Building an archtop of some sorts

Self built and self assembly ;)

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Re: Building an archtop of some sorts

Post by jeremyb »

Wow! That's looking amazing dude!
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Re: Building an archtop of some sorts

Post by Jay »

Bound the F holes with Ebony. First, cutting strips of ebony, then sawing and sanding them to a workable thickness and then bending them into shape. Followed by glueing, a light dose of swearing, sanding, etc. Pig of a job.

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Re: Building an archtop of some sorts

Post by Jay »

Here a couple of pics showing the three necks I am making. Two are maple and one is Blackwood. All originating from 'home' milled timber.

The maple is actually heavier than the Blackwood. Any suggestions which timber would go best with the Macrocarpa body? (Note, will have ebony fretboard).

Anybody know what difference in toan to expect between maple and blackwood neck?

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Re: Building an archtop of some sorts

Post by Jay »

Some more clear coats to do and then a bit of buffing, but this is how it looks now...

The first photo shows the actual colour best.

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Re: Building an archtop of some sorts

Post by Bg »

That colour is awesome :) Will you ever build another after this? Or have you learned a lesson. I'd love to do an archtop but no patience.
So, is that low alcohol or no alcohol at all? mmmm, no alcohol, do you want to try it? Noooooooooo.

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Re: Building an archtop of some sorts

Post by GrantB »

Looking great!
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Re: Building an archtop of some sorts

Post by Jay »

Bg wrote:That colour is awesome :) Will you ever build another after this? Or have you learned a lesson. I'd love to do an archtop but no patience.
Thanks, I never know with you if you mean it or not :wink: but yes, I am very pleased with the way this orange stain came out. Amazing what a bit of food colouring does!

And yes, I have learned many lessons but it hasn't put me off so far. Seeing the end result is so much more satisfying than making a 'straight plank'.

Anyway, pickups will tell if I have a player or glorified firewood :)
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Re: Building an archtop of some sorts

Post by AiRdAd »

Super impressive
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Re: Building an archtop of some sorts

Post by bender »

Looking good! Have you decided on pickups?

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Re: Building an archtop of some sorts

Post by Bg »

jvpp wrote:
Bg wrote:That colour is awesome :) Will you ever build another after this? Or have you learned a lesson. I'd love to do an archtop but no patience.
Thanks, I never know with you if you mean it or not :wink: but yes, I am very pleased with the way this orange stain came out. Amazing what a bit of food colouring does!

And yes, I have learned many lessons but it hasn't put me off so far. Seeing the end result is so much more satisfying than making a 'straight plank'.

Anyway, pickups will tell if I have a player or glorified firewood :)
? definitely mean it. Loving the colour, no way would I have the patience for this build ;)
So, is that low alcohol or no alcohol at all? mmmm, no alcohol, do you want to try it? Noooooooooo.

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Re: Building an archtop of some sorts

Post by jeremyb »

Wow, looking awesome man!
Slowy wrote: That's the problem; everything rewarding is just such hard work. Regret takes much less effort.

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Re: Building an archtop of some sorts

Post by Jay »

Thanks guys, hopefully one day you can check it out close up. It's then when you notice the unintended relicing :)
bender wrote:Looking good! Have you decided on pickups?
Ben, I think I will try Dynas first just to see how the macrocarpa and neck timbers come together in The Toan. Ultimately I want my own BadLads in to see if this will create a unique 'Toan Beast'.

May need your fingers again for some tests
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Re: Building an archtop of some sorts

Post by Bg »

To be fair, pretty sure that Adrian said he'd never do another after the one he did for Darcy Perry. Took a bloody long time too ;)
So, is that low alcohol or no alcohol at all? mmmm, no alcohol, do you want to try it? Noooooooooo.

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Re: Building an archtop of some sorts

Post by H671 »

Looking good!
Any chance of having it ready to show at the Tronfest?
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Re: Building an archtop of some sorts

Post by Jay »

H671 wrote:Looking good!
Any chance of having it ready to show at the Tronfest?
Sadly I am working again which leaves little time for hobbies. Still need to complete the neck... with ebony fretboard, fretting, shaping, etc.

I'll aim for the next Auckland gear fest.
When faced with quality, I recognise it every time.

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