Archtop Guitar Wood

 
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Sitka Spruce, Engelmann Spruce, European Spruce, Red Spruce, West Red Cedar, Flamed Maple, Quilted Maple
East Indian Rosewood, Ebony, Narra, Figured Cherry, Black Walnut, Tonewood Kits, Lutherie Books, DVDs & Plans, Tools
 
 

Sitka Spruce

Harvested in British Columbia, Sitka Spruce. Standard on most production guitars now, and for good reason. This top wood offers a punchy direct sound although it tends to have low overtone content. Many bluegrass players prefer Sitka Spruce for this reason. The color of Sitka ranges from white to creamy to very light brown. It should be noted that some regions of Western Canada produce a very white Sitka Spruce in which discoloring is rare. We target this whiter Sitka Spruce in response to customers desiring a brighter, purer white soundboard similar to Engelmann Spruce and European Spruce. Guitar top grading

Part & Dimensions

Item #

 Sitka Spruce

Length x Width x Thickness, Metric Converter

 Grade Price
Large Archtop Top, 2 pc./set, each half: 23" x 9.25" x 1"+ SSAGM Master $200/set
Large Archtop Top, 2 pc./set, each half: 23" x 9.25" x 1"+ SSAG3A 3A $180/set
Large Archtop Top, 2 pc./set, each half: 23" x 9.25" x 1"+ SSAG2A 2A $140/set
Large Archtop Top, 2 pc./set, each half: 23" x 9.25" x 1"+ SSAG1A 1A $100/set
Small Archtop Top, 2 pc./set, each half: 23" x 8.5" x 1"+ SSSAGM Master $180/set
Small Archtop Top, 2 pc./set, each half: 23" x 8.5" x 1"+ SSSAG3A 3A $160/set
Small Archtop Top, 2 pc./set, each half: 23" x 8.5" x 1"+ SSSAG2A 2A $120/set
Small Archtop Top, 2 pc./set, each half: 23" x 8.5" x 1"+ SSSAG1A 1A $90/set
Tone Bars, 16" x 1" x 1", enough for 2 SSTB Master $8
 
 
 

Engelmann Spruce

The primary choice for finger picking guitars.  Engelmann is also becoming very popular with Guitar Builders. With is High overtone content and strong fundamental tone Engelmann Spruce delivers a warm mellow tone that is well suited for light-medium strumming and finger picking. Guitar top grading

Part & Dimensions

Item #

 Engelmann Spruce

Length x Width x Thickness, Metric Converter

 Grade Price
Large Archtop Top, 2 pc./set, each half: 23" x 9.25" x 1"+ ESAGM Master $220/set
Large Archtop Top, 2 pc./set, each half: 23" x 9.25" x 1"+ ESAG3A 3A $200/set
Large Archtop Top, 2 pc./set, each half: 23" x 9.25" x 1"+ ESAG2A 2A $160/set
Large Archtop Top, 2 pc./set, each half: 23" x 9.25" x 1"+ ESAG1A 1A $120/set
Small Archtop Top, 2 pc./set, each half: 23" x 8.5" x 1"+ ESSAGM Master $200/set
Small Archtop Top, 2 pc./set, each half: 23" x 8.5" x 1"+ ESSAG3A 3A $180/set
Small Archtop Top, 2 pc./set, each half: 23" x 8.5" x 1"+ ESSAG2A 2A $140/set
Small Archtop Top, 2 pc./set, each half: 23" x 8.5" x 1"+ ESSAG1A 1A $100/set
Tone Bars, 16" x 1" x 1", enough for 2 ESTB Master $8
 
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European Spruce

European Spruce offers tone rich in character especially in the trebles. European Spruce (picea abies) has one of the highest stiffness-to-weight ratios of all the spruces. This stiffness contributes to the outstanding high-end response of tops constructed from this wood.

