Radio Jazz Box: August 2011

Welcome to my Archtop Guitar Project Blog

The Archtop, or "Jazz Box", is a unique style of guitar. It has a complex design, and a sound that one might say can only come from such a design. Having never built a guitar of any kind before (unless you consider a ukulele to be a guitar) I have decided to jump right in up to the neck and start with the archtop. When I tell this to people, the normal response is something like, "have you ever built a guitar before?" or "so, you have a pretty good idea how to do this, right?". My usual reply is, "nope". I do, however, make a point to assure them that I have built many kinds of things, using many different materials, and I consider all constructions to have a logical and understandable process.

So, if you're interested in "newbe" projects like this, then grab a fresh cup of coffee or tea and follow along. The earliest post shows the design I'm going for.

**UPDATE TO INTRODUCTORY TEXT** You will see as the posts progress from earliest to newest that a few modifications and compromises have been made. As with all learning experiences, this project has allowed me to work out any problems with a design that have not been foreseen on paper. I also welcome any input from readers/followers who have some experience in either building or playing guitars that will point out potential problems.

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Up To The Neck

Remember when I said in my introduction that I was going to jump right in up to the neck with this project? Well, I'm up to the neck now... the guitar neck, that is.

It's only rough cut for now, although I have to say I'm pleased with the job my table saw did on it. The upper face (where the fingerboard will be glued) is quite flat and even, only needing a little work to get it perfect. The pencil line down the middle is where I will be routing for the truss rod - after I cut the head stock and glue up the scarf joint.

The neck itself is hard maple, but the added pieces at the top end are oak. Remember when I said I sometimes change my plans in mid stride? Well, that's what happened here. After it's fully cut and shaped there will not be much oak left on the outer edges, just enough to give it a bit of a wood grain/colour flair on the outer contour of the head.

Bottom pic is just lookin' down the surface of the fingerboard face after I ran it through the table saw.