Vienna Apex - the most beautiful archtop I've ever seen!

[floatingpickup]

I take exception to that statement. You are certainly entitled to your opinion, but as the owner and lover of a Benedetto Cremona I wouldn't trade straight across for this guitar. I'm not particularly fond of the headstock shape, the open tuning pegs, or the tailpiece.

That's what makes horseraces as they say.

I also felt that the cheap shot about the Benedetto Cremona was unnecessary. I own a fine Benedetto Fratello, handmade by Bob 25 years ago when his shop was in Clearwater. It is a truly amazing instrument. Like SierraTango, I have played the guitar on countless gigs for many years. I understand why Bob has the reputation that he has. I have no experience with Scarpach guitars. They may be great instruments, but there is no need to criticize others just to make a point. Especially if you are judging guitars by looking at pictures on the Internet.
Keith

[Spook410]

As guitar players we're quite spoiled with the price of quality instruments. If we played cello something world class for less than the price of an entry level luxury car would make us quite happy.

One of the things I like about Ken Parker guitars is that you can find recordings of them (Jim Soloway on 'Bare Handed' for instance). Does anyone know of recordings of a Scharpach we could enjoy?

[kkfan]

Does anyone know of recordings of a Scharpach we could enjoy?

The second sample on the list is the Vienna Apex.

Sound samples - Scharpach Master Guitars

[DRS]

[Rob MacKillop]

Sounds superb. Fine playing too.

[Jabberwocky]

Very nice sound, DRS.

But I raise you:

[kkfan]

I also felt that the cheap shot about the Benedetto Cremona was unnecessary. I own a fine Benedetto Fratello, handmade by Bob 25 years ago when his shop was in Clearwater. It is a truly amazing instrument. Like SierraTango, I have played the guitar on countless gigs for many years. I understand why Bob has the reputation that he has. I have no experience with Scarpach guitars. They may be great instruments, but there is no need to criticize others just to make a point. Especially if you are judging guitars by looking at pictures on the Internet.
Keith

I am sorry if my statement came off sounding like a "cheap shot" at Benedetto. That was not my intention at all. I simply wanted to give some perspective (to those who thought the Scharpach was expensive) of the aesthetics of another archtop at what I think is the approximate price point of the Vienna Apex.

[jazzimprov]

Tend to agree with a lot of what ArchtopHeaven has said.

Although a beautiful instrument, //no doubt "a beauty it be !!//

The crossover/carryover(?) from classical type instruments to Jazz Archtops looks a little odd to me as well.

I also prefer the STD Archtop look and shape: but this is always subjective.....

Manzer Guitars - The Studio

The audio was nice but didn't jump out to me as to make this a singular instrument tonally.
considering how much a player brings (his/her) sound "to" the instrument.

Put the 'same player' on a Quality but substantially less expensive Archtop and see what the sound difference is. That is the only way to really compare apples to apples.

Yes if money is no object, then buy "one of each and 2 of all", but usually money is a consideration (in degrees).

Appreciate the dedication and love this guy has to creating a beautiful instrument and the innovations he strives for and has achieved but when innovation is applied to such a small area of practical use, then it is effectively lost. (although perhaps to be resurrected at a later time for a more general use?)

[iim7V7IM7]

A couple thoughts...

On the Guitar:

• The guitar presented certainly represents the work of a very skilled artisan luthier (thanks for sharing)
• Aesthetically and functionally, its not my "cup of tea" but thats somewhat personal
• Items like custom precious metal plated tuners and tailpieces certainly will up the cost
• I believe that guitar-making, like watchmaking works best when built upon a etablissage of suppliers/experts. Example: Tuners by tuner experts, pickups by pickup experts, strings from string companies, hardwoods/softwoods from specialists etc.

On Comparisons:

• We sometimes too often tend to inappropriately correlate "price" with "quality" or "functionality".
• There is a broad range of prices that experienced archtop luthiers will charge for the ultimate statement of their work.
• After a certain price point, differences are more based upon aesthetic/decorative and subjective tonal preferences in the instrument and the perceived brand equity of the luthier by the market.
• We are fortunate to live in a time when there are MANY skilled artisans operating at the pinnacle of their craft. I firmly believe that some of best guitars ever are being made today.

My $.02

[kkfan]

A couple thoughts...

On the Guitar:

• The guitar presented certainly represents the work of a very skilled artisan luthier (thanks for sharing)
• Aesthetically and functionally, its not my "cup of tea" but thats somewhat personal

Tend to agree with a lot of what ArchtopHeaven has said.