Part & Dimensions

Item #

 European Spruce

Length x Width x Thickness, Metric Converter

 Grade Price
Large Archtop Top, 2 pc./set, each half: 23" x 18" x 1"+ EPLAGM Master $220/set
Large Archtop Top, 2 pc./set, each half: 23" x 18" x 1"+ EPLAG3A 3A $200/set
Large Archtop Top, 2 pc./set, each half: 23" x 18" x 1"+ EPLAG2A 2A $150/set
Large Archtop Top, 2 pc./set, each half: 23" x 18" x 1"+ EPLAG1A 1A $120/set
Small Archtop Top, 2 pc./set, each half: 23" x 8.5" x 1"+ EPSAGM Master $200/set
Small Archtop Top, 2 pc./set, each half: 23" x 8.5" x 1"+ EPSAG3A 3A $180/set
Small Archtop Top, 2 pc./set, each half: 23" x 8.5" x 1"+ EPSAG2A 2A $130/set
Small Archtop Top, 2 pc./set, each half: 23" x 8.5" x 1"+ EPSAG1A 1A $100/set
Tone Bars, 16" x 1" x 1", enough for 2 EPTB Master $10
 
 
 

Western Red Cedar

Used for decades as a soundboard material on classical guitars, Cedar is a wood known for producing a "warm," mellow tone, one whose overtones are evenly distributed, rather than concentrated on the highs and lows, making it especially suitable for finger style playing. Cedar's light brown color also lends a guitar a visual warmth that many players find appealing. With a dark mellow tone is tends to be a great choice for Classical, Flamenco, finger picking and Celtic style guitars. Another benefit is that is sounds "open" almost immediately. Guitar top grading

Part & Dimensions

Item #

 WR Cedar

Length x Width x Thickness, Metric Converter

 Grade Price
Large Archtop Top, 2 pc./set, each half: 23" x 9.25" x 1"+ WRATM Master $200/set
Large Archtop Top, 2 pc./set, each half: 23" x 9.25" x 1"+ WRAT3A 3A $180/set
Large Archtop Top, 2 pc./set, each half: 23" x 9.25" x 1"+ WRAT2A 2A $140/set
Large Archtop Top, 2 pc./set, each half: 23" x 9.25" x 1"+ WRAT1A 1A $100/set
Small Archtop Top, 2 pc./set, each half: 23" x 8.5" x 1"+ WRSATM Master $190/set
Small Archtop Top, 2 pc./set, each half: 23" x 8.5" x 1"+ WRSAT3A 3A $170/set
Small Archtop Top, 2 pc./set, each half: 23" x 8.5" x 1"+ WRSAT2A 2A $130/set
Small Archtop Top, 2 pc./set, each half: 23" x 8.5" x 1"+ WRSAT1A 1A $90/set
Tone Bars, 16" x 1" x 1", enough for 2 WRATB Master $8
 
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Red Spruce (aka Adirondack Spruce)

Our Red Spruce tops are sawn from hand split billets, naturally seasoned to a moisture content of 6% and are ready to use. Our tops are extremely stiff and have excellent tap tone. Red Spruce grows in eastern Canada and the eastern United States. The strongest and stiffest of all the spruce species and has a very high velocity of sound, and has the highest stiffness across and along the grain of all the top woods. Like Sitka, it has strong fundamentals, but it also exhibits a more complex overtone content. Tops made out of Red spruce have the highest volume ceiling of any species, yet they also have a rich fullness of tone that retains clarity at all dynamic levels.

