Ed Schaefer Guitars?

**bmw2002** · 02-24-2013, 10:12 AM

Has anyone had any playing/ownership experience with a Schaefer archtop (as opposed to Schaefer Beer)? Ed Schaefer is a well-respected luthier of beautifully crafted archtop and solid body guitars operating out of Austin, TX, but appears to have a limited "share of mind" in this space. (A search on this forum only turned up two references.) I'm particularly interested in the Schaefer 16 model -- there's one currently on archtop.com, but I'm not crazy about the color, shallow person that I am.

Any thoughts, experiences, ones for sale, etc. appreciated.

**Patrick2** · 02-24-2013, 11:21 AM

I played a Schaefer 17" about a year ago at Mandolin Brothers. It was an impeccable guitar in terms of fit and finish execution. I distinctly remember being very impressed with the flawless execution of the build. It played and sounded wonderful. It was previously owned and at Mando Bros on consignment. Had an 1-3/4" nut width with a mild C carve neck profile. I had a hard time putting it down. I never did plug it in . . (it had a floater) because its acoustic tone was just so damned wonderful and big.

**PTChristopher** · 02-24-2013, 12:11 PM

Never played one but I love how he reportedly uses an angle grinder to carve a top/back. Well done is well done regardless of the tool used.

Chris

**Ypmid** · 02-24-2013, 06:03 PM

I actually live close by to his shop (one of these days I'll stop by). I've only heard good things and whenever I see one up for sale they're snatched up pretty quick.

**Dookychase** · 02-28-2013, 09:41 AM

I think the singer/7 string guitarist Diana Hubka used to play Ed's guitars. This was a few years ago. He used to advertise in Just Jazz Guitar magazine but I haven't noticed him in the last few issues. I may have just over looked it.

**Woody Sound** · 02-28-2013, 09:55 AM

There was a beautiful 16" on ebay for quite a long time. I don't know if it ever sold or not.

**bmw2002** · 02-28-2013, 11:30 AM

Thanks, Woody. Yep, I followed that one for quite a while -- from the description, it sounded like a studio that was selling off some of its stuff. Not sure if it ultimately sold or if the seller gave up (hey, if you're out there, give me a shout!).

**SierraTango** · 02-28-2013, 04:08 PM

His website states he will be building archtops on a custom order basis only. Looks like he's going into solid bodies with a new model. I think the original poster said he was aware of the archtop.com instrument but didn't like the color.

**bmw2002** · 02-28-2013, 04:12 PM

Original Poster here. The color of the one on archtop.com is growing on me a bit.

**SierraTango** · 02-28-2013, 04:18 PM

I think it is quite beautiful, probably quite stunning in person. I have not played personally however have always heard glowing reviews.

**bmw2002** · 03-17-2013, 11:39 AM

Well, after long deliberation, I took the plunge and bought the Schaefer Model 16 from archtop.com. Had a great experience with Joe V; he spent a good bit of time with me, the guitar was as described (i.e., in unplayed condition) and it arrived quickly.

The guitar itself is a joy. Beautiful workmanship, and the sound is fantastic. Carved, spruce top, tap-tuned, Kent Armstrong floater, Waverly tuners, ebony everything, not sure I could ask for more.

Here are a few pictures. The guitar presents more "washed cherry" than these suggest, and I think the flame on the back and sides is beautiful. Someday I may be worthy of it.

**Patrick2** · 03-17-2013, 01:57 PM

Absolutely beautiful. Oh . . . by the way . . . if you paid for it, then you're worthy of it.

**Woody Sound** · 03-17-2013, 02:55 PM

Originally Posted by bmw2002

Here are a few pictures. The guitar presents more "washed cherry" than these suggest, and I think the flame on the back and sides is beautiful. Someday I may be worthy of it.

That is some of the most stunning maple I have ever seen on a guitar. I always preferred big bold flame over the tight uniform narrow stripey flame. Gorgeous. Good for you.

WS

**M-ster** · 03-17-2013, 03:59 PM

Beautiful.

**marcwhy** · 03-17-2013, 04:22 PM

Gorgeous -- congrats!

**Philco** · 03-17-2013, 09:58 PM

Here is another one....

