Acoustic spruce sound port archtop guitar. Luthiery handmade

This entirely hand built instrument is substantially inspired by the lines of the body and the construction specifications of the "Tangier" model which you will find illustrated on the pages of my website both in the acoustic version with metal strings and in the version with nylon strings. The “100's” model found inspiration in the desire and will to create an instrument with the same design but with a larger volume body, for greater power in terms of volume and for an improved depth of sound spectrum and projection, obtained from a perimeter with measurements increased with the same height of the sides. The sound port adds to the novelties of this model. The soundboard is made of hand carved solid spruce, the back and sides are made of mahogany. This model is also equipped with a piezo system under the bone bridge saddle.

The instrument is new and considered an ex-demo guitar. It is sold at a reduced price due to a very small imperfection following a small repair on the soundboard. Photos of the point in question are available.

Further information at: shankinstruments.com/en/product/100s/

The challenge was to adequately size the body, especially in terms of thickness, to make the widest possible spectrum and depth of tone of the instrument given the size and overall volume definitely smaller than a traditional acoustic guitar. It must be said that the instrument was designed essentially for use in an amplified context via piezo and in this perspective has been developed from the beginning. For the rest, the project refers to the traditional manufacturing technique of an archtop instrument. Soundboard hand carved by hand from solid figured spruce wood in this case, mahogany back and sides.

The neck size was meant to provide the musician with a support that would allow him to range rather easily between the different genres that can be expressed through an acoustic instrument, without sacrificing or affecting the overall feeling of a traditional neck with “classical” measures, although with different measures in terms of width at nut.

The goal, which I believe has been achieved, is to propose an instrument with a strong classical setting on a constructive and conceptual basis typical of archtop guitars with a look, that I hope will be appreciated, at innovative design.

All archtop models presented on these pages are completely handmade by me, luthier Emanuele D’Alò, owner of the Shank Instruments brand. The instruments are built according to the dictates of the Robert Benedetto method, and both soundboards and backs are hand-cut and carved from solid boards.

I am available for any request for further information or details regarding this tool. Do not hesitate to contact me. Emanuele D'Alò, the builder.

• Soundboard: solid quarter sawn spruce, handcarved
• Back: mahogany, handcarved
• Sides: mahogany
• Size: 15″ low bout
• Side height: 2,7″
• Neck: mahogany, C shape. Thickness at 1st fret: 0,88″
• Fretboard: ebony, 24 frets medium jumbo
• Radius: 16″
• Bracing: parallel
• Diapason: 25,5″
• Nut: 1,8″ – Bone
• Pickup: piezo – MiSi Acoustic Trio
• Bridge: ebony
• Finish: acrylic satin
• Weight: 5,5 lbs