Part & Dimensions

Item #

 Red Spruce

Length x Width x Thickness, Metric Converter

 Grade Price
Large Archtop, 2 pc./set, each half: 23" x 9.25" x 1"+ LSAGM Master $500/set
Large Archtop Top, 2 pc./set, each half: 23" x 9.25" x 1"+ LSAG3A 3A $450/set
Large Archtop Top, 2 pc./set, each half: 23" x 9.25" x 1"+ LSAG2A 2A $300/set
Large Archtop Top, 2 pc./set, each half: 23" x 9.25" x 1"+ LSAG1A 1A $200/set
Small Archtop Top, 2 pc./set, each half: 23" x 8.5" x 1"+ LSSAGM Master $400/set
Small Archtop Top, 2 pc./set, each half: 23" x 8.5" x 1"+ LSSAG3A 3A $350/set
Small Archtop Top, 2 pc./set, each half: 23" x 8.5" x 1"+ LSSAG2A 2A $250/set
Small Archtop Top, 2 pc./set, each half: 23" x 8.5" x 1"+ LSSAG1A 1A $150/set
Tone Bars, 16" x 1" x 1", enough for 2 LSTB Master $10
 
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Flamed Maple Aged for 8 years, Maple grading (Sets include back & sides)

Part & Dimensions

Item #

 Flamed Maple

Length x Width x Thickness, Metric Converter

 Grade Price
Large Archtop Back, 2 pc./set, each half: 23" x 9.25" x 1"+
Sides, 2 pc./set, each half: 36" x 3.5" x 1/8"/incl. sides
FMAGBSM Master $350/set
Large Archtop Back, 2 pc./set, each half: 23" x 9.25" x 1"+
Sides, 2 pc./set, each half: 36" x 3.5" x 1/8"/incl. sides
FMAGBS3A 3A $300/set
Large Archtop Back, 2 pc./set, each half: 23" x 9.25" x 1"+
Sides, 2 pc./set, each half: 36" x 3.5" x 1/8"/incl. sides
FMAGBS2A 2A $200/set
Large Archtop Back, 2 pc./set, each half: 23" x 9.25" x 1"+
Sides, 2 pc./set, each half: 36" x 3.5" x 1/8"/incl. sides
FMAGBS1A 1A $125/set
Small Archtop Back, 2 pc./set, each half: 23" x 8.5" x 1"+
Sides, 2 pc./set, each half: 34" x 3.5" x 1/8"/incl. sides
FMSAGBSM Master $300/set
Small Archtop Back, 2 pc./set, each half: 23" x 8.5" x 1"+
Sides, 2 pc./set, each half: 34" x 3.5" x 1/8"/incl. sides
FMSAGBS3A 3A $250/set
Small Archtop Back, 2 pc./set, each half: 23" x 8.5" x 1"+
Sides, 2 pc./set, each half: 34" x 3.5" x 1/8"/incl. sides
FMSAGBS2A 2A $175/set
Small Archtop Back, 2 pc./set, each half: 23" x 8.5" x 1"+
Sides, 2 pc./set, each half: 34" x 3.5" x 1/8"/incl. sides
FMSAGBS1A 1A $100/set
Archtop Neck, 24" x 2.5" x 3.5" FMATNM Master $70
Archtop Neck, 24" x 2.5" x 3.5" FMATN3A 3A $60
Archtop Neck, 24" x 2.5" x 3.5" FMATN2A 2A $45
Archtop Neck, 24" x 2.5" x 3.5" FMATN1A 1A $25
Fingerboard Blank, 21" x 3" x 1/4" FMFBDM2 Master $15
Fingerboard Blank, 21" x 3" x 1/4" FMFBD3A2 3A $12
Fingerboard Blank, 21" x 3" x 1/4" FMFBD2A2 2A $8
Fingerboard Blank, 21" x 3" x 1/4" FMFBD1A2 1A $5
Tailpiece Blank, 9" x 3" x 1/2" FMTPBM Master $12
Tailpiece Blank, 9" x 3" x 1/2" FMTPB3A 3A $10
Tailpiece Blank, 9" x 3" x 1/2" FMTPB2A 2A $7
Tailpiece Blank, 9" x 3" x 1/2" FMTPB1A 1A $5
Peghead Blank, 8" x 4.5" x 1" FMHPBM Master $12
Peghead Blank, 8" x 4.5" x 1" FMHPB3A 3A $10
Peghead Blank, 8" x 4.5" x 1" FMHPB2A 2A $8
Peghead Blank, 8" x 4.5" x 1" FMHPB1A 1A $4
Peghead Overlay Veneer, 8" x 4.25" x 3/16" FMHPVM Master $6
Peghead Overlay Veneer, 8" x 4.25" x 3/16" FMHPV3A 3A $5
Peghead Overlay Veneer, 8" x 4.25" x 3/16" FMHPV2A 2A $4
Peghead Overlay Veneer, 8" x 4.25" x 3/16" FMHPV1A 1A $2
 
