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I commissioned an acoustic archtop from Wyatt Wilkie. I used different materials from the traditional Maple/Spruce back and top. The sides and back are Claro Walnut, and the top is Curly Redwood. I’m using a Mahogany neck, and Rosewood fingerboard. It also features stylized sound-holes and a sound-port on the upper bout.
The instrument will have a Florentine cutaway, 16” lower bout, 3” depth, 1-3/4” neck, and a 25” scale length.
The box will be closed soon. I’ve included a few pictures.
AKALast edited by AKA; 06-09-2024 at 09:36 PM.
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04-18-2023 10:09 PM
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It's already very nice as it is shown here. What finish have you chosen ?
Love the f-holes shape
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Nice woods! I love the use of Walnut, which is more common on Classical guitars. Congratulations!
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Wow. Wilkie is a master!
I've had the opportunity to meet him and his guitars at the La Conner WA Luthier festival. Fantastic.
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Beautiful! I love walnut. Wilkie is an incredible builder.
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Progress photo.
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Dig the one-piece top.
Walnut is cool - old Epiphone Broadways use walnut; Erich Solomon uses walnut; bunch of other builders as well.
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AKA,
The guitar is coming along beautifully. Smart move with the sound port- it makes a huge difference for the player. Keep us posted on progress.
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Hammertone,
Yes. Given the traditional approach of maple back/spruce top/ebony fingerboard, choosing walnut for the back and sides was a big deal for me. That non-traditional choice led me to further consider, and ultimately choose, an alternative top - in this case the one-piece curly redwood top you noted. As construction progresses I have the occasional “what the heck was I thinking” moment. LOL.
AKA
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AKA,
Don't doubt your choices - it will be something different from what you've owned - and you will likely enjoy the outcome. I have a Martin with alternative woods and it's amazing. If all of our guitars sounded the same..... life would be boring. I applaud your choices and look forward to the finished product.
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One-piece Curly Redwood top / Fretboard end flourish.
AKA
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Interesting build. A sound port puts acoustic archtops in another league. The player, the owner and person who has to listen to it the most, will get a front row seat, instead of someone else; or more often, an empty room and a music stand.
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Getting closer to completion.
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I like everything about this build. I really dig the more open, bigger Florentine cut for some reason. (as compared to the circular 175 type). I'm more of a Venetian guy, but this looks right to me.
I'm gonna have to go to La Conner one year. Maybe when the VanIsl > Anacortes ferry starts running again, if it does. That's a lovely trip and I'd love to meet some locals.
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Interesting neck join. I’ve seen something similar before. Can you explain it more? What is the burl'd wood caps?
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Beautiful!
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How much longer until we, pardon, you can hear her?
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I found this quote from Wilkie regarding the Florentine cutaway shape.
“I came up with [it] many years ago with a customer of mine who wanted it more open, not curled up and tight like Gibson. I love the feel of it, the access to upper frets and I think the look is distinctive.”
AKA
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It's beautiful! I hope it's everything to wanted when it arrives. Keep us in the loop, please!
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