As I said, I am getting stated a little late in the process documenting the building of my first guitar. I have always wanted to build a guitar(I have acquired quite a few guitars over the years) I have been a woodworker for most of my adult life, and I had a chance to meet the worlds preeminent archtop guitar builder (Bob Benendetto) on more then one occasion back when he lived and worked in Clearwater Florida. Later in his career he documented his procedures for building his remarkable guitars. Along with a written manual he also filmed a five tape video series. I have always admired these guitars and chose to use this information to guide my journey into the world of lutherie.

I expect to document most of my equipment and tools ( While I do own some very serious machines, they are not a requirement for this project. However, my Laguna 16 inch bandsaw and Delta 18 sander have proven their worth on this project). I was able to book match the lumber used for the sides and make my own veneers for the laminated neck.
The following pictures show the work thus far.

So I am getting started a little late in the process as far as documenting the building of my archtop. But hey here goes anyway..... I'll start posting what I have and see where it goes..
Pictures and descriptions to follow. Jeff did you order your plans yet?

The picture is of the sides in the mold (pretty far along in the process. The sides are bent, the neckblock and tailblock are in place, the linings and side braces have been installed and everything has been leveled with a sanding paddle).