“WHAT IF…” - Archtop guitar from the 1700, more or less :-)

[EmanueleFaggion]

It’s a brand new build, but it’s antique.


The final goal of this Calliope 17” acoustic archtop/flatback that I am building is to have a guitar that feels like an Eighteenth century bowed instrument. Something like a “What if scenario”: what if the history of lutherie, at a certain point in the 1700’s, took a different turn and someone got the idea of applying arched tops at plucked instruments too? Well, now we would have around antique instruments like this…

I am having fun with this style excercise, but I think that you may like it too.
It is an acoustic instrument, with parallel bracing, massive Bavarian bearclaw spruce top and European flamed back, sides and neck. The finish is made in the style of the old European tradition, with only natural resins. It will also feature a floating magnetic pickup. Finish will be aged like it would be an antique instrument.
I am going on with the build and I guess it will be ready in mid-April, so if you’d like to I could post more pics, videos and specs.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=NtniuXm1HtQ?si

[AllanAllen]

Please post more pics, videos and specs. I love your work!

[One_Note]

That's a beautiful instrument

[jads57]

Strings in 1700 to 1900 may be a real problem,Lol!

[Rob MacKillop]

Very nice guitar, but here's the Borgia family jamming in 1493!!



It's actually a vihuela de peñola - a vihuela played with a plectrum.

We have all been here before

[Rob MacKillop]

PS I would love one of your guitars. They look great!

[EmanueleFaggion]

Thanks everyone, very glad you like it, I will keep you updated then!

Strings in 1700 to 1900 may be a real problem,Lol!

Gut strings were good for guitars, although the sheeps who donated their intestines to make them may not agree with me :-D

[EmanueleFaggion]

Very nice guitar, but here's the Borgia family jamming in 1493!!



It's actually a vihuela de peñola - a vihuela played with a plectrum.

We have all been here before

That’s a nice catch!
I was thinking about the viola da gamba which, with quite a stretch, could be considered a distant relative of the archtop guitar: arched top, frets and (usually) six strings tuned with the same progression of the guitar. Quite strange that no one in the past thought about picking it up and strumming Wonderwall with it :-) .

And thanks for the compliments: I would love to make a guitar for you too!

[GuyBoden]

That’s a nice catch!
I was thinking about the viola da gamba which, with quite a stretch, could be considered a distant relative of the archtop guitar: arched top, frets and (usually) six strings tuned with the same progression of the guitar. Quite strange that no one in the past thought about picking it up and strumming Wonderwall with it :-) .

And thanks for the compliments: I would love to make a guitar for you too!

Marin Marais playing the Viola da Gamba

Wonderfully built guitars, well done.

[EmanueleFaggion]

Some updates for this lady: strings installed, first chords strummed, auditory pleasure achieved.
This is the iPhone recording of the first chord played on this acoustic archtop. I am satisfied with the development of the harmonics, and if this is the sound of it just fresh new, I can’t wait to hear it after a bit of stabilization.

[AllanAllen]

Roundwound strings? It’s got a bright tone, great work.