**bmw2002** · 03-18-2013, 08:49 AM

Thanks for all the kind words. As to the video Philco highlighted, I think I watched that every day for a week after confirming the order with Joe!

**thrush40** · 03-18-2013, 11:24 AM

Fantastic. Congratulations.

I was talking to Joe about the Comins currently listed, but could not get skype to work for me! Anyway, ended up ordering an amp from Vintage Sound Amps instead.

From your handle, seems we might have a second similar interest. Do you enjoy driving?

Cheers,
Ben

**bmw2002** · 03-18-2013, 12:18 PM

Joe and I could never get the Skype thing to work either, so we relied on old fashioned telephonic communications. That Comins Concert is beautiful; had the Schaefer not been available that would have been mighty tempting.

I'm less of a car guy than my forum name implies, although I do love vintage sports cars. I owned a 1973 BMW 2002 for a few years before I moved to New England. Every time I see one, it tugs at my heart strings ... my loving and ever-patient wife says I can get one once I retire and have time to putter with it. For now, I'm restricted to boring practical cars, especially given the never-ending New England winters.

**customxke** · 03-19-2013, 10:17 AM

Originally Posted by bmw2002

Well, after long deliberation, I took the plunge and bought the Schaefer Model 16 from archtop.com. Had a great experience with Joe V; he spent a good bit of time with me, the guitar was as described (i.e., in unplayed condition) and it arrived quickly.

The guitar itself is a joy. Beautiful workmanship, and the sound is fantastic. Carved, x-braced spruce top, tap-tuned, Kent Armstrong floater, Waverly tuners, ebony everything, not sure I could ask for more.

Here are a few pictures. The guitar presents more "washed cherry" than these suggest, and I think the flame on the back and sides is beautiful. Someday I may be worthy of it.

That's gorgeous. I'm really loving the looks of that! Congrats!

**Williamcpas** · 04-26-2013, 12:37 AM

I just took delivery of a Schaefer 16 (one-off). I own over 50 archtops I.e.Benedetto Fratello, L-5 Wes, 1962 es175, etc. and now that I own a Schaefer I believe it is my favorite guitar. The specs are: 16" by 2 3/4" body, 24.625 scale, spruce top, maple back and sides, built in lollar humbucker pick up, ebony fret board with split block MOP inlay. It has a surprising amount of acoustic guitar qualities for a guitar with a built in pick up. Schaefer puts 2 carbon graphite rods in the neck along with the truss rod so I believe the necks are dependable.

**bmw2002** · 04-26-2013, 09:08 AM

Hey, congratulations on your new Schaefer. (I believe that makes two of us Schaefer owners on this Forum.) Would love to see pictures!

**beilenguitars** · 06-14-2013, 02:54 AM

bmw2002,

Have you looked inside the guitar to confirm that it is X-braced? I trust archtop.com, but I have not heard of Ed using x-bracing.

I worked with Ed down in Austin for six months. I was his last apprentice client he truly taught to build. I worked side by side with him each building a 14" archtop. I can confirm the famed die-grinder top carving story, as I learned how to do it from him. I doubt I could ever do it again, since it is scary as hell, but talk about efficiency. He could knock out a top in no time flat and it would be as big and booming as any box you've heard meticulously hand carved.

There's not much out there on his work, but I played a number of Schaefer's during my stay in Austin and they were all stunning. I've played his headless guitar, 14", 15", all along side guitars floating in and out of his shop - and I can truly say nothing beats a Schaefer. It's not enough that he builds incredible instruments - he is also one of the coolest guys in Austin.

I am trying to rid myself of a D'Aquisto Jazz Line to go toward a Schaefer. If your wise you'll trade in your axe toward one too.

Lovely guitar bmw, you are truly lucky. I have had my sights on having a similar guitar built for awhile.

**beilenguitars** · 06-20-2013, 08:31 PM

bmw2002,

I spoke with Ed today and he confirmed your guitar has parallel bracing and not the x-braced as archtop.com suggested. He lost your message today and sent me an email telling me to send word. I assume since you contacted him that you read my previous message, so I hope this reaches you as well.

Enjoy that guitar,

Brian

**bmw2002** · 06-20-2013, 11:46 PM

Thank you very much for passing along Ed's message. I assumed he was either on vacation or incredibly busy, and didn't want to bug him again for a bit.

Best regards,

Michael