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Robert Benedetto
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Making an Archtop Guitar Paperback – February 1, 2018

by Robert Benedetto (Author)
4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 221 ratings
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(Book). The definitive work on the design and construction of an acoustic archtop guitar, this updated second edition features 288 pages of content, including 24 color pages and 4 tear-outs. See what industry greats have said about this book: "I know of no other work offering comprehensive step by step coverage of the making of an acoustic jazz guitar." George Gruhn "This book is for everyone who loves woodworking, loves guitars, appreciates artistry, and believes that organic materials like spruce, maple and ebony can only achieve their highest function through the hands of a craftsman." Howard Paul "I can think of no one more knowledgeable and qualified to share his years of expertise than master luthier Robert Benedetto." Dick Boak
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Previous page
  1. Print length
    316 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Centerstream Publications
  4. Publication date
    February 1, 2018
  5. Dimensions
    8.5 x 0.73 x 11 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    1574243551
  7. ISBN-13
    978-1574243550
  8. See all details
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Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Centerstream Publications; 2nd edition (February 1, 2018)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 316 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1574243551
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1574243550
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.1 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 8.5 x 0.73 x 11 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 221 ratings

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Robert Benedetto

Robert Benedetto

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Customer reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
4.7 out of 5
221 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

Mr. Subterrano
5.0 out of 5 stars Great, Informative Book
Reviewed in the United States on August 10, 2007
Verified Purchase
If you have an interest in building an archtop, you will want this book. Though it does not contain complete full-scale plans (you will either have to enlarge the included plans or order a separate full-sized set), there is nonetheless a wealth of information to satisfy both experienced and novice builders alike. The text is accompanied by numerous photos of Benedetto's shop, tools (many which are home-made), various guitar-construction operations in progress, and color photos of many of his own guitars. Yes, I suppose there is a subtle bit of self-promotion, as one Amazon reviewer complains. However, one can hardly begrudge Benedetto for this, considering that he has chosen so generously to share of himself. How many of Benedetto's competitors would be as willing to step up to the same plate? If you are serious about building an archtop, I would recommend purchasing the DVDs with the book. While Benedetto is very clear with his explanations, tap-tuning is probably something that requires the kind of hands-on demonstration gained from student-teacher interaction or, in the absence of that, video demonstration.
4 people found this helpful
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BobH
5.0 out of 5 stars What would you NOT want to learn from Bob Benedetto....really!
Reviewed in the United States on July 11, 2017
Verified Purchase
Seriously- what would you NOT want to know from Bob Benedetto? This book is a treasure trove of insight into the craftsmanship and techniques of a long recognized master.

One of the biggest insights for me was the fact that BB is so incredibly non-anal in his approach yet his "master" status rightly approaches that of idolatry and his guitars continue to command prices as high as any other luthier.

