Official Luthiers Forum!

Hi gang, I'm starting an archtop.

As it's a first attempt at a lot of techniques such as binding a neck I'm going to take my time on this one ..... yeah, right!!

As usual I'm doing it on the cheap and using three blocks of spruce bracing I got from Madinter for pennies glued together to make a 3 piece top.

(I haven't decided for definite yet, but I MAY do a flat back rather than arching it.... depends on how good the top turns out I guess)

so, when making flat tops, I leave the top an inch or so too big to allow for trimming once it's fitted to the rim.

Do I do the same on an archtop?

and for supporting the arch when carving/sanding....... obviously it won't lie flat on a table like a flat top, so what do I do? a beanbag?

any suggestions gratefully recieved!!

_________________
My soundclick xx luthier blog xx luthier soundclick

I strongly suggest you obtain Bob Benedettos Archtop building book..........it'll answer these and the many other questions you may have. Specifically, I make my plates only about 1/8" bigger than the pattern, and flush-trim after ass'y. This also allows me to route a 3/16" thick ledge around the perimeter, which provides a datum for later arching and recurve carving. For holding, I use a jig, which holds the plates & later, the body. (It's shown in this thread viewtopic.php?f=10101&t=18766&start=0&st=0&sk=t&sd=a)

_________________
Dave
Milton, ON

I 100% agree with Dave. Get the book! It really covers the entire spectrum. With your current flat top skills and the book, you will be able to do most of this fairly easy.

PS: there a few great Archtop builders on this side (like Dave Stewart!). Don't hesitate to ask questions.

Joe

_________________
Joe

Thanks guys, yeah I have the book, but the plans includedare sketchy to say the least, and without buying the DVDs there are holes in the process that you could drive a truck through!!

_________________
My soundclick xx luthier blog xx luthier soundclick

I just posted pics of the sunburst I sprayed on #1. This was built using the book and asking questions here. Good luck!

Joe

_________________
Joe

Martin, there are pictures of Benedetto's plate carving fixture in the book.

_________________
Rian Gitar og Mandolin

Provided you're prepared to think things through, there's more than enough info to get you successfully to the other end (particularly with flattop experience). I made my first with the book only, before I discovered forums!
Most operations can be done in several ways....he'll suggest one or two & leave you to it. (eg binding steps... I'll bet VERY few do it his way.) Since Cremona, plates have been held MANY ways, from on the lap or in a shallow box full of shavings on up to "full pretzel" fixtures.
If you're the type who likes to see something demonstrated before taking a crack, maybe the DVDs (although I haven't seen them) are the thing for you. Bottom line for me is, if I don't understand it...it's MY FAULT....& try to do the homework 'till I DO understand it before asking questions.

_________________
Dave
Milton, ON

me?

Nah, I'm very much a "wing it" kind of guy, just wanted a little clarification!!
M

_________________
My soundclick xx luthier blog xx luthier soundclick