What Is An Archtop Guitar?
An archtop guitar is a hollow or semi-acoustic guitar with a complete body and a unique arched top. The top and back are carved from solid wood, and the top is glued together to keep it from collapsing under the weight of the strings.
The top is either carved into an arch or twisted over a form with heat to achieve the curve. These guitars, which originated in the early twentieth century, are most usually linked with jazz music. They are steel string instruments with a violin-inspired f-hole layout. The sound is particularly popular among jazz, blues, and rockabilly musicians.
Why Choose An Archtop Guitar?
Here are some reasons to choose an archtop guitar:
Perfect for Jazz and More:
Archtop guitars are a top choice for jazz musicians. Why? Their unique structure gives a rich, clear sound that jazz music lovers. If jazz is your type, We at Musicstreet have a wide range of collections of archtop jazz guitars that will take your music experience to the next level! It's not just for jazz! This guitar can adapt to many styles, making it versatile
A Rich, Warm Sound:
One of the best things about a guitar archtop is its sound. It has this deep, warm quality that you can't always get from other guitars. This is because of its curved top, which changes how the sound travels and feels.
Beautiful Design:
Archtop guitars have a classic and elegant look. Their curved top and f-holes (the shaped holes in the body) not only contribute to their unique sound but also make them visually appealing.
A Piece of History:
Archtop acoustic guitars in the UK have been around for a long time and have a rich history in music, especially in jazz and blues. Playing one connects you to a long line of musicians and a deep musical tradition.
Great for All Skill Levels:
Whether you're just starting or you've been playing for years, an archtop guitar can be a great choice. It's user-friendly for beginners but also has the depth and quality that experienced players look for.
Good for Fingerstyle:
If you like playing with your fingers instead of a pick, archtop guitars are great. They offer a responsive touch which is ideal for fingerstyle playing.
How Do I Choose an Archtop Guitar?
Choosing an archtop guitar can be a bit confusing, but I'll break it down into simple points to help you make the right decision:
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Budget: Decide how much money you're willing to spend. Archtop guitars can range from affordable to very expensive, so knowing your budget will narrow down your options.
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Style and Sound: Consider the style of music you want to play. Archtops are great for jazz, blues, and some rock styles. If you're into jazz, look for a guitar with a warm, mellow tone. For blues or rock, you might want one with more bite and sustain. If jazz is what you prefer then you should try our latest acoustic jazz guitar collection at our Musicstreet store in Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, UK.
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Body Size: Archtops come in different body sizes, like full-sized and smaller ones. Choose a size that feels comfortable for you to hold and play. Smaller bodies are often more comfortable for beginners.
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Hollow or Semi-Hollow: Archtops can be fully hollow or semi-hollow. Semi-hollow guitars have a center block running through the body, which can reduce feedback and make them more versatile for different styles.
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Pickup Type: If you plan to play through an amplifier, consider the type of pickup. Humbuckers are common on archtops and offer a warm, smooth sound. Single-coil pickups may give a brighter, sharper tone.
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Playability: Play several guitars to find one with comfortable action (string height) and a neck shape that suits your hand. This will make it easier to play and learn.
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Brand and Reputation: Research reputable guitar brands that are known for their archtops. Brands like Gibson, Epiphone, Ibanez, and Gretsch are well-regarded.
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New vs. Used: Decide whether you want a new or used guitar. Used archtop guitars can be more affordable but may require some maintenance or setup adjustments.
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Try Before You Buy: Always play the guitar before purchasing if possible. This helps you feel the sound, comfort, and build quality.
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Accessories: Consider what comes with the guitar. Some packages include cases, straps, and other accessories, which can save you money in the long run.
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Ask for Advice: If you're unsure, consult with experienced guitarists or a local music store expert for guidance. They can offer valuable insights and recommendations.
Remember that choosing an archtop guitar is a personal decision. What's most important is that you find one that feels good to play and inspires you to make music. Take your time, do your research, and enjoy the process of finding the perfect archtop guitar for you!
Types Of Archtop Guitars
When it comes to arch-top guitars, there are various types to explore. Each type has its unique features and style. Let's dive into some of the main types you might come across:
Classic Vintage Archtops Guitar:
Older archtop guitars from the mid-20th century, are known for their classic sound and craftsmanship. These are the traditional archtop guitars that started it all. They're known for their beautifully curved tops and large, hollow bodies. Classic archtops like Gibson archtops produce a rich, acoustic sound that's popular in jazz. They're perfect for those who love a guitar with a vintage look and a timeless sound.