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Quilted Maple (Sets include back & sides) more pics Maple Grading

Part & Dimensions

Item #

 Quilted Maple

Length x Width x Thickness, Metric Converter

 Grade Price
Large Arch Back, 2 pc./set, each half: 23" x 9.25" x 1"+
Sides, 2 pc./set, each half: 36" x 3.5" x 1/8"/incl. sides
QMAGBSM Master $450/set
Large Arch Back, 2 pc./set, each half: 23" x 9.25" x 1"+
Sides, 2 pc./set, each half: 36" x 3.5" x 1/8"/incl. sides
QMAGBS3A 3A $400/set
Large Arch Back, 2 pc./set, each half: 23" x 9.25" x 1"+
Sides, 2 pc./set, each half: 36" x 3.5" x 1/8"/incl. sides
QMAGBS2A 2A $250/set
Large Arch Back, 2 pc./set, each half: 23" x 9.25" x 1"+
Sides, 2 pc./set, each half: 36" x 3.5" x 1/8"/incl. sides
QMAGBS1A 1A $175/set
Small Arch Back, 2 pc./set, each half: 23" x 8.5" x 1"+
Sides, 2 pc./set, each half: 34" x 3.5" x 1/8"/incl. sides
QMSAGBSM Master $400/set
Small Arch Back, 2 pc./set, each half: 23" x 8.5" x 1"+
Sides, 2 pc./set, each half: 34" x 3.5" x 1/8"/incl. sides
QMSAGBS3A 3A $350/set
Small Arch Back, 2 pc./set, each half: 23" x 8.5" x 1"+
Sides, 2 pc./set, each half: 34" x 3.5" x 1/8"/incl. sides
QMSAGBS2A 2A $225/set
Small Arch Back, 2 pc./set, each half: 23" x 8.5" x 1"+
Sides, 2 pc./set, each half: 34" x 3.5" x 1/8"/incl. sides
QMSAGBS1A 1A $150/set
Archtop Neck, 24" x 3.5" x 2.5" QMAGNM Master $160
Archtop Neck, 24" x 3.5" x 2.5" QMAGN3A 3A $140
Archtop Neck, 24" x 3.5" x 2.5" QMAGN2A 2A $100
Archtop Neck, 24" x 3.5" x 2.5" QMAGN1A 1A $70
Fingerboard Blank, 21" x 3" x 1/4" QMFBDM2 Master $30
Fingerboard Blank, 21" x 3" x 1/4" QMFBD3A2 3A $25
Fingerboard Blank, 21" x 3" x 1/4" QMFBD2A2 2A $19
Fingerboard Blank, 21" x 3" x 1/4" QMFBD1A2 1A $10
Tailpiece Blank, 9" x 3" x 1/2" QMTPBM Master $18
Tailpiece Blank, 9" x 3" x 1/2" QMTPB3A 3A $15
Tailpiece Blank, 9" x 3" x 1/2" QMTPB2A 2A $10
Tailpiece Blank, 9" x 3" x 1/2" QMTPB1A 1A $8
Peghead Blank, 8" x 4.5" x 1" QMHPBM Master $20
Peghead Blank, 8" x 4.5" x 1" QMHPB3A 3A $18
Peghead Blank, 8" x 4.5" x 1" QMHPB2A 2A $12
Peghead Blank, 8" x 4.5" x 1" QMHPB1A 1A $8
Peghead Overlay Veneer, 8" x 4.25" x 3/16" QMHPVM Master $15
Peghead Overlay Veneer, 8" x 4.25" x 3/16" QMHPV3A 3A $12
Peghead Overlay Veneer, 8" x 4.25" x 3/16" QMHPV2A 2A $10
Peghead Overlay Veneer, 8" x 4.25" x 3/16" QMHPV1A 1A $5
 
