[iim7V7IM7]

Thanks for sharing your guitars and stories...:-)

Archtops, like flat tops represent a fairly broad spectrum of instruments producing a diverse set of timbres. They excel at different things than flat tops do. Most posess superb string-to-string balance, some have the ability to cut and project and some maintain their tonal character in the upper registers.

They are typically, 16”, 17” or 18” (some will differ), either parallel braced or x-braced, f-holed or oval holed, use differing spruces, top carve and recurve release, differing maples (or other woods like mahogany as well), metal or wooden tailpieces and bridges all combine to produce a spectrum of results.

Acoustically, I like to play them with either 80/20 or Monel strings.

I don’t talk much about my archtops on this site because it is so flat top focused. I have two and enjoy them very much. In fact, I actually have 2 flat top instruments with carved backs which makes them operate a bit differently than an arched, ladder braced flat top.