Making an Archtop Guitar
- 279 Pages
- Published by Centerstream Publications
- Softcover
Product Description
The definitive work on the design and construction of an acoustic archtop guitar by one of the most talented luthiers of the twentieth century. Benedetto walks the reader through all aspects of construction through to marketing your finished work. Includes a list of suppliers to acquire all the tools and materials listed; a list of serial numbers for Benedetto guitars; full-color plates featuring the authorÕs models; photos from the authorÕs personal scrapbook of …
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As an archtop owner and player for nearly thirty years, I would call this book a must read for anyone who is interested in purchasing a vintage archtop or buying a new one. Benedetto leads the reader into a deep appreciation of the painstaking detail that goes into The Making of an Archtop. He describes the level of attention that should be evident on each component of the guitar, and how it effects the player (and the price) in the end. The significance of learning the process of material selection, construction sequencing and design considerations might well lead the reader towards a custom made instrument. This book is a credit to all the independent luthiers out there whose trade is no longer a secret.
Rating: 5 / 5
While I would recommend this book, even to a motivated novice, I would caution those who are hoping that everything will be completely spelled out, and you’ll be warned of all the things that could go wrong. This isn’t an “Idiot’s Guide to Building an Archtop.” Benedetto is a bit vague in some rather crucial areas. That said, it is the best book on the subject. Admittedly, if he were to try to anticipate every wrong turn a reader might make, the book would not read as well. Part of me appreciates his lack of condescension. The other part of me, though, felt unprepared to move forward in a few spots.
I make my living as a woodworker, so I didn’t really have any problems with the carving, joinery or finishing parts, but I imagine that a novice woodworker might run into some trouble. Since this was my first guitar, the more lutherie oriented parts gave me a bit more pause. I don’t think I would have gotten the quality of result that I did without the outside sources to which I referred. The sections on fretwork and set up are, for example, barely adequate. The basic information is there, but there is a dearth of any hints, and I discovered that fretwork and set up are areas in which one needs hints.
Again, I recommend the book, but with the caveat that you’ll want to read more elsewhere.
Rating: 5 / 5
I agree that this book is not for someone who is interested in seriously studying archtop design and construction. But It’s a GREAT book for someone with a little experience under their belt, who wants to try something different. If you want to become the next “Greatest American Luthier”, find a good mentor and apprentice yourself to him/her. If you want to build an archtop, this book is a comprehensive guide that will get you there.
Rating: 5 / 5
I almost didn’t get the book because of the last review by the man who felt the book should have taught him how to tap tune a top. I am affraid in this generation we expect to get it all from books where once we could only learn by sitting at the masters feet. So far I have found alot of help in this book and I recommend it to anyone interested in learning to make a guitar
Rating: 5 / 5
I don’t know who charliem thinks he is, but on the subject of making archtop guitars (amongst others), Benedetto’s book is the most informative of it’s kind. As far as not giving enough info. goes, there is everything one needs to know from go to whoa. If he doesn’t spell it out then it can either be worked out with a little basic math. or it doesn’t effect the overall outcome. It is the best book on archtop guitars and should be in every collection.
Rating: 5 / 5