Solid wood Archtop build

**Tiopepe** · 05-08-2021, 04:33 AM

Hi to all!

I would share with you my little experience on archtop building. I started my passion some years ago when I bought Bob Benedetto book and DVDs. Then I searched information here and there about general woodworking, jigs, tool sharpening, helped by tricks of professional luthier aorund the world.

After my first build, a 17" non cutaway archtop, I started collaboration with my friend Antonio Tosques. He's Italian (Foggia city) professional player so I was extremely excited to start that challenge with him.

The guitar was my second archtop, built under some Antonio's specs.

Made of Val di Fiemme spruce top with some bearclaws, 16" body at lower bout and 2" depth. Figured poplar back and sides, one piece back. Flame maple neck, 3 pieces with padouk central insert; ebony fingerboard with 22 jumbo frets, 25" scale.

I used few power tools when needed (bandsaw, drill press, router) but a lot of work with hand tools for top and back carvig and neck shaping.

This guitar was completed on September 2018 and sadly I lost some building process pictures.

Hope you enjoy!

**Tiopepe** · 05-08-2021, 07:42 AM

The project started with carving and roughing the back

Solid wood Archtop build-img_2752-jpg

**Tiopepe** · 05-08-2021, 07:46 AM

Side bent. Mahogany kerfing, spruce neck and tailblock. Reinforcement on side jack port.
Solid wood Archtop build-img_4118-jpg

**Tiopepe** · 05-08-2021, 07:55 AM

Spruce top. Cedar parallel bracing and some additional braces on pickup opening. Transversal brace directly under the bridge to add some strenght and more sustain. Small patches under pots. Solid wood Archtop build-img_7132-jpg

**Tiopepe** · 05-08-2021, 07:58 AM

Closing the box and adding some binding.
Solid wood Archtop build-img_9428-jpg

**Tiopepe** · 05-08-2021, 08:03 AM

Three pieces flame maple neck, with padouk insert. Double action truss rod. Ebony headplate.
Solid wood Archtop build-img_3605-jpg

**Tiopepe** · 05-08-2021, 08:07 AM

First time together!
Solid wood Archtop build-img_9877-jpg

**citizenk74** · 05-08-2021, 11:12 AM

Originally Posted by Tiopepe

Hi to all!

I would share with you my little experience on archtop building. I started my passion some years ago when I bought Bob Benedetto book and DVDs. Then I searched information here and there about general woodworking, jigs, tool sharpening, helped by tricks of professional luthier aorund the world.

After my first build, a 17" non cutaway archtop, I started collaboration with my friend Antonio Tosques. He's Italian (Foggia city) professional player so I was extremely excited to start that challenge with him.

The guitar was my second archtop, built under some Antonio's specs.

Made of Val di Fiemme spruce top with some bearclaws, 16" body at lower bout and 2" depth. Figured poplar back and sides, one piece back. Flame maple neck, 3 pieces with padouk central insert; ebony fingerboard with 22 jumbo frets, 25" scale.

I used few power tools when needed (bandsaw, drill press, router) but a lot of work with hand tools for top and back carvig and neck shaping.

This guitar was completed on September 2018 and sadly I lost some building process pictures.

Hope you enjoy!

Nice work! Well done!

**0zoro** · 05-08-2021, 12:42 PM

Wow!!!!!!!!!!!!

**sbeishline** · 05-11-2021, 11:07 AM

Beauty!

**Tiopepe** · 05-14-2021, 12:06 PM

Thanks to all!
Some pics has been recovered, so let's go on!
Adding some details and start to sanding smooth
Solid wood Archtop build-img_0301-jpg

**Tiopepe** · 05-14-2021, 12:13 PM

And final, first finish ground with Tung Oil. It shows that beautiful woods!
Solid wood Archtop build-img_0843-jpg

**Tiopepe** · 05-14-2021, 12:16 PM

The finish is done, after 6 layers of amber oil varnish applied by hand.

**Tiopepe** · 05-14-2021, 12:17 PM

**Tiopepe** · 05-14-2021, 12:23 PM

Completed with handowound humbucker with AlNiCo 4 rough bar magnet. The scatterwound and the magnet give to guitar a nice, clear and balanced sound.
Solid wood Archtop build-3-jpg

**Tiopepe** · 05-14-2021, 12:26 PM

Ready for delivery

**Tiopepe** · 05-14-2021, 12:30 PM

An happy player, the great Antonio Tosques!
Solid wood Archtop build-img_1573-jpg

On Stage

Solid wood Archtop build-img_20190505_121953-jpg

**Tiopepe** · 05-14-2021, 12:31 PM

**citizenk74** · 05-14-2021, 04:02 PM

A truly beautiful instrument, Thanks for sharing with us!

**sbeishline** · 05-14-2021, 09:45 PM

Congrats- lovely instrument!

**2bornot2bop** · 05-20-2021, 01:45 PM

It’s got a sweet tone. How great to create a guitar and then have it go to the capable hands of someone who features the skills of AT. That’s a win-win!