Jay’s dreams of custom archtop guitars began in earnest after spending some time in the shop and at the luthier bench with world-renowned luthier Tom Ribbecke.
From Jay …
For the record, I have been designing an archtop guitar in my head for a long time. I love the sensual curves of the body and carved top. I can’t get them out of my head. I will admit that the sound I am chasing with this guitar is not the typical plugged-in jazz guitar sound most of us associate with an archtop guitar. I am not a jazz player, though I love that style. I am more of an acoustic player, fingerpicking, flatpicking and such. What I really like about an acoustic archtop is the clarity and power of the notes – sharp trebles and strong mid-range. What I don’t like is the lack of bass. What I am going for with this build is to capture those powerful trebles and mids but with the bass of an acoustic guitar. I am not the first to try this. I am in good company when it comes to chasing this sound…
Archtop Guitar Dimensions: Overall Length: 40 3/4″, Lower Bout: 15″ , Upper Bout: 11 1/4″, Waist: 9 1/4″, Depth: 4 1/4″, Body Length: 19″ (dimensions can vary)
Audio Samples:
- See our Price Calculator to run the numbers for different custom options.
- Note on pricing: an archtop back is an additional cost. Jay can answer any of your questions.
Photo Gallery of Lichty Custom Archtop Guitars
- See all guitar models Jay currently builds.
- Learn more about ordering a Custom Lichty Guitar.
