Guitars

If you are interested in Archtop Guitars, this is the place. I make them in five different sizes, which are defined by the width at the lower bout:

15" (381 mm).- Smaller archtops are great for busy live musicians. They are cheaper, less prone to feedback and easier to transport. Their electric tone has the main qualities of bigger archtops, and can be quite convincing. However, unamplified, these are instruments that lack bass tones. although they have a greater sustain.

15.5" (394 mm).- The only model that I offer with two cutaways. It is some kind of 15-Inch design with better access to the higher frets.

 

16" (406 mm).- This size is a compromise between big and small archtops. Usually thinner than 17” archtops, these are more versatile instruments. They have a more comfortable size and better access to the higher frets than 17" guitars – that makes them very good for on-stage use, either jazz or blues oriented.

Making Whoopee

"East Coast Trío"

Pablo Mercader - Guitar

David Harrington - Trumpet

Jordi Vilá - Bass

 

 

17" (432 mm).- This is the most common size for jazz guitars. They are well balanced instruments ideal for playing classic jazz. However, when the soundbox has the usual thickness and top/back graduations, this design is very sensitive to feedback. Some players feel these are not comfortable instruments due to the size of the soundbox. However, their sound is unique, either amplified or not. They look impressive, too.

 

18" (457 mm).- Huge and expensive, these guitars are not very popular among jazz players, although they are considered by many as the epitome of jazz guitars. With very heavy strings and a high action, they have been used preferably in Big Bands, where they can be heard through other usually louder instruments as an almost percussive background. Nevertheless, there are great players that have used them as solo instruments.