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a "Parker" inspired archtop
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Author:  Dave Stewart [ Sat Sep 19, 2009 8:57 am ]
Post subject:  a "Parker" inspired archtop

This is #10 (double figures!!), built side by side with the 7-string, and with the same edge, neck & saddle treatments. It's main influence (aesthetically anyway) was the very innovative work of Ken Parker. It's my lightest so far at about 4 1/2# strung and my first experience with a soundport. Moving the soundhole to the upper edge (whether in combination with a soundport and lighter construction) definitely seems to lower "main air" resonant pitch and is a delight for the player .. very full sound.
The top is lumberyard sitka .... some flaws when cut open but very useable & some nice bearclaw. Back & sides are Euro maple, with EIR fittings (coco head/rear & t'rod cover). Mini 510 tuners (they're cute!)
It's a 16" x 3" body, 25" scale & 1 11/16" nut.
Hope you like.

Author:  Stephen Boone [ Sat Sep 19, 2009 9:06 am ]
Post subject:  Re: a "Parker" inspired archtop

Your work is stunning! I love that look. I never thought twice about an archtop before. I have never even touched one. Now, however, I cannot wait to check one out and see how they play and feel. Because of your instrument I am more than tempted to build one. Now I have to do some research!

Author:  cphanna [ Sat Sep 19, 2009 9:41 am ]
Post subject:  Re: a "Parker" inspired archtop

Hi, Dave. This is another beauty, for sure. I always look forward to new postings from you, and I think your instruments are very inspiring. No questions that your workmanship is outstanding, but I think your whole sense of visual style is the thing that really does it for me. Each guitar is different, but they all show a characteristic Dave Stewart look right at first glance. I particularly like the way this bridge and tailpiece design combination works with several of your guitars.

Do I see an output jack in the end pin position? Do you have some internal electronics planned for this one?

I also like the dark lines in the top. Glad you didn't shy away from using this wood. They integrate so well with the darker accent woods, it looks almost like you searched for a top with just this sort of streaking. Well done!

Author:  TonyKarol [ Sat Sep 19, 2009 9:42 am ]
Post subject:  Re: a "Parker" inspired archtop

That really looks great Dave .. the soundhole/sideport combo is very appealling. Well done. maybe I should pop out to Milton and start drinking the water .... something good is going on out there !!!!

Author:  Edward Taylor [ Sat Sep 19, 2009 10:15 am ]
Post subject:  Re: a "Parker" inspired archtop

Dave, stunning once again! How did you get so good in so few builds?

Author:  Brock Poling [ Sat Sep 19, 2009 10:32 am ]
Post subject:  Re: a "Parker" inspired archtop

Wow, beautiful work.

Author:  Kevin Gallagher [ Sat Sep 19, 2009 10:34 am ]
Post subject:  Re: a "Parker" inspired archtop

Dave,
Again.....beautiful and inspiring work. Love it.

Regards,
Kevin Gallagher/Omega Guitars

Author:  Dave Stewart [ Sat Sep 19, 2009 10:38 am ]
Post subject:  Re: a "Parker" inspired archtop

Thanks all for your kind words.
Stephen, have a go...they're great fun!
Patrick, I did use a jack (force of habit)...could try a K&K retrofit down the road but no plans currently.
Tony, glad the hole/port combo appeals...spent a lot of time on shapes / areas / relationships (gotta love CAD)

Author:  peterm [ Sat Sep 19, 2009 10:41 am ]
Post subject:  Re: a "Parker" inspired archtop

Very classy and well executed. really nice.

Congrats! [clap] [clap] [clap]

Author:  Parser [ Sat Sep 19, 2009 11:04 am ]
Post subject:  Re: a "Parker" inspired archtop

gorgeous!

Author:  Joe Sustaire [ Sat Sep 19, 2009 11:56 am ]
Post subject:  Re: a "Parker" inspired archtop

Man I agree with what everyone else is saying, that is breath-taking!
And I also ask how did you get so good? [clap]
Does that soundport/soundhole also function as a carry/grip when it's out of the case? :D

Joe

Author:  Shane Neifer [ Sat Sep 19, 2009 11:58 am ]
Post subject:  Re: a "Parker" inspired archtop

Yup, very inspiring indeed! Makes me quite happy that I have few "test" sets of maple put away for a future archtop challenge (which is what it will be for me!)

