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I'm having an acoustic archtop made by luthier Guillaume Rancourt. I have to give my final details within 3 weeks!
I'm hesitating between 16'' and 17''... I know his smaller archtops sound really good and aren' lacking in any way, but still, the 17'' archtops always sound a bit 'fuller' and deeper. 17'' is pretty big though, and although I'm a tall guy (6'1), I'm wondering if a 16'' would be more comfortable and easy to play... He also offers me to do a Manzer wedge on the 17'' to make it more comfortable... I trust the luthier, but I don't know if I like that, never seen it on an archtop. Though decision...
Also, I'm not sure if I should go with a Pete Biltoft custom made single coil, which sounds awesome (I tried it), or a 12 pole KA humbucker. Talking about floating pickups here, just to be sure. Rancourt puts the single coil on his guitars and it is custom for him, and I confirm it sound incredibly good. But... most modern guitar players play with humbuckers, like Peter Bernstein for instance, who's got one the best jazz guitar tones IMO. Can't try both of course... that's the downside of commissioning. I have this idea that single coils are associated with old school jazz (Johnny Smith, CC, etc..) and while I certainly like to step into that genre from time to time, I feel more like a modern jazz player.
Thanks for your advices! I know there aren't good or bad answers, just looking for opinions to help me make up my mind.
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What sizes of archtop have you played before, that you liked? That should narrow down which size body works for you and your playing.
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I have a 17" Guild X-500 and a 16" Es-335. The Gibson is thin though, so I don't really get the feeling of a true 16" archtop.
One thing I inow is that whe it sits on my lap, my right hand falls more naturally on the strings with the 17". But when playin lg with a strap, which I should always do to avoid shoulder blade pain, it doesn't really make a difference.
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My experience is with 16" guitars, and what I know is that I like them. If your experience is with a 17" and you like it then go with that? I would love to spend some time with a 17" though, especially acoustic. My understanding is that the two sizes, also depending on bracing, are quite different beasts. Desired use should make a big difference towards one or the other.
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Congratulations on getting a Rancourt! I have a 15" Rancourt and it is by far the finest sounding acoustic archtop I have played, and I have owned some of the best. I doubt you would be sacrificing tone by going from 17" to 16". I never plug mine in, so have no advice on pickups.
Get the one that you feel will be comfortable for you. I could not recommend Rancourt more highly. Mine is a wonderful instrument, and everyone that hears it agrees.
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17" because you like the sound. It won't require anything special to make the size manageable.
And a humbucker with a coil tap because you don't have to choose just one. Push / pull pot or discrete toggle for making selection.
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If the sound in your head is something like Peter Bernstein, go for 17" and a humbucker. Dunno how big of a difference is 16 vs 17 comfort wise, but it's just like a half inch from the bridge to the rim, all other things being equal.
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I can only tell you what I'd go for - I'm 6 feet plus too, btw - I'd go for the 16' model, and the single coil pickup. Having said that though, I do have an archtop with humbuckers, and a telecaster, so if I got another archtop, I'd want it for playing swing music, and maybe some Grant Green type things. If it was to be my only guitar, I'd still go for the 16' body, but I'd probably opt for the humbucker.
Good luck, whatever you choose, and enjoy the guitar when it comes 
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In the end, it depends on how comfortable it will be to you, no matter what other people advice you, including me. Soundwise both sizes likely will be great. But if in the long run 17 inch appears to be less comfortable to play then you won't like that guitar, even if you can sound like Peter Bernstein. If you can't try them out, then maybe stay at the safe side and go for 16. That is at least what I would do...
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And regarding the pickup, go for split coil, best of both worlds.
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You didn't mention the body depth. I think body depth is more important than the width when it comes to comfort. I have a 17 inch archtop (Byrdland) and a 16 inch archtop (ES 175). Even though I'm not as tall as you (5'11), I find the Byrdland more comfortable because of the difference in depth.
Obviously the depth of Byrdland (2' 1/4) is too shallow for an acoustic archtop. But 3 inches depth might work well for a 17 inch archtop (like L5, Epi Broadway etc).
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I have a 16" laminate and a 17" carved top arch top. The 16 is a more manageable size but I am fine with the 17" as well (I am tall too). For sure I think a 17" will have a better acoustic sound, at least I have not played a 16" that was awesome as an acoustic other than a 1930 L5! But most 16" are laminate so it is hard to compare.
I agree with others, a humbucker, and with a split coil if possible.
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Reading your post about an acoustic archtop, I would prioritize it as follows. Acoustic sound is no 1, and in that respect 17 inch offers more than 16 inch (at the same model). Choose the model that offers you the most comfort. Amplification is much more easy to correct afterwards if you are not happy with what you got. floaters are better to keep the acoustic sound best. Any hole in the soundboard should be avoided. BJB, 12 pole KA, or whatever, is just secondary.
I am so happy for you that you have decided a guitar made for you. Must be so exiting....happy days MSpread
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Since it's an acoustic, I'd go 17" and skip the pickup.
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Whatever you choose you're bound to change your mind to favor the other one sooner or later.
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If you are torn between a humbucker or single coil sound, you might consider a unbalanced humbucker as the coils when split won't sound too thin. Lindy Fralin calls his version: "The Unbucker", but I'm certain Mr. Biltoft can make one as well.
A push/pull tone or volume pot will eliminate the need for a separate coil-tap switch.
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