Gillander Guitars - Archtop Build

[GillanderGuitars]

Yup, Orville Gibson’s original guitars were pretty interesting for sure. Lloyd Loar further refined the design applying violinesque construction to guitars and mandolins. This is a picture of one of Gibson’s first archtops. Note that the top and back plates are carved much differently than more modern archtops.

[colins]

Originally Posted by Bluemonk

You can blame Orville Gibson, the namesake of the Gibson guitar company, for that.

Thanks for that, I'd completely forgotten about OG. I've got an old book on the history of Gibson somewhere. Must be time to read it again!

[GillanderGuitars]

Here are a few shots as the top and back were attached to the rim.

[GillanderGuitars]

Going for very clean maple binding with rosewood purfling on the sides and a black/white scheme on the top and back.

[GillanderGuitars]

Installed the endgraft. Spalted maple framed in rosewood. Also added a bone saddle to protect the edge from the cello cable that will hold the tailpiece in place.

[kirkham13]

Stunning beauty in that carved body- looks like fun.

[GillanderGuitars]

Cutting the neck joint. The neck fit is 80% there. Once the neck is assembled and carved I’ll finish the job.

[mhw48]

Originally Posted by GillanderGuitars

Cutting the neck joint. The neck fit is 80% there. Once the neck is assembled and carved I’ll finish the job.

Oh man! Just looking at those two first photos makes me anxious! Sawing into that beautifully built archtop body! Whew!

[GillanderGuitars]

Originally Posted by mhw48

Oh man! Just looking at those two first photos makes me anxious! Sawing into that beautifully built archtop body! Whew!

Always helps to take a deep breath and think, “What could go wrong…” There is something Nightmare on Elm Street-ish about the saw sitting there. It takes longer to cut by hand, but it’s a little less nerve wracking than going in with a router. Routers work well but it’s very satisfying to sneak up on where you need to be with a sharp chisel.

[GillanderGuitars]

Have to say, I’m not the best at keeping up with posting what I’m working on. Here’s a little update as to where this archtop is at. The neck is very roughly carved. The neck joint is dialed in pretty close. The headstock is bound. All in all, it’s getting there.