Although a beautiful instrument, the crossover/carryover(?) from classical type instruments to Jazz Archtops looks a little odd to me as well.

I also prefer the STD Archtop look and shape: but this is always subjective.....

Manzer Guitars - The Studio

Yes, I agree with you both that aesthetics are absolutely subjective.

[floatingpickup]

I am sorry if my statement came off sounding like a "cheap shot" at Benedetto. That was not my intention at all. I simply wanted to give some perspective (to those who thought the Scharpach was expensive) of the aesthetics of another archtop at what I think is the approximate price point of the Vienna Apex.

Thanks kkfan for the response. I guess I just wanted to speak up on behalf of the Benedetto players. I am a big fan of Bob Benedetto's guitars and of Bob. He is a great guy who not only makes amazing instruments, but he has also shared his knowledge with the world through his wonderful book and videos. I respect so many other luthiers as well and I always try to be careful when making comparisons. I am sure the Vienna Apex is a great guitar. I would probably want to own one if I had the chance to play it.
Keith

[kkfan]

Thanks kkfan for the response. I guess I just wanted to speak up on behalf of the Benedetto players. I am a big fan of Bob Benedetto's guitars and of Bob. He is a great guy who not only makes amazing instruments, but he has also shared his knowledge with the world through his wonderful book and videos. I respect so many other luthiers as well and I always try to be careful when making comparisons. I am sure the Vienna Apex is a great guitar. I would probably want to own one if I had the chance to play it.
Keith

Keith,

I too respect Bob Benedetto and his work. In fact, I am in the process of reading his excellent book on building archtop guitars. I wish he was still building though.

[Jehu]

I like this one:



(And I'm a bit shocked by some of the harsh reactions to this obvious master craftsman's work. How dare he stray so far from the Gibson tradition!)

[Drifter]

The nut width is 46 mm / 1.81". I stopped drooling when I read that. But beautiful it is, oh my.

[Jehu]

I also dont like those violin bridges, they look cheap on violins and even more so on Archtops.

Really? You honestly think this:



... looks cheap compared to this?

[kris]

The sound- I think I can find better sounding instruments on the market.

[kkfan]

I like this one:



(And I'm a bit shocked by some of the harsh reactions to this obvious master craftsman's work. How dare he stray so far from the Gibson tradition!)

Oh my!

Hadn't seen that one. Simply gorgeous!

thanks for sharing.

[Jabberwocky]

This is beautiful. Doesn't attract the attention of magpies as it has no shiny bits but in the hands of a master like Bill Frisell, nobody would care that it does not cost 30 000 Euros. $5495 was the second-hand asking price. $8000 new. Too "affordable" for some maybe. For others, $8000 is still a lot of money for a guitar.

Price-tags are a damn inconvenience but living in the city, I am reminded of the price-tags of things everyday. Too bad for me for being a working-class stiff, I suppose. Now, just where did I leave that Polex that I got in Mongkok?

Port Out. Starboard Home.

[kris]

I like Elferink guitars with great sound.
Attachment 19836

[kkfan]

This is beautiful.

I like Elferink guitars with great sound.
Attachment 19836

With all due respect to the respective builders, IMO those two look generic (speaking purely of aesthetics) next to the Vienna Apex.

[kris]

With all due respect to the respective builders, IMO those two look generic (speaking purely of aesthetics) next to the Vienna Apex.

no problem but the key is the sound...:-)

[kkfan]

no problem but the key is the sound...:-)

Not as far as this thread is concerned.

This thread is about the looks, not the sound.

Hardly anyone reading this thread would ever have an opportunity to hear a Vienna Apex in person. What you hear in a sound clip is what your speakers are producing. IMO that never does justice to an acoustic instrument. As such, the sound is immaterial.

[kris]

Not as far as this thread is concerned.

This thread is about the looks, not the sound.

Hardly anyone reading this thread would ever have an opportunity to hear a Vienna Apex in person. What you hear in a sound clip is what your speakers are producing. IMO that never does justice to an acoustic instrument. As such, the sound is immaterial.

Vienna Apex looks great for everyone I hope...;-)...bridge and tailpiece..;-(
so what to do with this beauty?

[Para]

I'm afraid it does nothing for me I don't like the headstock and tuners or the tailpiece, not sure about the bridge, very nice wood but other than that nothing grabs me at all, sorry.

[kris]

I'm afraid it does nothing for me I don't like the headstock and tuners or the tailpiece, not sure about the bridge, very nice wood but other than that nothing grabs me at all, sorry.

+1...:-)