Carved top vs. Flat Top

[nightfall]

I'm a bit of an amateur luthier and I started a line of guitars with a design I came up with, first off I'll post more pics later but pictured here is the new Padauk guitar body I've just finished carving. It will feature a floyd, maple neck, and ebony fretboard as well as a Jb, Pearly Gates, and a P90 stacked. One volume one tone, five-way switching, and gold hardware. Thoughts?

 

[CTN]

Re: Carved top vs. Flat Top

with curves like that, it's begging for a carved top.

Welcome aboard btw!

 

[nightfall]

Re: Carved top vs. Flat Top

Thanks! Good to be here! The padauk just looks gorgeous, cant wait to finish it!

 

[GuitarDoc]

Re: Carved top vs. Flat Top

I'm still trying to figure out those cut-outs. And what's with those parallel cuts in the top in the last pic?

 

[Agileguy_101]

Re: Carved top vs. Flat Top

I can't give a fair assessment without at least average quality pictures of both bodies in the same position and lighting.

 

[Christopher Caruana]

Re: Carved top vs. Flat Top

Id do carved top. But not as carved as a LP top. Little less subtle

Id do: Maple neck, ebony board w/ either 12 inch radius or compound 12 - 16inch, Floyd (flush), one vol, one tone, 3 way switch, '59/C bridge, PG neck. Call it a day

 

[nightfall]

Re: Carved top vs. Flat Top

I'm still trying to figure out those cut-outs. And what's with those parallel cuts in the top in the last pic?

The reason for the cuts there on the top are to make carving easier. First i rout the top in steps to form a slope then blend them together with a belt sander. As for the cutouts, the one on the bottom is weight reducing and that hole will get routed all the way through so you can see through the guitar. Apologies for the picture quality, I unfortunately dont have a fantastic camera.

Also, heres some more pictures. This time im recarving the heel to match the body, and also putting in abalone side dots.

 

[GuitarDoc]

Re: Carved top vs. Flat Top

The reason for the cuts there on the top are to make carving easier. First i rout the top in steps to form a slope then blend them together with a belt sander. As for the cutouts, the one on the bottom is weight reducing and that hole will get routed all the way through so you can see through the guitar. Apologies for the picture quality, I unfortunately dont have a fantastic camera.

Also, heres some more pictures. This time im recarving the heel to match the body, and also putting in abalone side dots. View attachment 47714View attachment 47715View attachment 47716

OK. I got ya. Seems to me like it would be easier to freehand the carved top.

Keep us updated on your progress. Very interesting. Nice looking chunk of wood.

 

[SirJackdeFuzz]

Re: Carved top vs. Flat Top

with curves like that, it's begging for a carved top.

Welcome aboard btw!

Have to agree . . .


. . . and Welcome to the Duncan Forums !

 

[nightfall]

Re: Carved top vs. Flat Top

. . . and Welcome to the Duncan Forums ![/QUOTE]

thanks! Good to be here

 

[Falloffthebonetone]

Re: Carved top vs. Flat Top

I second the 59/C hybrid PG combo.

 

[nightfall]

Re: Carved top vs. Flat Top

I second the 59/C hybrid PG combo.

I do love the sound of the hybrid, but i allready have the JB, Money is key!

 

[nightfall]

Re: Carved top vs. Flat Top

Just a Little update on my Padauk Build! I did a partial fret job today because I ran out of fretwire :17: But not to fear more is on the way! I also clamped the neck to let the glue set and I fine sanded the neck with 220 grit to get it ready for some Tung oil. The body will also get sanded down to 220 after it gets routed for the floyd and the pickups!

 

[Gearjoneser]

Re: Carved top vs. Flat Top

There's a few good options there.

JB/P-90, PG/P-90, or a single P-90 bridge with a cool black pickguard.

 

[nightfall]

Re: Carved top vs. Flat Top

Neck came out nicely bonded, but I will have to do a bit of sanding to make it look nice. The heel feels great even rough. There is such great upper fret access! Easy access all the way up to the 24th fret! Can't wait to get the floyd routed in and tonight I'll be trick or treating with the kids so I don't know if I'll get that done tonight.