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, May 30, 2012

Those Pesky Knobs are Back Again

After a bit of a talk with the man who will be playing this guitar, it was decided that just two knobs for volume and tone would be enough. This means a less cluttered top, and it also means I got to change things up again! Yay! I love changing things mid-project! (actually, I do) There will still be two humbuckers, but they will be controlled by two knobs and a three-way switch. The switch will be located on the upper bout.


So now we're looking at just the two knobs down at the back end below the tailpiece, following the curve of the sound hole. Once I receive the potentiometers and wiring I will drill the post holes. My pots and wires are coming from www.stewmac.com . Just shipped yesterday. Not sure how long it will take to get here. Pacing. Tapping fingers on desk. Checking time to see if mail is here yet. Remembering it's only been one day since the order got shipped.
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