archtops are so cool.
Author:  jfmckenna [ Sat Jul 02, 2016 11:38 am ]
Post subject:  Re: First Archtop build
Wow 50 hours???

You do work fast. I would have thought that an archie would take twice as long.
Author:  rlrhett [ Sat Jul 02, 2016 4:31 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: First Archtop build
Absolutely beautiful! As a player, I do appreciate the cutaway. But as a builder and as someone who loves guitars as objects of beauty I far prefer the look of a non-cutaway.

And your friend appears to be a gifted finisher.
Author:  kencierp [ Sat Jul 02, 2016 5:16 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: First Archtop build
For some reason I always thought that a guy named "Martin Taylor" should be able to construct a mighty fine guitar -- way to go! Very nice.
Author:  Joe Beaver [ Tue Jul 05, 2016 7:34 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: First Archtop build
Super nice!!! A very classy guitar
Author:  rlrhett [ Tue Jul 05, 2016 10:57 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: First Archtop build
kencierp wrote:
For some reason I always thought that a guy named "Martin Taylor" should be able to construct a mighty fine guitar -- way to go! Very nice.


I admit I was wondering if we were talking to one and the same. I guess "Martin Taylor" the player lives in Scotland, not Australia. Not a bad namesake to have if you are into guitars!
Author:  Quine [ Wed Jul 06, 2016 11:46 am ]
Post subject:  Re: First Archtop build
Stunning! Everything about it is gorgeous
Author:  cphanna [ Wed Jul 06, 2016 5:27 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: First Archtop build
I like the extra-curvaceous body shape. Is this an 18-inch instrument? Or is it a 17-inch instrument that simply looks like it's 18 inches wide?
Author:  Tim Mullin [ Wed Jul 06, 2016 7:19 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: First Archtop build
I'm sure it's a wonderful guitar, but I'm perplexed. Am I the only person who doesn't see pics of an archtop? I see a couple of pics of an unfinished 14 fret flattop, and other pics of a completed classical. No archtop. I'm looking through Tapatalk.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Author:  SteveSmith [ Thu Jul 07, 2016 6:21 am ]
Post subject:  Re: First Archtop build
Tim Mullin wrote:
I'm sure it's a wonderful guitar, but I'm perplexed. Am I the only person who doesn't see pics of an archtop? I see a couple of pics of an unfinished 14 fret flattop, and other pics of a completed classical. No archtop. I'm looking through Tapatalk.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Tim, I see the same thing on Tapatalk. The archtop shows up on the computer. Strange.
Author:  DannyV [ Thu Jul 07, 2016 10:29 am ]
Post subject:  Re: First Archtop build
Crikey mate! She's a beaut! Well done Martin.
Author:  krl [ Thu Jul 07, 2016 12:58 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: First Archtop build
That looks fantastic Martin. The f-hole binding looks like wood/maple. How did you get it to bend into the tight curl without breaking?
Author:  martintaylor [ Fri Jul 08, 2016 9:26 am ]
Post subject:  Re: First Archtop build
krl wrote:
That looks fantastic Martin. The f-hole binding looks like wood/maple. How did you get it to bend into the tight curl without breaking?


Thanks.

The binding is all wood. I made a form, soaked the timber veneers in boiling water, bent the veneers over the form until dry then used the same form when gluing up the veneers.

If I get the chance I'll take a photo of the forms and upload it.
Author:  martintaylor [ Fri Jul 08, 2016 9:29 am ]
Post subject:  Re: First Archtop build
SteveSmith wrote:
Tim Mullin wrote:
I'm sure it's a wonderful guitar, but I'm perplexed. Am I the only person who doesn't see pics of an archtop? I see a couple of pics of an unfinished 14 fret flattop, and other pics of a completed classical. No archtop. I'm looking through Tapatalk.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Tim, I see the same thing on Tapatalk. The archtop shows up on the computer. Strange.


Yeah I see the flattop on tapatalk too?? Weird.
Author:  martintaylor [ Fri Jul 08, 2016 9:35 am ]
Post subject:  Re: First Archtop build
cphanna wrote:
I like the extra-curvaceous body shape. Is this an 18-inch instrument? Or is it a 17-inch instrument that simply looks like it's 18 inches wide?


Thanks, it is a 17inch lower bout that I based on the Benedetto shape but redrew a little (just because I wanted to). It might be the photos that make it look a little bigger?
Author:  JasonMoe [ Sat Jul 09, 2016 12:43 am ]
Post subject:  Re: First Archtop build
Fine looking musical instrument. I really like the Gidgee. I bet it sounds awesome too! Gotta be proud of this one.
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