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.

Friday, June 8, 2012

Not Wired - Yet

I have all the electronics I need for my wiring. I'm not wired yet, but I just made another pot of coffee, so that should change soon.

The humbucker pickups are Dimarzio PAF DP103, which are these, minus the metal covers. I have two potentiometers (volume and tone of course) with black speed knobs, and one 3-way switch. Many of you will be familiar with what the 3-way switch does; for those who are new to this, it allows switching from one or the other pickup, or both. I can chose either a white or black switch grip, which is cool because I won't really know which will be better until I get the thing set up. The jack is hidden in the end pin (the silver shaft-like part near the centre), which will hold the tailpiece in place, as well as provide a strap button thanks to a cool little doodad from StewMac that goes on the end of the jack. Wow, three uses all in one bit of hardware sticking out the back end. Gotta like that.

The humbuckers and the speed knobs came from ebay, but all the other parts came from StewMac. I just got my wiring stuff yesterday and I couldn't wait to rip the box open and see the goodies inside.

Now comes the fun of putting my wiring skills to the test. Time to dig out the soldering iron and grab my glasses. Yup, I recently admitted (to myself) that I need glasses for close up work and reading. Sigh.
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