Perfect timing for me, Rich. I just got a new archtop. I fine tuned the octave harmonics; adjusted the truss, but no flat wounds yet. And as you said, heavier gauge strings require another truss adjust. I also took your advice on my other archtop and reversed the neck pickup ring so it points up closer to the strings. Warmed up the sound just like you said. Thank you. We starving musicians always appreciate the help of our fellows.
A little tip when dealing with corrosion on metal threads. A couple drops of ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid) & acetone (nail polish remover) in a 50/50 mix works better than any penetrating oil I've tried. In the case of the tail piece, I'd remove it completely from the guitar and submerge the offending bit in the solution. Leave it for an hour and when you come back, slowly work the metal locking nut back and forth until you can get the mixture on all of the threads. The mixture won't harm the metal finish. I've freed up stiff tuners too with the mixture.
I'm terrible at maintenance and setups myself, but I find these videos enjoyable and somehow soothing, just like I'm fascinated by luthiers but probably have minimal talent in that field. The guitar looks great and sounds great at the end, in Rich's hands.
We see it's easier to get in to the Jazz mode on a low budget instant Archtop! Thanks Again Rich... still needs that R.S. custom spaced nut restore..! ; ) from, JD
Archtops sound great, in the den. Can't put enough gain on them to cut through the mix in an electric country / rock stage band. Can't hear my own instrument without going into uncontrollable feedback. Any suggestions 🤔
I like your video and imagine that I would disassemble the guitar more in the cleaning process, removing knobs to flush out pots and tightening up tuner face nuts
Fret leveling is more often a stopgap for what should be a re-fret job. Spend the money now rather than later and your fingers and ears will thank you.
In the hands of a great player, like Rich, even a very cheap instrument can sound good. In the hands of a hack even a high end instrument will sound like garbage.
Perfect timing for me, Rich. I just got a new archtop. I fine tuned the octave harmonics; adjusted the truss, but no flat wounds yet. And as you said, heavier gauge strings require another truss adjust.
I also took your advice on my other archtop and reversed the neck pickup ring so it points up closer to the strings. Warmed up the sound just like you said. Thank you.
We starving musicians always appreciate the help of our fellows.
A little tip when dealing with corrosion on metal threads. A couple drops of ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid) & acetone (nail polish remover) in a 50/50 mix works better than any penetrating oil I've tried. In the case of the tail piece, I'd remove it completely from the guitar and submerge the offending bit in the solution. Leave it for an hour and when you come back, slowly work the metal locking nut back and forth until you can get the mixture on all of the threads. The mixture won't harm the metal finish. I've freed up stiff tuners too with the mixture.
Just received my Stew Mac kit, with sanding pads and fret file. I have an inexpensive guitar with jagged fret edges. Gonna get to work. Thanks, Rich!
I'm terrible at maintenance and setups myself, but I find these videos enjoyable and somehow soothing, just like I'm fascinated by luthiers but probably have minimal talent in that field. The guitar looks great and sounds great at the end, in Rich's hands.
Love that red color. I have 3 solid red guitars and 3 cherry sunbursts.
I love your workshop videos.
Thanks for doing this video Rich! Really appreciated!!!
So much good information here. And some really good camera work by Wes. Great video!
Wow that was a great instructional video. Thanks a million.
We see it's easier to get in to the Jazz mode on a low budget instant Archtop! Thanks Again Rich... still needs that R.S. custom spaced nut restore..! ; ) from, JD
Great job and super helpful vid 🙏🎸👌
Love your site, playing and music choice
Hi Rich! I just enrolled in youre Improv Course and Comping course at Guitar College! Super excited to learn!
You and I think alike, I use tape too to mark the bridge. I use blue painter tape but any color can be used.
You sure got the most out of it. I think it sounds pretty darn good.
Thanks Rich! (A yard sale?! I should be so lucky! )😀
Thanks, Rich!
Archtops sound great, in the den. Can't put enough gain on them to cut through the mix in an electric country / rock stage band. Can't hear my own instrument without going into uncontrollable feedback. Any suggestions 🤔
Great job!
try Goo Gone for the tailpiece gunk....
Not bad tone. I personally don't care for the extended neck joint, but I rarely play above the 11th fret anymore. Nice video.
Already subscribed.
Thank you.
The Rich Severson School for Advanced Luthiery: ''Just hit it with a friggin' hammer!''
I like your video and imagine that I would disassemble the guitar more in the cleaning process, removing knobs to flush out pots and tightening up tuner face nuts
fret leveling
No wonder your Grandson never played it with those fret ends!!!!!😁
Fret leveling is more often a stopgap for what should be a re-fret job. Spend the money now rather than later and your fingers and ears will thank you.
In the hands of a great player, like Rich, even a very cheap instrument can sound good. In the hands of a hack even a high end instrument will sound like garbage.