Archtop Guitars

No name is more associated with contemporary archtop guitars than that of Robert Benedetto. In a career that stretches back nearly half a century, Bob has refined the sound and playability of the archtop guitar, earning him the honor of being living legend of American lutherie. Born in New York City, Bob began building archtop guitars in the 1960s, quickly attracting a clientele that reads like the "Who's Who" of jazz guitar: Bucky Pizzarelli, Chuck Wayne, Joe Diorio, Cal Collins, Johnny Smith, Jack Wilkins, Ron Eschete, Martin Taylor, Howard Alden, John Pizzarelli, Andy Summers, Jimmy Bruno and Kenny Burrell. Beginning in 1999, Bob took a more managerial role by overseeing the production of his guitars at larger shops (first at Fender's Custom Shop and later at the current Benedetto factory in Savannah, GA.) While these later instruments are of excellent quality, most players and collectors covet the earlier models that Bob built himself.

The legendary NY based luthier John D'Angelico (1906-1964.) inherited the great Italian string instrument making tradition that produced some of the world's best luthiers (i.e. Jimmy D'Aquisto, John Monteleone, Bob Benedetto, Mario Maccaferri, Jacques Favino, B.Busato, etc.) Active during the golden era of jazz, D'Angelico helped to perfect the uniquely American archtop guitar to meet the demands of its role as a rhythm, and later lead instrument, in the jazz bands of the day. Nearly fifty years after his death, D'Angelico remains the preeminent figure in the history of archtop guitar making. His instruments are arguably some of the most collectable of all time and his work is still the standard by which all contemporary archtop luthiers judge themselves.

Maurice Dupont has long been known among Gypsy jazz musicians as the premiere maker of Selmer style guitars. However, Maurice's talent do not end there, as Maurice also produces some of the best archtop guitars available. Maurice has applied his extensive experience in creating acoustically powerful Gypsy guitars to building acoustic archtops that are arguably among the very best in terms of tone and production. The look and sound of his archtop instruments harkens back to Gibson's glory days during the roaring 20s, when the ground breaking acoustical engineer Lloyd Loar fashioned some of the most legendary archtops of all time. Maurice is creating that magic again, and at a price that most would consider very reasonable.

Premium tonewoods and the time honored process of meticulous hand craftsmanship form a harmonious relationship that has established Eastman as a major force in the world of archtop guitars. Most often associated with jazz, Eastman archtops are often used in many other styles of music due to their beautiful sound and finish. Eastman is proud to offer the broadest range of traditional and contemporary premium archtop guitars available today.

Founded in 1894 by Orville Gibson, Gibson went on to become one of the leading American string instrument makers. Orville Gibson was the first to adapt the carved top design of violin family instruments to the guitar, a concept which resulted in the now ever popular archtop guitar. Orville's designs where later refined by the acoustic engineer Lloyd Loar, whose L-5 model is considered by many to be the finest steel string guitar ever produced.

An iconic brand that has been skillfully building some of the best jazz guitars in the world for nearly half a century!

Inspired by the pioneering designs of the Golden Age, guitars and mandolins by The Loar combine expert craftsmanship and classic designs with upgraded features to appeal to today’s players. From premium hand-carved tonewoods to original inlay detailing, each instrument is made for the best sound, playability and timeless beauty. The Loar pays homage to instruments from the 1920’s and 30’s, an age of outstanding craftsmanship and innovative design. We revive this tradition in order to bring you some of the best-sounding, most beautifully crafted instruments available today.

Stringphonic guitars are produced in Japan by skilled craftsman. They have the quality materials and workmanship that you'd expect from an American guitar at a fraction of the price!