Archtop Guitar Design and Construction
By master luthier Robert Benedetto, renowned jazz guitar craftsman.
Ever wanted to make an archtop guitar? Now you can learn from a true master, Bob Benedetto, renowned jazz guitar craftsman. This is the definitive set on carved-top guitarmaking.
SAVE when you order the Book and DVD Set!
"I know of no other work offering comprehensive step by step coverage of the making of an acoustic jazz guitar." —George Gruhn
"This book is for everyone who loves woodworking, loves guitars, appreciates artistry, and believes that organic materials like spruce, maple and ebony can only achieve their highest function through the hands of a craftsman." —Howard Paul
"I can think of no one more knowledgeable and qualified to share his years of expertise than master luthier Robert Benedetto." —Dick Boak
THE definitive book on carved-top guitarmaking—a best seller!
Learn about wood selection, tap-tuning and plate graduation; tools and fixtures; bracing; and finishing techniques. Each step in construction is fully described, with detailed illustrations and fine photography (special color photos of Bob's guitars, too).
New 2nd edition includes new illustrations and photos, updated information on neck reinforcements and side bending, plus a brand new 24-page color section. Bob now includes scaled-down drawings which can be enlarged to full-sized working pattern for the body outline, arching templates, plus top and back carving contour maps. 298 pages, softcover—including 24 color pages and 4 tear-outs.
Get your templates direct from the master!
We teamed with Benedetto to make clear acrylic versions of the Benedetto Archtop Guitar Templates used in this book. It's never been easier to lay out the neck, top, back, and precisely carve of all curves and contours.
"The templates have been faithfully reproduced by StewMac and will serve as a time saver while tooling and preparing to make your own guitar."—Bob Benedetto
Contents in brief
Wood selection
Making the body mold
Carving the top and back plates
Cutting F-holes
Top bracing and side bending
Neckblock and tailblock construction
Gluing the back to the top and sides
Cutting the mortise
Binding the body
Scraping the recurve
Making and fitting the neck
Fret dressing
Fitting the nut
Finishing
The fittings: tailpiece, bridge, fingerrest, truss rod cover and tuners
Final setup
4-Disc DVD Set—over 9 hours of instruction from a master!
The classroom format begins with wood selection, tap-tuning and handcarving of the plates. F-holes and unique archtop bracings are examined. Traditional tools and fixtures are demonstrated alongside modern machinery. Side bending, binding, neck construction, inlaying, fretting, finishing and setup are detailed.
Bonus material! This DVD edition includes Focusing On Bridges and Tailpieces, Bob's 80-minute examination of archtop guitar bridge and tailpiece design, and its effect on playability and sound.
This series was edited by Ed Benson, publisher of Just Jazz Guitar magazine.
These DVDs are not "region-specific," and are intended for worldwide use.