The Archtop: My last hand tool build

Over the last few years, I've proven to myself that I can build professional quality guitars using only hand tools. I've also come to the realisation that hand tool building, while great for my enjoyment and my ego, brings little benefit to the guitar I'm building.

As I'm taking on my first commissions, my focus is shifting away from hand tool building, and towards building guitars at the highest possible quality, regardless of the tools involved.

The Archtop features a German spruce top, Swiss service tree back and sides, a mahogany neck with rosewood fretboard, ebony bridge and black limba and aluminium accents.

Timestamps
0:00 - Intro
0:18 - Preparing the top plate
1:36 - Carving the outer top plate
3:40 - Carving the inner top plate
6:00 - Preparing the back plate
8:19 - Carving the outer back plate
9:17 - Carving the inner back plate
11:00 - Bracing the top
12:25 - Preparing and bending the sides
15:45 - Making the neck blank
17:14 - Truss rod cavity
19:00 - Fretboard
22:20 - Making a wooden pickup
25:40 - Neck pocket
27:30 - Sound hole and end graft
29:30 - Glue the plates to the sides
32:25 - Finish neck and headstock
33:38 - Neck carve
37:55 - The pickguard
41:00 - Side dots and fretboard inlay
42:13 - Fretwork
44:32 - Tuner mount
48:00 - The bridge
50:02 - Sanding, finish, assembly
52:50 - Reveal and demo

If you have any question about the process, the press itself or the materials used, please leave a comment.

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