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Part & Dimensions

Item #

 Ebony & Rosewood

Length x Width x Thickness, Metric Converter

 Grade Price
Rosewood Fingerboard Blank, 21" x 2.75" - 2.5" x 1/4" IRFBDM Master $15
Rosewood Peghead Overlay Veneer, 8" x 4.25" x 3/16" IRHVPM Master $10
Ebony Fingerboard Blank, 21" x 2-3/4 - 2-5/8" x 1/4" EFBM Master $23
 
 
 

Black Walnut(Sets include back & sides)

Black Walnut

Part & Dimensions

Item #

 Black Walnut

Length x Width x Thickness, Metric Converter

 Grade Price
Archtop Guitar Back, 2 pc. each half: 23" x 8.5" x 1"
Archtop Guitar Sides, 2 pc. each half: 36" x 4" x 3/16"
BWBSAGM Master $250/set
Archtop Guitar Neck, 24" x 3.5" x 2.5" BWATNM Master $65
Heel Joint Blank 3.5" x 2.5" x 2.5" BWNJBM Master $12
Headplate Blank, 8" x 4.5" x 1" BWHPBCM Master $12
Peghead Overlay Veneer, 8" x 4.25" x 3/16" BWHPVM Master $10
Fingerboard, 21" x 3" x 1/4" BWFBDM Master $15
Bindings, 34" - 36" x 3/8" x 5/16" BWPSM Master $8
 
 
 

Figured Cherry (Sets include back & sides)

 

Pinkish-brown, green striping and creamy white. It has a nice tap tone. Cherry has excellent finishing and gluing properties. Necks and Headstock also available. Price includes Back & Sides

 

Part & Dimensions

Item #

 Figured Cherry

Length x Width x Thickness, Metric Converter

 Grade Price
Large Arch Back, 2 pc./set, each half: 23" x 9.25" x 1"+
Sides, 2 pc./set, each half: 36" x 3.5" x 1/8"/incl. sides
FCHLATM Master $250/set
Small Arch Back, 2 pc./set, each half: 23" x 8.5" x 1"+
Sides, 2 pc./set, each half: 34" x 3.5" x 1/8"/incl. sides
FCHSATM Master $225/set
 
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Narra, AKA New Guinea Rosewood (Sets include back & sides)

Also known as New Guinea Rosewood. The color varies from golden yellow to deep blood red. The grain is mostly straight but sometimes crossed, wavy or interlocked and can have a Bees Wing type figure. The wood is hard and strong and extremely durable. It has a excellent Tap tone.

Part & Dimensions

Item #

 Narra

Length x Width x Thickness, Metric Converter

 Grade Price
Large Arch Back, 2 pc./set, each half: 23" x 9.25" x 1"+
Sides, 2 pc./set, each half: 36" x 3.5" x 1/8"/incl. sides
NABSAT Master $250/set
Small Arch Back, 2 pc./set, each half: 22" x 8.5" x 1"+
Sides, 2 pc./set, each half: 34" x 3.5" x 1/8"/incl. sides
NABSATS Master $200/set
Archtop Neck, 24" x 3.5" x 2.5" NAATGM2 Master $60
Fingerboard, 21" x 3" x 1/4" NAFBDM Master $12
Bridge Blank, 7" x 2-1/8" x 1/2" NABBM Master $10
Headplate Blank, 8" x 4.5" x 1" NAHPBCM Master $12
Headplate Overlay Veneer, 8" x 4.25" x 3/16" NAHVPM Master $10
Rosette Squares, 5" x 5" x 3/16" NARSM Master $10
Unshaped Kerfing Strips, 22" x 3/4” x 3/4” NAKSM Master $7
Bindings, 34" - 36" x 3/8" x 5/16" NAPSM Master $7
 
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Archtop Guitar Tonewood Kits (Aged for 8 years) Maple & Spruce Grading

If you are a Beginner Builder and you do not know exactly what you will need, please feel free to email us and we will help you select the items you will need to build the musical instrument you desire.

