Archtop Acoustics!!!

[danglybanger]

Are hard to find.

But look cool.

How do they sound compared to a flattop? in general. I'm bored with flattops, and never been quite comfortable with an acoustic.

Post pics of prettye ones, or just cheap ones that might be in my budget... I'm thinking old pawn shop 50s harmonys and the like go for cheap...

anything new? I'm talking straight up acoustic. No pickups.

 

[larry_emder]

Re: Archtop Acoustics!!!

I'm thinking of getting one too.

 

[Guest]

Re: Archtop Acoustics!!!

 

[Mike M.]

Re: Archtop Acoustics!!!

Are archtop acoustics even made anymore? As mentioned, the straight up acoustic ones. I haven't seen one in a music store in ages. I think the last time I even saw someone playing one was about 30 years ago!!

 

[Zhangliqun]

Re: Archtop Acoustics!!!

Bob Benedetto used to make them, but since they're about $35,000 each, that's out. They're still out there being made, just not as many as 50 years ago. I'll Google for it...

 

[Zhangliqun]

Re: Archtop Acoustics!!!

I was thinking there wouldn't be any for under $3,000, but apparently Gretsch is making some budget ones:

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Gretsch-Guitars-G100-Archtop-Acoustic-Guitar?sku=517748

 

[Zhangliqun]

Re: Archtop Acoustics!!!

Apparently Gibson still makes some from time to time. Here's an L7:

http://www.privatereserveguitars.co...oustic-Archtop-Guitar-518939-i1150292.guitars

EDIT: And a smaller builder who specializes in them:

http://www.laceyguitars.com/

Couldn't find any pricing though I'm sure they ain't cheap. Anyway, they're out there and can be found. (Isn't the 'net great?)

 

[Zhangliqun]

Re: Archtop Acoustics!!!

And finally, here's a good place to find some more makers and brands:

http://www.archtop.com/ac_inst.html

 

[larry_emder]

Re: Archtop Acoustics!!!

They aint given 'em away are they.

 

[Mike M.]

Re: Archtop Acoustics!!!

They aint given 'em away are they.

No, they're not. Actually, after looking at the pic's I think they're pretty classy looking! Can't help but wonder if the acoustic archtop is one of those things that's "had it's day" so to speak.

But you know what would happen if the next hero happened to be playing one, don't ya? Instant revival!

 

[Bludave]

Re: Archtop Acoustics!!!

https://forum.seymourduncan.com/showthread.php?t=83174&highlight=Mirabella

Cris makes some awesome guitars. But basically Archtops tend to respond a tad slower than a flattop. They have kind of like a reverb. The sustain is different. The sound pushes off the back more so than a flatop. This makes the sound a little bigger and a lot louder. Most archtops (not all) have a longer scale, typically they are 25.5". The Gibson 175 was the first Archtop made by Gibson that had a 24.75" scale. They are usually made out of woods that would be brighter than traditionally used for a flattop. European maple is one tone wood that a lot of archtop builders like due to its crisp response.