Official Luthiers Forum!

Monday evening I had the great pleasure of visiting with Dave Stewart at his home. There aren’t many of us Archtop builders so getting the chance to get together with as fine a builder as Dave was a real treat. Dave’s archtops sound and play the way a well executed instrument should and his finishes are top drawer. I learned a ton from Dave.

Dave’s shop is a model of organization. Not a square inch is wasted in terms of wall or floor space.

Dave thanks for having me out. Here are a few pictures of the man himself with two of his most recent builds.

This one was my fav....Sitka top, curly euro maple with Koa bindings....very sweet

Here is Dave test driving one of mine. (He plays nicely to boot)

Beautiful guitars!

I like the opportunity to talk to and learn from others as well. The biggest reason I like this forum so much.

Thanks for sharing!

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Reguards,

Ken H

Yours truly fondling what will be another fine guitar!

Welcome, Dave. Always nice to have another Archie-Boy on board to keep AZ stimulated. Those guitars are beautiful and still keep me spell-bound each time I see one. IMO, it is the pinnacle of detail-oriented guitar building and some day I hope to take the plunge.

I like the shop pics and can see the organization and details that surely help to produce well-executed guitars.

Sooooo...out of curiosity, what are the tonal differences you heard between the 2 guitars?

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JJ
Napa, CA
http://www.DonohueGuitars.com

Those are beautiful guitars. I had played guitars for years and never played a real acoustic archtop (electric yes but not acoustic) until the class I took with Frank Finocchio and Dale Unger. I've been hooked since. They have a powerful, penetrating, unique sound you just can't get with any other guitar.

Sounds like a great shop visit.

Excellent Dave and AZ!

Does Dave live in the metro (Toronto) area?

All three guitars are stunning but I have to admit that I am partial to the black one.......

Thanks a lot Tony....it was great meeting!
And your guitar was just stunning! Hard to appreciate here just how powerful the strong figure, flawless finish & impecable inlay work is in real life.

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Dave
Milton, ON

Dave,

You look nothing like you did back in '93 when you were pitching for the Blue Jays!!

Camaraderie and beautiful guitars! What a life!

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Waddy

Photobucket Build Album Library

Sound Clips of most of my guitars

Thanks for the Pictures. We know you all had fun.

Sure miss those clapping hands..... hmmmm....

killer work fellas....

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http://www.dickeyguitars.com

Awesome guitars Dave! Thanks for the pics, AZ!

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I'd like to be able to prove, just for once, that money wouldn't make me happy...

Great shots, fellas!
How 'bout some mores shots of the maple/Koa guitar??

Steve

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From Nacogdoches...the oldest town in Texas.

http://www.stephenkinnaird.com

Dat some nice look'in guitars! AT's are so cool!

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Billy Dean Thomas
Covina, CA

"Multi famam, conscientiam, pauci verentur."
(Many fear their reputation, few their conscience)

Steve, there are more pics of the koa bound guitar here.

viewtopic.php?f=10102&t=15019&hilit=

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Dave
Milton, ON

Dave, thanks, that's just what I wanted.
Very tasty guitar, one that I will be doing in the not-too-distant future.
Also, quite nice photography!

Steve

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From Nacogdoches...the oldest town in Texas.

http://www.stephenkinnaird.com

Those are great shots guys. I'm always excited to see archtop related stuff on here. Dave, I've been spellbound by the guitar in your avatar for a few days now. Now I'm even more impressed to see the others. WOW! Anthony, yours look's like an amazing build as well. Great work guys!

Hesh, Dave lives but 1/2 hour from my place. So glad I made the connection with another archtop builder so close. This forum has certainly enabled an exchange of ideas -- though it is a real treat to be able to do it in person from time to time.

Hey Kinnaird - shush on the archtop build

The post above "Guest" was me. Dunno what happened as I thought I was logged in