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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.

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Dave
Milton, ON

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!

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http://www.booneguitars.com
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Stephen-Boone-guitar-builder/488208541257210

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!

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 !!!!

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Tony Karol
www.karol-guitars.com
"let my passion .. fulfill yours"

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

Wow, beautiful work.

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Brock Poling
Columbus, Ohio
http://www.polingguitars.com

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

Regards,
Kevin Gallagher/Omega Guitars

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)

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Dave
Milton, ON

Very classy and well executed. really nice.

Congrats!

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Peter M.
Cornerstone Guitars
http://www.cornerstoneukes.com

gorgeous!

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http://www.PeakeGuitars.com

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

Joe

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

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Canada

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.

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Todd Rose
Ithaca, NY

https://www.dreamingrosesecobnb.com/todds-art-music

https://www.facebook.com/ToddRoseGuitars/

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?

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.)

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Dave
Milton, ON

Wow! That is absolutely gorgeous and inspiring!
Wendy

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

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

Very well done!

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The member formerly known as erikbojerik....

WOW! That is gorgeous.

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Steve Walden
Aspiring Builder,
Bartlesville, OK

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

Terence
www.guitarbench.com

Beautiful, Dave.

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http://www.casperguitar.com

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

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I don't believe in anything, I simply make use of a set of reasonable working hypotheses.

That's just amazing! Beautiful work, Dave.

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Waddy

Photobucket Build Album Library

Sound Clips of most of my guitars

I'm really pleased the design resonates....your comments really mean a lot!
Danny, it's a bolt-on.

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.

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Dave
Milton, ON

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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"No man ever steps in the same river twice, for it's not the same river and he's not the same man.” -Heraclitus of Ephesus