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.

Sunday, October 2, 2011

Pesky buttons.

I designed this guitar with the sound/tone buttons for both pickups all in a curved line along one edge, like this (let's call this image A):

















But I am starting to wonder if it isn't too crowded looking down there. So, I took some pictures of different arrangements.

There's this one (B):
















And (C):
















Then (D):
[I have no idea why this and the next pic turned sideways]







And finally (E):
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2 comments:

  1. Lex LOctober 3, 2011 at 5:37 AM

    You require easy access for the controls. That is why they are usually placed in the lower bout around and away from where our strum patterns originate. Sometime the architect has to rely on sound engineering practice. Just so you know.

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  2. GypsyboyOctober 3, 2011 at 2:57 PM

    As much as I want to keep the design of the soundholes as I have them, I may have to reconsider how they are placed. When I get a chance I will see about arranging holes and buttons in a more traditional way. I have an idea or two that should work. Thanks for the input.

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