Experimental Archtop

[LiggettGuitars]

I would like to share with you all this prototype archtop I’ve developed. Instead of the normal archtop construction, where you have a top and back plate with bent sides, I have carved the top and back plates so that they meet along the perimeter. What you have in the end is essentially an archtop with no sides. It’s super thin bodied, and quite comfortable.

Instead of traditional f holes, I have “vents” along the waist of the body. I also made the body shape an offset one.

I hope I’m not breaking any forum rules posting this here, as I am a professional luthier and not a hobbyist. I am hoping to get some feedback from the real jazz players on here! Thanks guys.

Ben

[jads57]

Very interesting, any audio or video of playing it?

[Sam Sherry]

Amazing work on the fingerboard and peghead inlays. Hours of effort no doubt!

How does it sound compared to a conventional 3.5" archtop?
Is there any arching to the inside or outside of the plates?
Is there any top bracing?
How long is the string length?
What made you design almost no string-length between the bridge and tailpiece?
Is there some sonic goal for the offset shape or is it purely aesthetic?
What's the back made of?
What's the finish on the neck?
How well does it balance?
Do you plan to install strap buttons, or is this for sitting only?
What are you going to do for a case?
How do you like it?

[citizenk74]

That is an intriguing design. How much does it weigh? Any audio/video clips?

[Gitfiddler]

Very interesting concept, design and execution.

I took the liberty of checking out your website to get more info. You do amazing work!!

Liggett GuitarsCustom, Handcrafted Guitars

[neatomic]

yeah...cool website...picks n sunn plates too!!! nice

welcome aboard...like the idea of the archtop ^...no sides..hah

are those lollar teisco gold foils?


cheers

[LiggettGuitars]

That is an intriguing design. How much does it weigh? Any audio/video clips?

it weighs exactly 5.1lbs

Ill throw up a quick video soon!

[LiggettGuitars]

Very interesting concept, design and execution.

I took the liberty of checking out your website to get more info. You do amazing work!!

Liggett GuitarsCustom, Handcrafted Guitars

Thanks so much for the kind words!

[LiggettGuitars]

are those lollar teisco gold foils?


cheers

They sure are. I’m a sucker for Lollars. I know they aren’t the jazziest pickup set, but I couldn’t resist these. I also have a hard time putting ONE pickup on things! Ha

[LiggettGuitars]

How does it sound compared to a conventional 3.5" archtop?

I honestly dont have much experience with archtops, and most I've heard sound very thin acoustically. This one is is also quite thin when unplugged, but with decent volume. Quite snappy.

Is there any arching to the inside or outside of the plates?

Yes, it is a consistent thickness following the arches inside as well

Is there any top bracing?

There are two parallel braces from the neck block to the tail

What made you design almost no string-length between the bridge and tailpiece?

I didn't want a ton of string length past the bridge because I wanted a fairly straight forward tone. String length past the bridge colors the sound a bit, and I wanted it as snappy as possible.

Is there some sonic goal for the offset shape or is it purely aesthetic?

Purely aesthetic. It did however make it extremely well balanced.

What's the back made of?

quarter sawn One piece Black limba back

What's the finish on the neck?

Oil finish

Do you plan to install strap buttons, or is this for sitting only?
What are you going to do for a case?
How do you like it?

I ended up Installing strap buttons.
I have a Road case style case for it.
Honestly, I love the thing, it turned out better than I had hoped. I can get a multitude of tones from it, from classic rock to jazz. The offset turned out to be very comfortable in terms of balance and neck placement when on my right knee. The thinness of the body is quite comfortable for my right arm as well.
Thanks so much for all the thoughtful questions and compliments!

[Sam Sherry]

Honestly, I love the thing, it turned out better than I had hoped

For the win. That's the thing right there.

Thank you for your patience with me and for taking the time to respond.

[Jehu]

Cool guitar! As others have said, beautiful work on the inlays.

Any clips? How do those gold foils sound?

[LiggettGuitars]

This is a quick video we took when the guitar was first completed. I have a better one with the amp mic'ed but I still need to sync the audio to the video. Let me know what you guys think!

[TedBPhx]

You need to open up the permissions on YouTube.

[LiggettGuitars]

You need to open up the permissions on YouTube.

Fixed, I think! Apologies. I'll figure out this internet stuff one day