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.

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

Fretboard

The fretboard is ebony. I got this one with the slots cut in, I just had to trim it down the size I want. I got brave and did that on the table saw. Got a few minor chips around the edges here and there, but I'll be routing it down for the binding later, so it won't matter. In the first photo here, I'm preparing to cut the excess board off the end. I decided to do this with a metal guide and a narrow saw blade. It worked quite well, especially since I took my time to make nice gentle strokes along the edge of the guide. The tape is just there to help protect the surface of the ebony. I can use the extra portion for something else.
I want to cut one more fret slot in the board, as this one only has 21, and I'm looking for 22. I thought I had a bit that would be the right width to cut a new slot, but it turns out it's a shade too wide (tried it on the leftover piece of ebony first). Guess I'll have to get a proper fret saw for this job.
On the other hand, I discovered that the (thingama) jig I made earlier is actually quite useful. Think I'll keep it around for other jobs.
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