Floating Pickup Archtops:
Now, this type is a bit like the classic archtop, but with a twist. They have a special part called a 'floating pickup.' This pickup is not attached directly to the top of the guitar. An archtop guitar with a floating pickup is like having a guitar that can switch between regular and electric sounds, giving you the best of both worlds.
Cutaway Archtops:
Cutaway archtops have a special design where part of the guitar near the neck is 'cut away.' This design makes it easier to reach the higher notes on the fretboard. If you like playing solos or need to reach those high notes, a cutaway archtop could be your choice.
Electric Archtop Guitars:
These guitars are all about being plugged in. Electric archtops are designed to be used with an amplifier. They usually have built-in pickups and controls for volume and tone. If you're into rock, blues, or any style where you want a louder, more electric sound, these guitars are the way to go.
Semi-Hollowbody Archtops:
These guitars have a solid block running through the center of the body, with hollow wings on either side. This design helps reduce feedback at high volumes and provides a balance between the warmth of a hollow body and the sustain of a solid-body guitar. Semi-hollow body archtops are versatile and can handle various music styles
Full-Hollowbody Archtops:
These guitars have a completely hollow body without a solid block in the middle. It's like the whole guitar is an open chamber. This design gives a very resonant and acoustic-like tone. Full-hollowbody archtops are often associated with jazz music due to their warm and woody sound.
Acoustic Archtops:
These archtops are intended for unplugged playing, like traditional acoustic guitars. Acoustic archtop guitars feature a hollow body that produces a rich, acoustic tone. They are Ideal for jazz and acoustic styles where amplification isn't necessary.
These are the basic types of archtop guitars, each with its characteristics and suitability for different musical styles and preferences. There are also other types of archtops like the handcrafted custom archtop guitars that are tailored to the player's specifications. When choosing one, consider the style of music you want to play and your personal playing preferences.
Other Accessories For Archtop Guitars
When you get an archtop guitar, there are some extra things, or accessories, that can help you make the most of it. These accessories not only help you play better but also take care of your guitar. Let’s look at some must-have accessories:
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Guitar Stands:
First up, you'll need a place to safely put your guitar when you're not playing it. A guitar stand is perfect for this. It keeps your archtop guitar secure and on display, so it's not just lying around where it could get damaged.
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Guitar Cables:
If you have an electric archtop guitar or one with a pickup, you'll need a guitar cable to connect it to an amplifier. These cables carry the sound from your guitar to the amp, so you can play louder or with different effects.
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Pedalboard:
For those who like to experiment with different sounds, a pedalboard can be a lot of fun. It holds a bunch of effects pedals in one place, so you can change the sound of your guitar in cool ways.
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Guitar Strap:
If you want to stand while playing your archtop guitar, you'll need a guitar strap. It's like a belt for your guitar, helping you hold it comfortably as you play. It's essential for playing while standing, like on stage.
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Strap Buttons/Straplocks:
If you play standing up, you’ll need a strap. And for that strap to hold onto your guitar, you need strap buttons or strap locks. They make sure your guitar is securely attached to the strap, so it doesn’t fall while you’re playing.
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Microphone Accessories:
If you're going to play your archtop guitar at a gig or record it, you might need some microphone accessories. These can include things like mic stands or mic cables, especially if you’re using an acoustic archtop guitar.
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Capos:
A capo is a handy little device that you can clamp onto the fretboard of your guitar. It changes the pitch of the strings, letting you play different chords more easily. It’s great for trying out new sounds and songs.
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Guitar Care/Instrument Care:
Lastly, taking care of your archtop acoustic guitar is important. This can include things like cleaning supplies, string conditioners, and guitar cases or bags to protect your guitar when you’re not using it.
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Archtop guitar Strings:
Guitar strings are like the voice of your archtop guitar. They can wear out or break over time. So, having spare strings is like having backup vocal cords, ensuring your guitar always sings sweetly.
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Guitar Tuners / Metronomes:
A tuner is a handy tool that helps you ensure your archtop guitar's strings are in the right pitch or tune. It's like having a musical GPS to keep your guitar sounding good. A metronome keeps a steady beat while you play, which is great for practicing and getting your timing right.
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Guitar Case:
A guitar case is like a protective home for your archtop guitar. It shields it from dust, bumps, and accidents when you're not playing it. Think of it as a safe place to keep your guitar.
These accessories can enhance your experience with your archtop guitar, making playing more enjoyable and helping you take good care of your instrument.
Top Brand Archtop Guitars We Offer
As a well-known guitar store in Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, UK, we offer a range of top-brand archtop guitars. These are some of the best brands we have in stock:
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Collings:
We have Collings archtop guitars available, known for their excellent craftsmanship and high-quality materials, ensuring a top-notch playing experience.
