Good archtop guitar tone and volume unplugged.

**wengr** · 09-11-2018, 09:49 AM

Originally Posted by Rob MacKillop

wengr, I don't mean to be pushy, but you really should consider Frans Elferink, who will make you what you want. His website is Elferink Guitars - custom made handcrafted archtop guitars

Here is my all-acoustic Elferink archtop, recorded with just a mic and a little bit of reverb, Gibson XH pick. Admittedly mine is an 18", though it doesn't feel big, just comfortable, in fact. Though based in Holland, he has sold many guitars to players in the States. He also makes his own pickups, or will attach whatever you specify. Mine does not have any pickups - I have no need for them.

Hello Rob. I have checked the Elferink site. Thanks for getting it on my radar. This video is very appealing to me in regard to both the playing and the tone. A lot to think about.

**wengr** · 09-11-2018, 09:55 AM

Originally Posted by omphalopsychos

Given your tonal preferences, I would also recommend Andersen for the modern X braced archtop sound. A fellow member here has one of the old metropolitan specials, and it is something else. Really blows me away how responsive and easy to play that instrument is. If you're looking at Campellone and Benedetto then Andersen should be in your budget.

Yes agreed. I'm not sure he is still taking custom orders however. Seems to only be selling certain models.

**wengr** · 09-11-2018, 10:01 AM

Originally Posted by ESCC

I have an Eastman AR910CE 17" and I am very pleased with its acoustic tone and volume. I replaced the pick-up with a KA hand wound 12pole, which is excellent. I am not foolish enough to compare it to a Benedetto or for that matter a Gibson JS, but I do encourage you to play one, if something happened to mine, I would replace it. This is it before the pick-up replacement.
Attachment 55917

The more I consider, the more I find it hard not to try an AR910ce. My Pisano has a decent acoustic voice for what it is, the neck suits me, and I can try a well used Eastman for around the price of an empty Calton case. Also, I personally like the aesthetics of them.

**KirkP** · 09-11-2018, 11:40 AM

I have an Eastman AR810CE and a 1937 Gibson L7 (17” X-braced non-cutaway). I like them both acoustically, but their tones are much different. You really must play them to decide what works for you. Archtops tend to project their best tone forward, so they sound their best to me in a live room with lots of wood. Unfortunately my playing spaces at home have carpets and curtains, and in those situations I prefer to plug in and dial in about half amplified and half acoustic.