Calliope 17” acoustic archtop - just completed.

[EmanueleFaggion]

Hello everyone.
Some weeks ago we talked about this guitar I was building:
“WHAT IF…” - Archtop guitar from the 1700, more or less :-)
Since this is officially completed, I would love to share with you the results of so much work, passion and sweat. Like every other archtop I build, obviously. These guitars take a piece of my soul every time :-) .
the idea behind this one was to create an instrument with a clear classical European taste, that respectfully recreates the looks and feel of the antique instruments of the great Masters from the past - but blended into a contemporary instrument, with a contemporary sound and design.

First, some pics:




There’s been a lot of work involved for the development of its acoustic sound.
Thicknessing, testing and calibration play a huge part of the working hours of the instrument, but the difference in the end is tangible and absolutely worth it.
I am a professional individual luthier, so every step is followed by a single person. I think this is important for the “organicity” of the instrument.
It is conceived as an acoustic guitar, but it can be amplified through a Benedetto S-6.
This is the acoustic sound, recorded with the iPhone pic, of the very first chord. Great harmonic content and sustain. If this is the premise, in some weeks this guitar will become quite something :-) .

This one is one of the very few instruments I do not make on commission. It is available for sale right now. If some of you might be interested, I will leave the link to my shop here:

Emanuele Faggion 17" Calliope Archtop / Flatback acoustic guitar - Emanuele Faggion, Liutaio

I liked the idea of sharing with you the guitar because I am quite proud of the result, and I hope you will enjoy too. I will put some specs under here, for the nerds like me.

best,
Emanuele

SPECS:

Model: Calliope, 17”
Top: Bavarian Spruce, 30+yrs old cut
Back/Sides: European Maple
Bracing: Parallel Bracing
Soundport: Calliope design
Fretboard: 1st quality African Ebony
Neck: Laminated European Maple
Scale Length: 635 mm (25?)
Radius: 16?
Neck profile: C
Bridge: One piece European Maple
Tailpiece: One piece African Ebony
Bindings: European Maple
Frets: Jumbo
Pickup: Benedetto S-6
Electronics: Schatten hidden thumbwheel controls
Nut: Unbleached bone
Finish: Aged Shellac
Tuners: Rubner Germany
Truss rod: Two way, slim, 4 mm Allen key

Other details:

– Hand picked, first quality woods
– Fully handmade in Trissino, Italy
– Wooden components stored in dry, controlled area
– Careful, precise hand thicknessing of table and back
– Voicing at closed box, for optimal responsiveness
– Dovetail neck construction
– Constant flexibility/strength ratio check
– Humidity controlled working environment
– Hard case included
– Certificate of authenticity and merch included

[garybaldy]

A fine instrument for sure.
I'd love to hear a few more chords on it.
Is the recording processed? It almost sounds double tracked.

[EmanueleFaggion]

A fine instrument for sure.
I'd love to hear a few more chords on it.
Is the recording processed? It almost sounds double tracked.

Hello there, thank you for your appreciation.
the audio is straight from the mic, no processing nor added effects.
I am planning to make some nicer recordings, that one was clearly insufficient! I will do them ASAP.

[garybaldy]

Hello there, thank you for your appreciation.
the audio is straight from the mic, no processing nor added effects.
I am planning to make some nicer recordings, that one was clearly insufficient! I will do them ASAP.

Thanks.
You must have a special room! - it's a wonderful sound.

[EmanueleFaggion]

Thanks.
You must have a special room! - it's a wonderful sound.

That's the sound of my workshop! Very tall walls - perfect if your dream is to pay insane amount of money to heat it during the winter :-)

[customxke]

Have you ever made a non-cut model?

[EmanueleFaggion]

Have you ever made a non-cut model?

I am developing a smaller, non-cut model archtop, following just the shape of my midsize flattop guitars:



anyway, a non-cutaway version can absolutely be done also for this 17" that's subject of the topic.