Does Anybody Make a Round Soundhole Archtop?

[solomonguitars]

Danny, Thanks so much for always saying kind things about my work. I agree Aaron does beautiful work too! That is the crazy thing, there are just so many builders making great looking instruments that sound even better than they look. It is lucky for the builders that there are so many great players to utilize what we do. Play on!

[drcmusic7]

Originally Posted by solomonguitars

Danny, Thanks so much for always saying kind things about my work. I agree Aaron does beautiful work too! That is the crazy thing, there are just so many builders making great looking instruments that sound even better than they look. It is lucky for the builders that there are so many great players to utilize what we do. Play on!

Hey Erich,

It's good to see you here. I'm happy to talk about our guitars, I mean it, you build great guitars! When I decide to order an archtop, you're the one i'm going to call.

Hope you're well!

Kindly,
Danny

[solomonguitars]

While I have never built a truly round hole archtop I could easily and happily do so. In my mind oval or round hole guitars are acoustically superior to f-hole guitars because you have not decreased the vibrating surface of the lower bout by cutting into it. I believe this contributes especially to a more responsive bass which augments the typical mid-range produced by most archtops.
Here are several pics of three different guitars I have made.

[Dr. Jazz]

Steve Andersen in Seattle makes a world class carved Archtop w/ a round hole. http://www.andersenguitars.com/

[Taylorplayer]

Originally Posted by Howard Klepper

A couple I've built, if oval hole is OK.

Mr. Klepper -- as I have said before, one day I am going to ask you to build a guitar for me. Those two are really something!

[zabdart]

I know Gibson farmed out its Howard Roberts model to Epiphone back in the 90's. I'm not sure if Epiphone still makes them, but there are some out there.

[Mark L]

I'm not usually one to gush, but holy smokes, that Solomon slothead model above makes me want to start selling some stuff! Wow!!!

It's an interesting juxtaposition of designs too - the Kleppers and Solomons, I mean. Would love to get in a quiet room with those. Thanks for posting those pics. ML.

[Archtop Guy]

I played oval hole archtops by both Aaron Andrews and Erich Solomon at last year's Healdsburg festival. Sat and talked to both guys for quite a while too. It would be hard for me to choose between them, both were great guitars.

Don't know your price range, but I wouldn't discount either the Loar or the Eastman, as I've played nice examples of each of those too. IMO you get slightly more than you pay for with both of those, they're great value, but of course they are still low cost factory-made guitars. The Andrews and Solomon are in another world of quality, beauty, and tone.

[guildmann]

beautiful looking archtop Howard... bet it sounds nice !!!

Rob

[Teleplucker]

Steve Andersen makes one
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[Taylorplayer]

Originally Posted by Howard Klepper

A couple I've built, if oval hole is OK.

I've posted on this earlier, but I must say it again: That is a very striking looking guitar... maybe, just maybe - one of these days.

[J.R. Rogers]

The oval soundhole looks classy IMO..

This is my Andrews 'Eclipse'

[iim7V7IM7]

Both Bob Benedetto and Ryan Thorell make oval holed archtops as well. I also think a D-hole (grand bouche) gypsy guitar (as suggested by Jeff) from a luthier like Shelley Park or Bernie Lehmann is worth investigating.

[LegatoLuthier]

I have made oval hole archtops both in my 16" Session Model (pictured below as a 5 string plectrum) and in my 17" Contempo Model as a 7string. They characteristically have a tone with fuller overtones leaning toward a flattop, but still plenty of bite for chomping. They are cool models. This is my first post, and hopefully the photos will work...heh, heh.

[iim7V7IM7]

The images posted AOK.

Welcome to AGF Bernie



Bob