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 29, 2011

Pre-Construction


The Mold - Part Two

Well, the mold is pretty much done now. I gave it a shot of paint on the inner edge so I could more easily see if there are any problems, and to help seal the surface of the MDF.

It looks quite narrow, and it is. The reason for this is I'm going for a slim body, and the sides will only be 1.5" (38mm) high.

The next step will be to devise an effective way to clamp the veneer in place when laminating. At this point I'm thinking what I will do is cut holes in the MDF along the contour of the side wall shape so I can arrange the clamps horizontally around the shape. We'll see what happens as I get further along. Sometimes I change ideas right in mid-thought.
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