The guitar shown to the right is one of the first "batch" of archtops that I've built. It is still today one of my favorite design: classic, elegant and yet, unique. Although its design borrows elements from Master Luthier Bob Benedetto's earlier models, their combination in this 17" archtop is entirely original.
Apart from the "falling leaves" soundholes, one of the most unusual characteristics of this instrument is that its whole body (i.e. back and sides) was carved out of a single piece of mahogany - that was originally 3" thick! - and that its back is...flat. This unusual configuration, although it yields a much heavier instrument than my other archtops, results in an guitar with a very smooth and even response: ideal for candlelight playing...
I would add that both the tailpiece and pickguard are here made from ebony laminated with with a thick piece of rare Ambrosia burl. Ambrosia burl was also used on the headstock. The neck is a 7-piece laminate of hard rock fllamed maple and black walnut veneer.
Apart from the "falling leaves" soundholes, one of the most unusual characteristics of this instrument is that its whole body (i.e. back and sides) was carved out of a single piece of mahogany - that was originally 3" thick! - and that its back is...flat. This unusual configuration, although it yields a much heavier instrument than my other archtops, results in an guitar with a very smooth and even response: ideal for candlelight playing...
I would add that both the tailpiece and pickguard are here made from ebony laminated with with a thick piece of rare Ambrosia burl. Ambrosia burl was also used on the headstock. The neck is a 7-piece laminate of hard rock fllamed maple and black walnut veneer.
(For more pics and info, click on pic above)
(For more pics and info, click on pic above)