New Wilkie Acoustic Archtop Build

[AKA]

I commissioned an acoustic archtop from Wyatt Wilkie. I used different materials from the traditional Maple/Spruce back and top. The sides and back are Claro Walnut, and the top is Curly Redwood. I’m using a Mahogany neck, and Rosewood fingerboard. It also features stylized sound-holes and a sound-port on the upper bout.

The instrument will have a Florentine cutaway, 16” lower bout, 3” depth, 1-3/4” neck, and a 25” scale length.

The box will be closed soon. I’ve included a few pictures.

AKA

[339 in june]

It's already very nice as it is shown here. What finish have you chosen ?
Love the f-holes shape

[2bornot2bop]

Nice woods! I love the use of Walnut, which is more common on Classical guitars. Congratulations!

[skykomishone]

Wow. Wilkie is a master!
I've had the opportunity to meet him and his guitars at the La Conner WA Luthier festival. Fantastic.

[AKA]

Wow. Wilkie is a master!
I've had the opportunity to meet him and his guitars at the La Conner WA Luthier festival. Fantastic.

He has been a pleasure to work with - a serious artist, with both humility and a great sense of humor.

AKA

[Mark M.]

Beautiful! I love walnut. Wilkie is an incredible builder.

[AKA]

It's already very nice as it is shown here. What finish have you chosen ?
Love the f-holes shape

Yes. I’m really excited knowing Wilkie’s ability to create something extraordinary with these beautiful materials.

We haven’t yet discussed the finish in depth. I’m thinking a clear lacquer finish.

AKA

[AKA]

Progress photo.

[Hammertone]

Dig the one-piece top.
Walnut is cool - old Epiphone Broadways use walnut; Erich Solomon uses walnut; bunch of other builders as well.

[QAman]

AKA,
The guitar is coming along beautifully. Smart move with the sound port- it makes a huge difference for the player. Keep us posted on progress.

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[AKA]

Steve,

Yes. Once I committed to having it built as a dedicated acoustic archtop, the sound port was a given.

AKA

AKA,
The guitar is coming along beautifully. Smart move with the sound port- it makes a huge difference for the player. Keep us posted on progress.

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[AKA]

Hammertone,

Yes. Given the traditional approach of maple back/spruce top/ebony fingerboard, choosing walnut for the back and sides was a big deal for me. That non-traditional choice led me to further consider, and ultimately choose, an alternative top - in this case the one-piece curly redwood top you noted. As construction progresses I have the occasional “what the heck was I thinking” moment. LOL.

AKA

Dig the one-piece top.
Walnut is cool - old Epiphone Broadways use walnut; Erich Solomon uses walnut; bunch of other builders as well.

[QAman]

Hammertone,

Yes. Given the traditional approach of maple back/spruce top/ebony fingerboard, choosing walnut for the back and sides was a big deal for me. That non-traditional choice led me to further consider, and ultimately choose, an alternative top - in this case the one-piece curly redwood top you noted. As construction progresses I have the occasional “what the heck was I thinking” moment. LOL.

AKA

AKA,
Don't doubt your choices - it will be something different from what you've owned - and you will likely enjoy the outcome. I have a Martin with alternative woods and it's amazing. If all of our guitars sounded the same..... life would be boring. I applaud your choices and look forward to the finished product.

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[AKA]

One-piece Curly Redwood top / Fretboard end flourish.

AKA

[Archie]

Interesting build. A sound port puts acoustic archtops in another league. The player, the owner and person who has to listen to it the most, will get a front row seat, instead of someone else; or more often, an empty room and a music stand.

[rlrhett]

One-piece Curly Redwood top / Fretboard end flourish.

AKA

Redwood top! I built one once. Loved the sound. Don’t play it much for other reasons, but I think a good piece of redwood does a great job in this application.


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[AKA]

Getting closer to completion.

[ccroft]

I like everything about this build. I really dig the more open, bigger Florentine cut for some reason. (as compared to the circular 175 type). I'm more of a Venetian guy, but this looks right to me.

I'm gonna have to go to La Conner one year. Maybe when the VanIsl > Anacortes ferry starts running again, if it does. That's a lovely trip and I'd love to meet some locals.

[Archie]

Interesting neck join. I’ve seen something similar before. Can you explain it more? What is the burl'd wood caps?

[AKA]

Interesting neck join. I’ve seen something similar before. Can you explain it more? What is the burl'd wood caps?

Archie,

Here is a photo of a similar completed design. I’ll defer to Wilkie on the details. I’ll PM his email if you’d like ask him directly.


The burled cap/accents is Amboyna. It’s also used as the headstock faceplate veneer.


AKA

[Mark M.]

Beautiful!

[RJVB]

How much longer until we, pardon, you can hear her?

[AKA]

I like everything about this build. I really dig the more open, bigger Florentine cut for some reason. (as compared to the circular 175 type). I'm more of a Venetian guy, but this looks right to me.

I found this quote from Wilkie regarding the Florentine cutaway shape.

“I came up with [it] many years ago with a customer of mine who wanted it more open, not curled up and tight like Gibson. I love the feel of it, the access to upper frets and I think the look is distinctive.”

AKA

[AKA]

How much longer until we, pardon, you can hear her?

A couple of weeks ago Wilkie said it should be completed in a few weeks. So, I’m assuming sometime in August at the latest. July hopefully.

AKA

[Gregc57]

It's beautiful! I hope it's everything to wanted when it arrives. Keep us in the loop, please!