Wood Species

Spruce or Cedar, Flamed Maple, Ebony and Rosewood, Narra, Cherry, Walnut and Cypress for:
  • Species optional Top, 
  • Species optional Tone Bars,
  • Species optional Back & Side set,
  • Species optional Neck,
  • Species optional Peghead Blank,
  • Species optional Peghead Veneer,
  • Species optional Fingerboard Blank,
  • Species optional Bridge Blank,
  • Species optional Tailpiece Blank,
  • Species optional Unshaped Kerfing Strips,
  • Species optional Heel Joint Blank,
  • Species optional Pickguard Blank.
 

Below Kits

The prices listed below are for archtop guitar kits with:

  • Spruce or Cedar Top, Tone Bar, Unshaped Kerfing Strips.

  • Flamed Maple Back, Sides, Neck, Heel Joint Blank, Peghead Blank and Veneer.

  • Rosewood: Fingerboard, Bridge Blank, Tailpiece Blank and Pickguard Blank.

Large Kit: Top & Back each half: 23" x 9.25" x 1"+
Small Kit: each half: Top & Back 23" x 8.5" x 1"+

Description

Item #

 Tonewood Kits
Grade Price
Master Grade Large Archtop Guitar Tonewood Kits KLATGM Master $700
3A Grade Large Archtop Guitar Tonewood Kits KLATG3A 3A $650
2A Grade Large Archtop Guitar Tonewood Kits KLATG2A 2A $450
1A Grade Large Archtop Guitar Tonewood Kits KLATG1A 1A $350
Master Grade Small Archtop Guitar Tonewood Kits KSATGM Master $680
3A Grade Small Archtop Guitar Tonewood Kits KSATG3A Master $630
2A Grade Small Archtop Guitar Tonewood Kits KSATG2A Master $420
1A Grade Small Archtop Guitar Tonewood Kits KSATG1A Master $320
 
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Archtop Guitar Building Books, DVDs & Plans

Please note: One of the cheapest places to buy Lutherie books, instructional material and non-wood parts, some tools, and accessories for building instruments is Amazon. And on many occasions Amazon offers FREE shipping.  I have put together a list of links for all the lutherie related books below for archtop guitars.

Making an Archtop Guitar by Robert Benedetto
The Luthier's Handbook: A guide to understanding the science and acoustics of stringed instrument structure, to help you make an instrument sound its best.
Trade Secrets Book Dan Erlewine has been sharing "trade-secrets" since 1990, we've put them all into two books for you.
Siminoff's Luthier Glossary NEW! An extensive dictionary of luthier terminology, plus useful reference specifications.
Art of Tap Tuning
Build great sound into your stringed instruments; Siminoff's book and DVD show you how.
Art of the Inlay - Design & Technique for Fine Woodworking - Second Edition.
Historical Lute Construction The late Robert Lundberg's masterpiece, the definitive work on the lute, celebrates the instrument's history in over 100 photos.

Complete Illustrated Guide to Wood Finishing This impressive book on techniques for coloring and finishing wood was written by finishing expert Jeff Jewitt.
Pearl Inlay Book
Instructions for grinding, sawing, routing and gluing abalone and mother-of-pearl, and much more.

Hand Made, Hand Played: The Art & Craft of Contemporary Guitars
Lutherie Making Hand and Power Tools (Hardcover)
 by Tim Olsen (Author)
 
 
 

Tools

 
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