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PRS (Paul Reed Smith):
Our store carries PRS archtop guitars. They're famous for their precision design and attention to detail, delivering both striking looks and fantastic sound. We also have a wide range of PRS guitars like the PRS Mccarty, PRS Custom 22, PRS Wood Library, etc.
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Gibson:
Explore our selection of Gibson archtop guitars. These are iconic instruments with a timeless design and a rich, warm tone that's been loved by musicians for many years.
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Gretsch:
We offer Gretsch archtop guitars, celebrated for their unique style and distinctive sound. They're perfect if you want a guitar with a touch of vintage elegance.
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Duesenberg:
Explore Duesenberg archtop guitars known for modern craftsmanship and innovative features that cater to today's players.
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Yamaha:
Our store stocks Yamaha archtop guitars, recognized for their versatility, reliability, and affordability. They're a great choice for beginners and experienced musicians alike.
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Epiphone:
We have Epiphone archtop guitars available, offering quality instruments at affordable prices. They're ideal for those seeking great value without compromising on sound.
Come visit our store to explore these top archtop guitar brands in person. We also offer a wide selection of guitar accessories to complement your instrument and enhance your playing experience.
At Musicstreet, you're not just buying a guitar. You're getting quality, service, and value, all to make playing music fun and easy. So, discover the perfect archtop guitar for your musical journey at our store in Cambridgeshire, UK. Whether you're drawn to classic & vintage archtop guitars, the bold elegance of a black archtop guitar, or versatile options like 12-string, 15-inch, or 7-string archtop guitars, Musicstreet has them all. Also, explore the specific archtop guitars for sale at our store.
Our collection includes timeless archtop guitars & other guitars too like Electric Guitars, Bass Guitars, Acoustic guitar, etc. each offering a unique experience. We also have the legendary Les Paul guitars & Martin guitars in our exciting range of guitar collections.
FAQs
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What Is an Archtop Acoustic Guitar?
An archtop acoustic guitar is a type of guitar with a top that curves like an arch – similar to a violin. It is carved from a solid piece of wood. This design helps create a unique sound that's rich and full, perfect for many musical styles.
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What Are Archtop Guitars Good For?
Archtop guitars are good for jazz, blues, and many other music styles that benefit from a fuller, more resonant sound. They're often the go-to choice for musicians looking to add some depth to their performance.
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Which Strings Are Best for Archtop Guitar?
The best strings for archtop guitar are the ones that match your preferred sound. For that warm and smooth tone loved by jazz players, go for flat-wound strings. If you like a brighter sound, round-wound strings are a great choice. At MusicStreet, we offer a variety of strings, so you can pick the best strings for your archtop guitar to create the perfect sound.
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Are Archtop Guitars Harder to Play?
Archtop guitars can be a bit more challenging to play compared to other types of guitars, like flat-top acoustics or electric guitars, for beginners. Their thicker bodies and higher action (the distance between strings and frets) may require more finger strength and can be less forgiving for mistakes.
However, with practice and dedication, players can adapt and enjoy the unique sound and character of archtop guitars, making them a rewarding choice for those willing to put in the effort.
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Do Archtop Guitars Sound Different?
Yes, archtop guitars have a different sound compared to other guitars. They produce a warm and mellow tone with a smooth, rich quality. This unique sound is often preferred for jazz and blues music because it complements those styles well.
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What Is the Difference Between Acoustic Archtop And Dreadnought?
An acoustic archtop guitar and a dreadnought guitar are different in a few ways:
1. Body Shape: An archtop guitar has a curved or arched top, which gives it a rounder shape, while a dreadnought has a flat top with a broader, square shape.
2. Sound: Archtops produce a warm, mellow sound, great for jazz and blues. Dreadnoughts have a louder, brighter sound, making them versatile for various music styles.
3. Playing Style: Archtops are often used by fingerstyle players, while dreadnoughts suit strumming and flatpicking.
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What Size Archtop Guitar Should I Buy?
The size of the archtop guitar you should buy depends on your comfort and the sound you want. Larger bodies will give you a richer sound, while smaller ones can be easier to handle. The experts at Musicstreet can help you choose the size that will fit you best.
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How Much Does an Archtop Guitar Cost?
At Musicstreet, the price of an archtop guitar can range from affordable models that are kind to your wallet, to high-end ones that can cost a pretty penny. Entry-level models may start around £459 to £559, while high-end, custom-made archtops can cost around £6799 to £7099.
