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, June 22, 2011

The Design


The design for this guitar was inspired by one of those old round top cathedral style radios. It's actually easier to see that influence when the image is viewed upside down.


The neck, sides and probably the back will all be maple. The top really wants to be spruce, but I haven't gotten my grubby little hands on any quartersawn spruce just yet (in the works). Some of you readers will know why I'm needing quartersawn spruce (or even what quartersawn is), but for those who are new to this I will explain as I get further along.

The tailpiece will also be maple, carved from a solid piece of wood. The fingerboard will be ebony, and the headstock will be maple with an oak face. I'm thinking it needs another touch of oak somewhere to create some balance in the design, but that will iron itself out as the project goes on.

It will have two humbucking pickups, neck and bridge positions, each having their own vol/tone controls. Locking tuners will be installed, as well as the standard electronics/hardware associated with electric-acoustic guitars.

This post will serve as an introduction to the instrument plan. As I go along I will try to post pics and info about what and how I am building it. Hope you enjoy.
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2 comments:

  1. Lex LJune 23, 2011 at 7:32 AM

    Very nice design Michael. How many piece neck are you planning?

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  2. GypsyboyJune 23, 2011 at 8:52 AM

    Thanks. I'm not certain yet how many pieces I will end up having to laminate to get enough width in quartersawn. I have some nice pale hard maple, but I will have to laminate 4 or 5 pieces to get the width required. I have somewhat wider maple, but its a softer maple, not as pale. I'm considering laminating them with the softer maple in the center and the harder on the outer edges. Not sure yet. I haven't really researched the mechanics of laminating two different maples in a neck.

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