Carved archtop project
Here's an archtop I began making in 2005 (I think). I started it then got sidetracked. I went back to it in February 2008 and finished it in March. I documented most all of the process and the link to the (many) pages is here:How to make an archtop when you haven't got a clue
A full shot of the guitar:
The top of the headstock is kinda Epiphone, the bottom is kinda Stromberg. I made the truss rod cover out of rosewood too, so it wouldn't stand out.
I used Grover Sta-Tites. Cheap, simple, and they work.
The neck is fairly thick through and has an extremely pronounced vee shape. I did that on purpose, as I wanted the feel of a 30's Gibson archtop. Well, at least some had the vee, maybe not all. THIS one sure has!
I made the tailpiece and bridge of solid maple. The tailpiece is attached with a cello tail gut. The end pin is made from walnut from an old gun stock. The pickguard is 1/8" maple with a flame maple veneer and binding to match the rest of the guitar.
The pickguard bracket is made (mostly) from camel bone.
Trust me, people, it's been a great learning experience but I am not in any hurry to make another archtop!
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