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

**EmanueleFaggion** · 03-18-2025, 06:47 AM

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** · 03-18-2025, 11:21 AM

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

**One_Note** · 03-18-2025, 04:02 PM

That's a beautiful instrument

**jads57** · 03-19-2025, 11:24 AM

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

**Rob MacKillop** · 03-19-2025, 05:54 PM

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

“WHAT IF…” - Archtop guitar from the 1700, more or less :-)-vihuela_bpintoricchio_1493-borgias-jpg

“WHAT IF…” - Archtop guitar from the 1700, more or less :-)-vihuela_bpintoricchio_1493-borgias-jpg

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

We have all been here before

**Rob MacKillop** · 03-19-2025, 05:57 PM

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

**EmanueleFaggion** · 03-24-2025, 02:17 PM

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

Originally Posted by jads57

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** · 03-24-2025, 02:26 PM

Originally Posted by Rob MacKillop

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

“WHAT IF…” - Archtop guitar from the 1700, more or less :-)-vihuela_bpintoricchio_1493-borgias-jpg

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** · 03-24-2025, 03:03 PM

Originally Posted by EmanueleFaggion

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!

Originally Posted by GuyBoden

Marin Marais playing the Viola da Gamba

Wonderfully built guitars, well done.

**EmanueleFaggion** · 04-29-2025, 06:34 PM

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** · 04-29-2025, 10:19 PM

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

**EmanueleFaggion** · 05-02-2025, 05:41 AM

Originally Posted by AllanAllen

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

Yes, roundwound phosphor bronze 12’s. I love to test and hear the full acoustic potential of these guitars, so usually as a first test I always install some phosphor rounds, in order to “measure” the full spectrum.
Thank you!

**EmanueleFaggion** · 05-13-2025, 01:13 PM

Aaaaaand she’s done.
I am planning to do better pictures and video samples, but I am really happy of how it turned out, so I could not wait to share with you this little carousel here.
I carefully worked on the modal movements of the table to get the sonic response I was looking for, and I must say that I am quite satisfied with it: long and ringing sustain for the development of the upper harmonics, good separation between notes and plenty of projection. The transient is crisp but never sharp, with a controlled output.

The guitar will be soon available for sale, if any of you could be interested. Anyway, feel free to ask me for every kind of info or just curiosity. thank you for sharing this passion with me.

“WHAT IF…” - Archtop guitar from the 1700, more or less :-)-img_2945-png

“WHAT IF…” - Archtop guitar from the 1700, more or less :-)-img_2953-png

“WHAT IF…” - Archtop guitar from the 1700, more or less :-)-img_2955-png

“WHAT IF…” - Archtop guitar from the 1700, more or less :-)-img_2944-png

“WHAT IF…” - Archtop guitar from the 1700, more or less :-)-img_2948-png

“WHAT IF…” - Archtop guitar from the 1700, more or less :-)-img_2954-png

**AllanAllen** · 05-14-2025, 09:48 AM

Okay, first off and most importantly, that's a beautiful guitar. I love the f hole styling you do, how the side holes let light into the body and the skate ramp at the top edge is wonderful.

What is the bridge made out of? I'm not used to seeing light colored wood as a bridge.

**EmanueleFaggion** · 05-15-2025, 02:51 PM

Originally Posted by AllanAllen

Okay, first off and most importantly, that's a beautiful guitar. I love the f hole styling you do, how the side holes let light into the body and the skate ramp at the top edge is wonderful.

What is the bridge made out of? I'm not used to seeing light colored wood as a bridge.

thank you so much!
bridge is made out of a very tight grain European maple, I like the relative low weight compared to its rigidity.

**emanresu** · 05-15-2025, 03:17 PM

If you’ve already put hundreds of hours into it, spending a bit for proper photos isn’t vanity — it’s just seeing it through.
A good photo doesn’t just show the work, it shows the level you’re on.
--rephrased by AI

**EmanueleFaggion** · 05-16-2025, 10:16 AM

Originally Posted by emanresu

If you’ve already put hundreds of hours into it, spending a bit for proper photos isn’t vanity — it’s just seeing it through.
A good photo doesn’t just show the work, it shows the level you’re on.
--rephrased by AI

I absolutely agree with you: I am, in fact, arranging both video demo and photo shoots with professionals. They will be done in weeks. I just liked to share with you the finished guitar with a little bit of anticipation ;) .