The AGF "All things acoustic archtop" thread

backdrifter · #1 03-09-2012, 02:07 PM

There aren't a whole lot of threads dedicated to acoustic archtops around here. This is understandable, since flat tops are quite a bit more common these days (and don't get me wrong, I love flat tops). But, I think it would be cool to have a master thread for acoustic archtop lovers. I envision a thread where people can and do post all things related to archtops - photos of their own, photos of "dream guitars", videos of people playing acoustic archtops, etc.

So, I'll start. I've owned a lot of archtops, but these are the only ones that I would characterize as true acoustic archtops.

My first ever, and Eastman AR904. Lovely instrument, and I'm still not sure why I sold it (that seems to be the case for me a lot - typically due to GAS-induced infatuation over some other instrument):

Next came the Bourgeois LC-4. This guitar was amazingly beautiful and sounded fantastic, but for some reason I never could mesh with the neck, which seemed a bit too big (wide, across the fretboard) to me:

Next came a wonderful 1933 Gibson L7. This was the 16" Loar body style and varied from an early 16" L5 only by the neck material (mahogany), the less figured back and sides, and the decorative appointments. It had been refinished some time ago but looked brand new. And played amazingly. It was so, so light, and very, very responsive. I've bought and sold many guitars, and this is one of the few I now regret parting with:

This is my current archtop - a Benedetto Frank Vignola Standard. I had been looking for one for quite some time, and just recently found a collector selling one on Gbase. I'm really enjoying it, though sadly, it hasn't made me sound or play like Frank

So there, hopefully that will help kick this thread off. Feel free to share anything you've got - pictures, videos, stories, anecdotes... as long as they have to do with acoustic archtops!

backdrifter · #2 03-10-2012, 02:21 PM

No archtop junkies around today?

Anand00028 · #3 03-10-2012, 03:17 PM

Here's my latest:

1944 Epiphone Zenith

jazzbobh · #4 03-10-2012, 08:27 PM

i used to own one of those Bourgeois LC-4 archtops.
after looking at your pictures, i am wondering why the hell did i sell it
LOL

bob

bohemian · #5 03-10-2012, 08:40 PM

I've owned a few archtops including L-48 and L-50.. none currently but looking.

I prefer non electric non cutaway.

Really like the L-7 models.

That Benedetto Vignola is a knock out.

I am partial to Epiphones.

jpbat · #6 03-10-2012, 08:49 PM

Humble owner of a 805 Eastman. In action here.

This is my first archtop. Not much to compare.

gitnoob · #7 03-10-2012, 09:21 PM

Just got my first recently, but it's a project. Hope to have strings on it soon.

Kitchen Guitars · #8 03-10-2012, 09:43 PM

I have a bunch to share but I guess Solar Flares are working on my internet and I can't get Photobucket to open. So, I will be back with photo's.
I just put photo's in the Custom section. A post about Erich Solomon. I posted photo's of the Koa / Sitka Solomon I owned. Wow, what a guitar.
I have a great old Harmony Broadway with a Dearmond Pickup.
Some past toys I have photo's of;
A dead mint 47 ES175. NO Crazing. I was petrified of it. I did not want to leave the first mark. So I sold it To an eager buyer for $600 more than I paid for it.

A Harmony Monterey- Stunning. But, with a boat for a neck. No truss rod. Too many projects. She moved on. A Sylvia (Kay) with a Maple fret board and Ruby markers. She will shine again one day. Right now her neck is everywhere.
Collecting the old ones can be frustrating. Many were made in factories where the Humidity was right 2 days a year.

JoeCharter · #9 03-10-2012, 09:48 PM

Wow, that's a nice Bourgeois, backdrifter!

I don't play it very often but here's my L5:

Teleplucker · #10 03-11-2012, 02:00 AM

I have owned quite a few. This is one of my favorites, an Oval Hole archtop built by Steve Andersen. He's a great builder and a nice guy to deal with. This one is dated 9/19/97. I ordered the guitar with 1 3/4 inch nut width.
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Anand00028 · #11 03-11-2012, 05:50 AM

Quote: JPbat:

"Humble owner of a 805 Eastman. In action here."

Awesome tone and playing,Jean-Paul.

Inspiring for sure!

Howard Emerson · #12 03-11-2012, 05:57 AM

My 1927 Gibson L-5

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HE

Kitchen Guitars · #13 03-11-2012, 06:06 AM

Some stunners. I really like that L5!

ES125

Harmony Broadway. I am not sure if the pick up was a factory option or aftermarket.

Harmony Monterey. Like many of the old Archtops her neck looked like a Banana.
But, what a looker!

Markers from "Sylvia"

Here are photo's of the Koa Solomon I had a few years ago. What a great guitar!

backdrifter · #14 03-11-2012, 08:29 AM

Wow, some gorgeous instruments indeed! I'll take one of each!

Howard, your L5 is just off the charts - love it!

That Solomon is drop dead gorgeous (of course), and I like the 1934 L5 RI and the Epis as well. I've never played one, but I've heard more than one well respected player say that the vintage Epiphones were actually better than their Gibson counterparts. Sign me up for a few of those as well!

Umanov Guitars currently has a Collings AT17 for sale. It's not cheap by any means ($11.9K), but it's the lowest I've seen one go for. I have to keep reminding myself that the Benedetto is more guitar than I could ever need, and was MUCH cheaper than that gorgeous Collings!

backdrifter · #15 03-11-2012, 08:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jazzbobh

i used to own one of those Bourgeois LC-4 archtops.
after looking at your pictures, i am wondering why the hell did i sell it
LOL

bob

Any pictures to share, Bob? I agree - when I look at the photos I have of mine, I start to get nostalgic too. They really are beautiful instruments, aren't they?