Not only is this a good read for any aspiring or active luthier, it's a reference book for the workshop.
One person found this helpful
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DaveT
5.0 out of 5 stars Must have for Guitar builders
Reviewed in the United States on May 13, 2023
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A generous lesson that gives everything away.
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bmerritt811
4.0 out of 5 stars Benedetto is a very good luthier whose wife is an even better PR rep!
Reviewed in the United States on December 27, 2010
Verified Purchase
My drive to build not just any guitar but an arch top led me to first buy Bobs book and later the DVD series. The book for the most part is so good that it can take a motivated, totally non experienced person and, with loads of patience and thousands of dollars of tools, that person can build a playable arch top. Having the DVD series complemented the book. I would suggest read the book through without picking up a single tool, taking notes as you go. Watch the DVD series, use it to address notes or questions from the book, then take the book , your notes, have the DVDs nearby, and proceed.
I own an arch top that I built and another that I purchased from another luthier. I have met Bob and Howard Paul (who entered one of the first reviews of this book). They are gracious gentlemen who allowed me a tour of their shop and let me examine and play every guitar in their product line.
I have also played arch tops built by numerous other luthiers, and while Bobs guitars are better than most, prices of $15000 to
$40000 and more are not justified, which seems to be part of what Howard Paul represents. I don't believe any. of Bobs guitars sound - and I know they don't play - any better than the custom arc top I paid $5300.
I believe Bobs very pleasant wife Cindy is the engine driving the incredible prices that his guitars draw. I think this book and the DVD series was driven by potential profits and Bobs ego vs. the betterment of aspiring luthiers, though it is a very credible resource. She seems to be his PR rep from the beginning, and apparently is very accomplished at her task.
The book is loaded with ego driven information, who has purchased his guitars and photos of some of those famous players. I was disappointed that there was no actual plan of a guitar in the book, but then again, you can purchase one for about $30' so why give one away in the book?
All that said, buy the book, strip all of the claptrap ego junk out of it, then follow my earlier suggestions. I want to rebut a comment I read about large text - I prefer the large text. My eyes are not what they used to be, and that large text can allow you to work on a task and read at the same time.
I believe the man is driven by profit and ego, but he makes great guitars, and produced a very good book. I rate it four out of five due to the ego stuff and no actual plan, with a strong suggestion you buy it. If you go to Savannah GA, call ahead and see if they will allow a tour - they are very accommodating and very, very gracious people. It struck me that Howard and Bob spoke openly with clear concern about their employees. While businesses all over the country were laying people off, they were proud of not having had to lay any employees off so far, and were continuing to look for ways not to lay anyone off. I was very impressed .
On the merits of the book, please forgive my ramblings, and buy the book.
3 people found this helpful
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Parra Pierre-jean
5.0 out of 5 stars Very nice and detailed book !
Reviewed in the United States on June 21, 2010
Verified Purchase
As an amateur luthier, I bought this book, planning to build an archtop jazz guitar someday. What can I say except that this book is perfect and very detailed? I'm currently building an electric bass for a friend, and even if this is not what this book is talking about, it helped me in some steps. This book is definitely a must-have for any guitar builder.
Robert Benedetto let us feel his passion throughout this book, and it makes it really easy and pleasant to read. It gives a handful of advice and ideas.
One person found this helpful
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Timothy Hall
5.0 out of 5 stars Build guitars? Buy this Book!!!
Reviewed in the United States on December 9, 2019
Verified Purchase
This is an essential for hobbyists, and Professional Luthiers. Bob's knowledge, and problem solving is much of this text's beauty.

The information found in this text, is applicable in method, and technique to building any guitar or bass guitar.

Luthier schools charge 10s of thousands of dollars to educate this type of material.

An excellent value
One person found this helpful
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Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Great book!
Reviewed in the United States on February 17, 2022
Verified Purchase
Many good design ideas
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Aaron Earl
5.0 out of 5 stars Great book!
Reviewed in the United States on December 13, 2013
Verified Purchase
This book is one of the few on the subject. Robert Benedetto has been building these for decades. I have even seen several of his instruments. He poured all of his knowledge into this book. One of his points that I like the most is the fact that just about any wood can make a great instrument, but it is the method of construction that really makes the instrument sound good. He proves it with pictures of an instrument made out of chap 2x12.
One person found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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Helen Compton
5.0 out of 5 stars Detailed information
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 23, 2024
Verified Purchase
Highly valuable instructions and info on building a hollow body jazz guitar
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Luis Polo
5.0 out of 5 stars Super interessant
Reviewed in Germany on March 5, 2023
Verified Purchase
Das war eine Erweiterung meiner Fachbuch-Sammlung, nicht nur für den Bau von Archtop-Gitarren, sondern auch ein + für den normalen Gitarrenbau!
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Diego
5.0 out of 5 stars Making an Archtop Guitar: The Definitve Work on the Design and Construction of an Acoustic
Reviewed in Italy on October 25, 2022
Verified Purchase
Preso perchè lo volevo e perchè per chi è appassionato di liuteria non può mancare in laboratorio o a casa.
Fatto veramente bene in ogni particolare, spiega veramente quasi ogni aspetto di cosstruzione.
Consigliatissimo (Peccato non esista in lingua italiana)
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Andrés V.
5.0 out of 5 stars Libro maravilloso.
Reviewed in Spain on January 20, 2021
Verified Purchase
Soy guitarrero, de guitarra española, y puedo afirmar con conocimiento de causa que este libro de Robert Benedetto es maravilloso, me ha sorprendido lo bueno que es.
Gracias señor Roberto por compartir sus conocimientos con las personas que amamos la guitarra.
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Checo
5.0 out of 5 stars llego en tiempo y forma
Reviewed in Mexico on May 13, 2019
Verified Purchase
muy bien explicado, papel de muy buena calidad, fotografías impresionantes en los detalles
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