Archtops with side-mounted volume/tone controls

[ms80]

Are there any archtops with the controls on the side of the guitar rather than the top or pickguard? It seems like this would be the best way to keep the look and sound of a fully acoustic archtop and still have the controls of an electric instrument.

[mr. beaumont]

I don't think I've ever seen it...

Seems to be the "archtop" way of handling that is a floating pickup and controls on the pickguard.

[JSanta]

I just recently saw a luthier on IG (Kopp Archtops, Login • Instagram) that created an ingenious solution for flush-mounting tone/volume controls on n archtop. Bryant Trenier also has an interesting approach on Pasquale Grasso's guitar (Trenier Guitars). They are mounted on the tailpiece.

[ronjazz]

I just recently saw a luthier on IG (Kopp Archtops, Login • Instagram) that created an ingenious solution for flush-mounting tone/volume controls on n archtop. Bryant Trenier also has an interesting approach on Pasquale Grasso's guitar (Trenier Guitars). They are mounted on the tailpiece.

Vega arch tops of the 40s and 50s had their controls on the tailpiece. Slightly inconvenient, but arguably making for better tone.

[JSanta]

That's really interesting, I had no idea!

1940's Vega Duo-Tron Jazz Box with original case | | Reverb

[deacon Mark]

Archtop players especially those that like a floating pickup are just pretty much set bunch of guitarist. They are traditional and any controls on the sides to me would look not too cool. It also makes getting the guitar in the case a bit different. Frankly mounted on the pickguard is still the best way. If you don't use a pickguard they going through tailpiece and putting a volume control somewhere can be done. For me I would never want an archtop with anything but the volume controls on the pickguard. If it is a CES then it makes no different put in the top.

[ms80]

I've seen flat top acoustics that have slider controls (rather than knobs) on the side of the guitar, so you can't see them from the front. Not as nice to use as a traditional knob, but easier to conceal.

[JSanta]

I've seen flat top acoustics that have slider controls (rather than knobs) on the side of the guitar, so you can't see them from the front. Not as nice to use as a traditional knob, but easier to conceal.

True, but then you also both a chunk of wood removed from the side, and then a plastic box there as well. I think the idea with the controls mounted on the pickguard or tailpiece is that you're not drilling any unnecessary holes into the guitar in ways that interfere with the vibrations of the wood.

[sgosnell]

I put the controls for a floating pickup inside the treble f hole, using thumbwheels and mounting tape. I tend to dispense with a tone control and just put the volume pot in the notch, or near the center if it's a more modern style hole. I don't like having a pickguard, so this works better for me. It's easy enough to use a tone control, though, it's just another wheel. The Schatten model comes with two pots mounting on one board, convenient and easy. I suppose the pots could be mounted under the tailpiece, but that seems less convenient.

[Cavalier]

I always liked the old Ovation preamp and knob mounting on the side near the neck. Sort of a pain to access but next to the heel/block is in a minimum vibration area and easier to grab for me than the typical acoustic/ electric preamp and controls in the waist.

[neatomic]

not arch, but...kramer ferrington...ferringtons were all the rage for a bit




cheers

[Hammertone]

Vega arch tops of the 40s and 50s had their controls on the tailpiece. Slightly inconvenient, but arguably making for better tone.

Parallel universe in West Germany.

[Hammertone]

Another approach, from Stefan Hahl. In addition to excellent manouche guitars, he also builds excellent archtop guitars:

[Gitterbug]

Several samples with thumbwheels under the pickguard. Jaën has them in the tailpiece, I think.

[asedas]

I think that except look and sound this must be also usable. You can get used to but... in most gig scenarios you have to have this easily accessible. I doubt Stefan Hahl's approach or tailpiece is fast or easy to use. This is why I prefer have them on pickguard - no interference into construction, don't affect tone, easily accessible. Nice if could be hidden using thumbwheel switch...

[Half-trick pony]

Yamaha AEX 1500. Although the controls are only for the piezo PU.

[Hammertone]

Ken Parker:

[Hammertone]

Erich Solomon:

[Woody Sound]

I have a couple of Carvin/Kiesels (nylon & steel) with the preamp/controls on the upper bout rim. Works for me. I *do not* like the same thing on the waist of the lower bout. Had one (Ovation), kept bumping it with my right arm, and hard to reach with either arm. I like the archtop approach of putting the controls south of the treble f hole, like Benedetto.

[Cunamara]

Matt Cushman built one with the thumbwheels under the neck extension, similar to the Solomon:

FOR-SALE

[Gitterbug]

How's the longevity of small, hidden flat pots? Moving parts have a lifespan, so serviceability and spares matter.

[Woody Sound]

Ken Parker:

[sgosnell]

How's the longevity of small, hidden flat pots? Moving parts have a lifespan, so serviceability and spares matter.

I have no real information about the longevity of thumbwheel pots, but the ones I have are still working fine after several years of use. I hear no noise at all, less scratchiness than I hear with standard pots. If replacement is necessary, it's quick and easy, and not expensive. The Schatten models are more expensive than the no-brand pots, but so far none of mine have needed replacement.

[cmajor9]

——

[asedas]

How's the longevity of small, hidden flat pots? Moving parts have a lifespan, so serviceability and spares matter.

I also have thumbwheels for >10 yrs quite often used (was my main guitar). Never had any problems, still works fine