Welcome to the Archtop Section
Here I will provide all information as it pertains to the modeling of an Archtop Acoustic Guitar. This guitar was constructed with methods used by a very well known Luthier, Bob Benedetto, of Benedetto guitars. His book, and a series of videos, was the inspiration to not only build this instrument, but to also create it with “CAD” methods: i.e. design the guitar in solidworks, and then machine the guitar with Mastercam.
I studied his methods extensively, and it was only through his instructional book and videos, that I was able to construct the instrument. Bob is considered by many, to be one of the defining luthiers of our time, and a master when it comes to constructing archtop guitars. Before you attempt to build this guitar, no matter how well you have mastered 3D modeling and CNC machining, there is still a lot of items to do using traditional methods. Please consider making an investment in both the book and the Instructional DVD’s from Bob.
As you can see here, the entire guitar was modeled with Solidworks. This was NO EASY feat! Creating the top and bottom plates took quite a bit of work. However, once that is done, the remaining items of the guitar are easier to model. Having this modeling flexibility, also allows one to create variations to the construction, and ultimately to the sound of the guitar. For example, I decided to also create “integrated” braces to the guitar as you will see. Again, the possibilities are endless, once the design and 3D process is mastered.
ALL of the guitar components, were then machined on my CNC machine, using MasterCAM, to create appropriate tool paths as described in my Instructional Videos.
For an overview of the build, as well as a wealth of initial information, please take a look at the video below. It describes in detail the approach taken, while modeling this Guitar. The renderings you see were done using wood textures, all within Solidworks. Not the best render in the world, but as you can see quite effective in seeing what a final outcome could look like. Another Application I often use is Keyshot, which provides for a bit of greater flexibility in animating (motion) renderings.
What is Included in the Video Series
- Step by Step Instruction of the Top Plate
- Step by Step Instruction of the Bottom plate
- A set of reference diagrams, directly of the Benedetto Plans
- Instructions on creating the edge re-curves
- Instructions on matting the neck to the body (for Machining)
- Bridge Construction
- Tail piece construction, with inlays
- Fretboard and Inlay modeling
- Fitting of the fretboard to the Neck
- Complete assembly of all the parts
This is the finished guitar –I call her the Dragon… (Click on images for a larger size)
Click the button below to purchase this Instructional Video Set. After your purchase, I can provide you with direct links to download the content. All that is required to view the content is a Browser, such as Chrome or Firefox etc. All the videos are encoded H.264 and will play on any computer or operating system that supports this format (so almost anything!). This is a set of over 5 hours worth of lessons, that takes you through the complete process of creating this model in Solidworks. there is no previous knowledge of Solidworks required. The full 3D model and plans are also INCLUDED on the disk, so you can see the completed part, and go from there.
If you would like to receive a disk, please sent me an email, and I will provide you with an invoice, which will also include shipping. I will ship anywhere in the world, but the better and much easier option is a direct download.
At this time, I ONLY accept Paypal! I am a paypal VERIFIED merchant. This protects you as the buyer, and me as the seller.
The price for this Video is US $160.00.[wp_cart_button name=”Solidworks Archtop” price=”160.00″]
Here are some cross sectional views from Solidworks, to get a better idea about the shape of the guitar. Since Solidworks is what is refered to as a “parametric” modeller, the shape of this guitar can very easily be modifed as required.
