#16
|
|||
|
|||
Not sure about top 5 but I have my Holst solid top / laminate back and sides and if I had to do it again I would still choose Steve - a bargain for the money and a great guy.
|
#17
|
|||
|
|||
I think that Steve Gilchrist of mandolin fame is definitely in my top handful.
I also love CB Hill's work, although he's below the usual radar. D'Aquisto was a genius, exceeded perhaps only by his mentor D'Angelico. So that's four. Round it out at five, by adding a Monteleone I played recently that was the equal of anything. And I'd like to add Kim Walker, but that would be on instinct only as I have not played his archtops, just his flattops. |
#18
|
|||
|
|||
Quote:
Perhaps that will change if I'm ever lucky enough to find myself with one of each in the same room so I can compare! I think I have a greater chance of winning the lottery!
__________________
Life is good! |
#19
|
|||
|
|||
Just to contribute the thoughts of another....
A few years ago, I purchased a Benedetto Frank Vignola Standard signature guitar from an optometrist in Ohio. He was a very interesting gentleman, and I wish we had had more time to converse. He seemed to have quite the collection. He had also owned a Benedetto Frank Vignola Deluxe (similar to the one that I bought, but with maple/German combo). He also owned the Benedetto Satin Doll (do a search if interested, it is currently for sale), a gorgeous parlor sized Golden Period instrument built by Bob himself. He also owned a Monteleone, among many others that I can't remember. He said unequivocally, his favorite archtop that he had ever played was his Steve Grimes guitar. I've never played a Grimes or even seen one in person, but after hearing that I will go out of my way to try one if I ever have the chance. Very interesting indeed!
__________________
Life is good! |
#20
|
|||
|
|||
Quote:
|
#21
|
|||
|
|||
Quote:
|
#22
|
|||
|
|||
Lucky me that I can comment on these!
Quote:
Quote:
As a side note, I really respect Benedetto for all the archtop evangelizing he has done, he has had a very positive influence. But I have never played one of his guitars that really moved me. But I acknowledge that what we all like is pretty personal and subjective. No doubt that he is greatest marketing guy in the history of archtops. Last edited by Archtop Guy; 04-29-2014 at 09:29 AM. |
#23
|
|||
|
|||
Quote:
If you want to compare, there's no better place than Rudy's Soho on Broome Street in New York City. |
#24
|
|||
|
|||
Quote:
|
#25
|
|||
|
|||
Quote:
|
#26
|
|||
|
|||
I'd say it would be a shame to leave out Dave Schneider of Woodstock, (Bearsville) NY. http://www.schneiderguitars.com
Taught by D'Aquisto, dave has almost 50 years in and is going strong. |
#27
|
|||
|
|||
I would add Jim Triggs out in Kansas.
__________________
"You start off playing guitars to get girls & end up talking with middle-aged men about your fingernails" - Ed Gerhard |
#28
|
||||
|
||||
Have not been lucky enough to play a D'aquisto but I have owned two Andersen archtops. I still own an Anderson oval hole archtop. I am very impressed by his work and I think he continues to come up with new innovations for the archtop world.
I would also really like to play a Ken Parker archtop.
__________________
My YouTube Page |
#29
|
|||
|
|||
Quote:
He hasn't taken deposits for any orders since 2006. Quote:
__________________
Ceci n'est pas une pipe bebe. Youtube France (Film Musique & Fantomas) --- Guitars: (2007) big Vietnamese archtop; (1997) Guild F65ce, (1988) Guild D60, (1972) Guild D25, two other Vietnamese flat-tops and one classical. |
#30
|
|||
|
|||
I played this Mark Lacy archtop today at Gryphon Stringed Instruments:
Lacy Orpheus Feather weight, responsive to soft or hard touch, beautiful. Even reasonably priced. Top of the mark quality. I'm surprised Mark hasn't been on anyone's list yet. |