Custom Archtop in the $5-10k Range?

[iim7V7IM7]

Hi,

I wanted to ask the forum if you had a budget of $5-10k to have a custom 16” archtop (17" are just too uncomfortable for my back) built for low volume, home play 90% of the time (60% amplified/ 40% acoustic) for solo jazz chord melody which builders and models would you suggest I look into and why? The 5 luthiers that come to mind in this price range for me are:

1. Steve Anderson – Standard Archtop Model 16’
2. Mark Campellone – 16” Deluxe
3. Bill Comins – 16” Concert Archtop
4. Bill Moll - Classic Custom 16”
5. Dale Unger – American Legend 16”

My experience over the last 11 years has been with my Heritage Sweet 16 which I really still like. I am looking for superior acoustic responsiveness unplugged and a number of aesthetic / feel preferences at this point. I am also interested in seeing if there are any floating pick-ups that sound good (I swapped my floater for a full-sized on my Heritage about 3 –years ago) either by Kent Armstrong or Jason Lollar that sound anywhere near a full size HB in tone.

Between these luthiers (or please suggest others), who would you choose for someone in my playing situation and why? Are there differences in their build styles bracing etc. that would make you think of one over another?

Thanks,

Bob

[drive-south]

You can get the 16" Bill Collings archtop in this range if you can find one.

http://www.themusicemporium.com/prod...16-blonde.html

Why must it be custom made? Any chance you could buy one off the rack if you can find a dealer with a big selection?

[Larry Pattis]

I recommend checking out the guitars of Stephen Holst and Aaron Andrews.

[backdrifter]

I don't think you can go wrong with any of the makers you listed. I'd add Benedetto, Buscarino, Solomon, Megas, Koentopp, and Trenier among plenty of others.

Personally though, I'd look for a nice second hand archtop. Custom archtops seem to take a bigger depreciation hit than other kinds of guitars. Let someone else take that hit.

[The Eristic]

http://redentoreguitars.com/

This is one of the two guys chosen to build the Guild CS Benedettos. Frankly, they're underpriced. I've encountered very few instruments of such exceptional quality.

[jimmy bookout]

I owned a Comins Classic (18" body) for 15 years. It was (is) a great guitar, Bill is a builder of the highest level, and a fine guy as well. You cannot go wrong with one of Bill's guitars. Shoulder issues forced me to sell the guitar a few years ago but I plan to order another Comins one of these days (more like a 16" body this time). Here's my former Comins since no archtop thread is complete without pics:

Jimmy

[drcmusic7]

I'd highly recommend Erich Solomon. www.solomonguitars.com.
Kindly,
Danny

[Pvee]

A shop North of Cincinnati deals in high end archtops and left handed ones also.
They do a lot of mail order business.

http://www.dhrmusic.com/default.aspx

[dchristo]

forum member Brad Goodman builds some beautiful archtops
check out this one

http://www.acousticguitarforum.com/f...hlight=goodman

[Archtop Guy]

I know it's a bit like a "Ford vs. Chevy" thing with everyone weighing in with their heartfelt loyalties, but I'm a big fan of Bryant Trenier.

[Larry Pattis]

Well, it's nice to see a civil discussion with builder's names being mentioned, and no one has tried to use the word "best".

Thank you.

[googoobaby]

Originally Posted by Archtop Guy

I know it's a bit like a "Ford vs. Chevy" thing with everyone weighing in with their heartfelt loyalties, but I'm a big fan of Bryant Trenier.

He does beautiful work. I had a chance to play with one at Dusty Strings in Seattle.

[iim7V7IM7]

Hi,

First off, thanks very much for all of your suggestions. Some of them are a bit off target for what I am after (laminate instruments, some are international transactions and some top-tier priced luthiers which are priced above my budget).

After thinking a bit more about Mark Campellone's instruments, while beautiful; they really appear to be L-5s and his 16" instruments have 24.5" scales.I also was unable to make contact after an email a few days ago and a VM today. I finally received an e-mail this evening.

I was however able to speak with Steve Anderson, Bill Comins, Bill Moll and Dale Unger. All were a delight to speak with, knowledgeable and generous with there time. So two of these luthiers have the advantage of being within driving distance, one is in the Midwest and the other on the West coast. All four of them recommended a 16" instrument and a full 3" in depth.

Here are the instruments that I am considering:

American Archtop (Dale Unger) American Legend
Anderson Model 16
Comins Concert Archtop
Moll Classic Custom
Megas Athena (I need to speak with Ted)

The prices range between $6-$9k for what I am looking for and lead times are between 7 months to 15 months depending on the builder. Have any of you owned or auditioned any of these instruments? All are excellent I am sure, I really need to look into some details to distinguish them.

The local build advantage seems like and attactive aspect to me. Do you think that this is an important factor?

Thanks,

Bob

[Teleplucker]

I have owned two guitars built by Steve Andersen. Very easy person to work with, and his work is second to none.
I traded away one of my Andersens but i still own an Oval hole. Great guitar!
[IMG][/IMG]

[Dr. Jazz]

I love Steve Anderson's guitars. Of all the ones you've mentioned, I think his appeal most to me, though any of the others have a welcome place in my bed - with our without crackers. :-)

Another young builder you might consider is Wyatt Wilkie http://wilkiestringedinstruments.com/
Wyatt carved for Benedetto for a number of years before moving North. I am deeply impressed with his work.