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#1
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Whether you've got a vintage heirloom or a less expensive workhorse, let's see your archtops and hear about how you use them!
Here's my Godin 5th Avenue Kingpin, resting up between takes. I bought a Tune-O-Matic bridge for when I use an unwound G-string; otherwise I use the stock TUSQ version. The single P-90 is sublime -- it can nail the rolled-off-trebles jazz tone and some lowdown greazy blues grit with equal aplomb. ![]() Not sure why, but the archtop's F-hole design is visually very appealing to me -- the tone is just icing on the cake! Let's see yours! |
#2
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I would show you mine but it is on back order. My fifth avenue kingpin ii should be here by Christmas. First one. Looking forward to it.
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#3
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![]() Heritage 575 Godin Kingpin 1950's Kay Loves me some archtop! |
#4
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Wow. How do I get to be an archtop kinda guy? If, at the moment, I am a Doc Watson/John Hurt/John Fahey kinda guy?
Should I do it in another life? |
#5
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No! Sign up now.
For the record, I love Doc and Fahey too. |
#6
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Been playing archtops since 1962 - not set up for pics but here are some of the more memorable ones that have passed through my hands:
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"I've never wished a man dead, but I have read some obituaries with great pleasure." - Mark Twain |
#7
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Well, derp -- 'cause I didn't realize there was one! Mods, feel free to move it!
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#8
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double post
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2019 Martin 000-15SM 2018 Farida OT-25VBS 2007 Gretsch Americana "Sundown Seranade" ...and a bunch of nice electrics too |
#9
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Here's my '64 Kay Speed Demon which, despite being a thinline electric guitar made of plywood, actually has a very strong acoustic voice. I think the rosewood bridge has a lot to do with that.
It's also my favorite electric guitar, I like it better than some much more valuable electrics that I own. The chunky, soft-V neck feels great! ![]()
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2019 Martin 000-15SM 2018 Farida OT-25VBS 2007 Gretsch Americana "Sundown Seranade" ...and a bunch of nice electrics too |
#10
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![]() Quote:
Lovely. I wish I could play jazz.
__________________
2019 Martin 000-15SM 2018 Farida OT-25VBS 2007 Gretsch Americana "Sundown Seranade" ...and a bunch of nice electrics too |
#11
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I was too - the transition is seamless. I've got a Kingpin with a single neck P90 that has become my acoustic guitar, and served as the gateway drug for getting back into electric guitar after decades of playing a D size flat top. Some nickel round wound 0.13's will make a Kingpin just wake up. The unplugged Kingpin works well along with another player on a flat top. They have a different sound and blend together nicely.
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#12
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![]() Quote:
If you haven't tried it amplified with flatwounds, you should -- magical tone! |
#13
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I keep one guitar with flatwounds now, and one with Monels (the Kingpin)
Flatwounds are the sound of the 50's, but if you want that Charlie Christian vibe, it's gotta be rounds! (Early Jimmy Raney too) |
#14
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I get a more than passable "early British Invasion" tone from flatwounds, as well -- would be better on a Gretsch or Rickenbacker, of course!
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#15
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This guitar was a gift from a friend. Here's the story behind it. It was built by two friends returning from WWII. It is made of butternut, which is sometimes referred to as white walnut. It has a unique shallow-bowl-shaped inner baffle. On the inside are the signatures of the two builders, the date (4/15/45), and some bible verses. The day my friend gave it to me was 4/15/18, exactly 73 years from the build date.
I use it as a "couch guitar" because it is comfortable to hold and play. It is not loud, and has a thin tone, so I doubt I will ever use it to perform. ![]() |