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an archtop
http://www.luthiersforum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=10101&t=31912		 Page 1 of 2
Author:  Dave Stewart [ Wed Apr 20, 2011 12:37 pm ]
Post subject:  an archtop
Things have been kind of slow for archtops, so here's one I finished a couple of weeks ago.
It's Lutz spruce (from Shane) and locally obtained maple. (The back wasn't great when I cut it open, but I'm calling it "character"). Cocobolo bindings, headplate & bridge....my first shot at a "wedge" type adjustable bridge (rather than thumbwheels) & it worked out well. Kent Armstrong handwound PAF with stealth volume.
Hope you like.
Author:  Stephen Boone [ Wed Apr 20, 2011 12:41 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: an archtop
I sure enjoy your work!
Author:  lactose [ Wed Apr 20, 2011 1:16 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: an archtop
Sweet ! Interesting bridge also.
Author:  Quine [ Wed Apr 20, 2011 1:20 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: an archtop
That's a beautiful guitar! Really classy looking design. I don't know what's wrong with the maple on the back but it looks great in the photo
Author:  CharlieT [ Wed Apr 20, 2011 1:36 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: an archtop
Wow! That is just a stunning instrument, and very tastefully appointed IMHO. [clap]
Author:  Heath Blair [ Wed Apr 20, 2011 2:20 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: an archtop
man, that is sweet. love it.
Author:  Chris Pile [ Wed Apr 20, 2011 3:09 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: an archtop
Exquisite!
Author:  Shane Neifer [ Wed Apr 20, 2011 4:14 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: an archtop
They just keep getting better Dave! Very nice!

Shane
Author:  Darrel Friesen [ Wed Apr 20, 2011 6:15 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: an archtop
Another beauty Dave. How's it sound? How about a better shot of the tailgut connection. Looks a bit different?
Author:  munen [ Wed Apr 20, 2011 6:17 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: an archtop
sexy looking guitar.!
what kind of mic has it on? any piezo?
Author:  jackwilliams [ Wed Apr 20, 2011 6:57 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: an archtop
great looking guitar!
Author:  alan stassforth [ Wed Apr 20, 2011 7:14 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: an archtop
Nice, Dave.
You've let the beauty of the woods used come through very tastefully.
Plus, I think an archtop is the purtiest of the guitars.
Is that bridge glued on?
Also, it looks very interesting.
Got a few close-ups of that?
Thanks,
Alan
Author:  Terence Kennedy [ Wed Apr 20, 2011 8:21 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: an archtop
Looks great. Tell us about your tailpiece. Solid Ebony or is there some metal in there somewhere?
Author:  SteveCourtright [ Wed Apr 20, 2011 8:23 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: an archtop
Top notch, as always, Dave. I love the lines, esp. the tailpiece. Cheers.
Author:  DannyV [ Wed Apr 20, 2011 9:24 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: an archtop
An archtop! An understatement. Beautifuly done as usual Dave. Is the bridge wedge a friction fit, holds it in place?

Danny
Author:  Howard Klepper [ Thu Apr 21, 2011 1:59 am ]
Post subject:  Re: an archtop
Nice, Dave. Love your work.
Author:  Steve Davis [ Thu Apr 21, 2011 6:20 am ]
Post subject:  Re: an archtop
Beautiful!
Author:  Dave Stewart [ Thu Apr 21, 2011 8:49 am ]
Post subject:  Re: an archtop
Thanks for all the kind comments .... much appreciated.
Darrel, it sounds very sweet. If the bridge design contributes to that, I'm a fan. The tailpiece connection on this is a tailgut over a raised ebony saddle (like a violin). I prefer this over the pivot glued to the underside of the tailpiece, though I do both. The tailpiece is carved ebony only, no metal (...meant to replicate the soundhole shapes.)
Electrics are the pickup only...no mic or piezo.
The bridge is the floating variety typical of archtops (ie not glued on). The adjustment wedge is held by friction only. Few more shots below.
Author:  alan stassforth [ Thu Apr 21, 2011 10:29 am ]
Post subject:  Re: an archtop
Beautiful bridge,
creative design.
Let's call it "The Sushi Bridge".
Author:  Kirt Myers [ Fri Apr 22, 2011 9:08 am ]
Post subject:  Re: an archtop
Excellent job!

What holds your truss rod cover on?
Author:  Tony_in_NYC [ Fri Apr 22, 2011 9:14 am ]
Post subject:  Re: an archtop
Wow. I can't see anything wrong with the back, though I would agree it has character. This is a beautiful guitar. Outstanding work.
Author:  Terence Kennedy [ Fri Apr 22, 2011 10:53 am ]
Post subject:  Re: an archtop
If the tailpiece is solid Ebony it looks like it might be a little fragile with those narrow struts. Ever had any breakage problems with that design? It looks great.
Author:  Dave Stewart [ Fri Apr 22, 2011 3:43 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: an archtop
Thanks again.
I hate seeing screws so the cover is held in place with (4) 3mm magnets.... 2 a bit sunk in the headplate & 2 a bit proud of the cover surface. Allows it to "snap" into place along centerline. (I no longer use the felt.)
Attachment:
cover attach (41).jpg

The back has a couple of pin knots on the bass side. FWIW, to bring out the figure I tried a coat of polymerized tung oil on the maple, before shellac sealcoat & lacquer, & it seemed to work pretty well.
Terence, I was concerned but have not had any problems with the design. (I loop a belt "strirrup" through the opening of each one & make sure it will take my body weight jumping up & down before I use it)
cheers
(ps a non-identical twin is almost ready)
Author:  CharlieT [ Fri Apr 22, 2011 8:30 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: an archtop
I would sure love to hear it played! Got any sound clips? Eat Drink
Author:  nickton [ Fri Apr 22, 2011 8:40 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: an archtop
Nice. It looks like that bridge can't raise either side independently. I don't quite understand how it works, but the idea of full contact is excellent of course.
pizza
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