Keep them coming Dave, your work is awesome!

Shane

Author:  Todd Rose [ Sat Sep 19, 2009 9:35 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: a "Parker" inspired archtop

That's a beauty, Dave! I love it.

I got to play one of Ken's guitars at the ASIA Symposium (and hear others playing it as well). Very interesting, unique sound. I wish I could hear yours.

Author:  Jeff Highland [ Sat Sep 19, 2009 11:45 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: a "Parker" inspired archtop

Hi Dave ,
Looks great, everything just fits together with an elegant simplicity
Can you tell me what changes you made to top thickness graduation, bracing etc to allow for eliminating the f holes in the lower bout.
How do you think it would go with no hole in the top and only a slightly larger side port?

Author:  Dave Stewart [ Sun Sep 20, 2009 8:19 am ]
Post subject:  Re: a "Parker" inspired archtop

Appreciate the compliments.
Shane, I'll have to keep your maple in mind next time.
Jeff, the sitka was fairly dense, so I took it to about .210" on ctr to .100"ish after recurve. The brace position is normal and about 12mm at the crossover (plus cap). A pic may be of interest. (Your second question is beyond my pay grade.)

Author:  WendyW [ Sun Sep 20, 2009 10:50 am ]
Post subject:  Re: a "Parker" inspired archtop

Wow! That is absolutely gorgeous and inspiring!
Wendy

Author:  DannyV [ Sun Sep 20, 2009 12:34 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: a "Parker" inspired archtop

That sure is a pair of beauties Dave! Having a kid that plays violin, you sure want to give the edges on this one the kid glove treatment. Did you use a bolt on neck on this one?

Keep them coming. I'm going to build one and seeing these makes me want to do it sooner than later.

Cheers,
Danny

Author:  Erik Hauri [ Sun Sep 20, 2009 6:09 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: a "Parker" inspired archtop

Dave Stewart wrote:
I did use a jack (force of habit)...could try a K&K retrofit down the road but no plans currently.


So does that mean the soundhole is large enough to fit your arm through?

Very well done! [:Y:]

Author:  Steve Walden [ Sun Sep 20, 2009 10:03 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: a "Parker" inspired archtop

WOW! That is gorgeous.

Author:  terence [ Mon Sep 21, 2009 7:13 am ]
Post subject:  Re: a "Parker" inspired archtop

Very nice Dave! I was wondering if you were building to order at all?

Terence
www.guitarbench.com

Author:  Ken C [ Mon Sep 21, 2009 7:42 am ]
Post subject:  Re: a "Parker" inspired archtop

Beautiful, Dave.

Author:  Colin S [ Mon Sep 21, 2009 9:40 am ]
Post subject:  Re: a "Parker" inspired archtop

Dave, you most certainly have a talent for this game! I absolutely adore the look of this, as in your 7-string, the violin look really suits archtops. Real talent displayed here.

Colin

Author:  WaddyThomson [ Mon Sep 21, 2009 9:49 am ]
Post subject:  Re: a "Parker" inspired archtop

That's just amazing! Beautiful work, Dave. [clap] [clap] [clap] [clap] [clap]

Author:  Dave Stewart [ Mon Sep 21, 2009 10:05 am ]
Post subject:  Re: a "Parker" inspired archtop

I'm really pleased the design resonates....your comments really mean a lot! :D
Danny, it's a bolt-on.
Erik Hauri wrote:
So does that mean the soundhole is large enough to fit your arm through?

Erik, mostly.... to mid-forearm. (Can reach well beyond bridge location.)
Terence, I haven't...just trying to build a body of work. (Doesn't mean I wouldn't.)
Thanks again.

Author:  Bob Long [ Mon Sep 21, 2009 8:01 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: a "Parker" inspired archtop

I've been seldom on the forum in the last couple months, but I am SO glad I looked in tonight! Once again Dave, your guitars are truly an inspiration, and I'm always amazed at the high level of your design and construction chops!

long

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