Who makes acoustic archtops for under $5500?

[greenchimneys]

Hello all,

I am considering saving up for a nice acoustic archtop guitar, but would like to get an idea of whats available for between about $4000 and $5500, preferably from custom makers. I have no desire to get a vintage or used guitar or to spend more than that on a guitar. There must be some custom builders building archtops for around this price, but I'm having a hard time finding alot in that sweet spot.

I should add that I want NO pickups/electronics on the guitar and am particularly interested in the 18" body size and options in colors/finishes.

Thanks! You guys are always helpful!

[Bluemonk]

Mark Campellone makes exquisite acoustic archtops. His standard series is priced well within your budget, and he makes no compromises in sound and craftsmanship.

[mr. beaumont]

More of a small shop than a one man show, but you can get a lot of guitar from Heritage for 5k.

[Diamond Dave]

Why is your primary criterion price? Do you have to have a custom build?

http://www.theloar.com/products/arch...stic-lh-700-vs

[Tony Burns]

This is a good site for Archtops -Ive heard some nice things about Eastman archtops think their in the 3-4 grand range -they also have some really nice old archtops from some of the better builders -

http://guitarsnjazz.com/

[mr. beaumont]

Check out archtop.com too.

[ocmcook]

save some real money and look at the loar. great sound, great look, hand carved front back and sides right at $1000. they have a cheaper version with a carved top only around $600.

[brahmz118]

When I got my archtop I wanted something similar - 18", no electronics, $5000 or less. Ended up with a Verri and couldn't be happier, though unfortunately he's not building anymore:



Bernie Lehmann builds archtops in your price range:



I have not played one, but I own one of his gypsy jazz guitars and it's outstanding - it has more cutting power than any of my non-resonators.

[greenchimneys]

Thanks for the replies!

Why the price? I want the good stuff now. The last guitar I'll ever need or want. American made small shop or custom built. I've spent all my time on sub $1500 factory built guitars and want something NICE but have no desire to spend more than that. I just feel spending much more on a guitar is paying for a name (Benedetto?) and is excessive.

By the way, that Verri looks incredible! Too bad he's no longer building...

[mr. beaumont]

Originally Posted by ocmcook

save some real money and look at the loar. great sound, great look, hand carved front back and sides right at $1000. they have a cheaper version with a carved top only around $600.

I own a Loar. Cool guitar. But why shy the OP away from a lifer...archtops aren't just a novelty instrument.

that Verri is pretty much perfect, IMHO.

[sfden1]

Originally Posted by greenchimneys

T. I just feel spending much more on a guitar is paying for a name (Benedetto?) and is excessive.

There's much more to a Benedetto than just the name. Money well spent, imo.

[Larry Pattis]

I highly recommend Steve Holst.

This links to his "standard series" which starts well below your figure, even with the solid-carved top/back instruments.

EDIT to add pic:

[Glennwillow]

Oh, I like that Steve Holst, Larry! Very nice!

- Glenn

[mr. beaumont]

Holst just made a guitar for a cat I know on jazzguitar.be...it's absolutley stunning.
I'll try find a picture without the guy holding it, it'd be weird if he saw his face here!

[Fred]

Check out Ted Megas in Portland, OR. Not sure if you can get one for $5,500, but it would get you close. (Negotiate, perhaps?) He's a terrific builder and good person.