To convert this Martin C2 archtop to a flattop guitar, it is no surprise I needed to alter the top. In an archtop guitar, the area where the sides join the top is flat, so I had to create a 30 ft. radius dome so the new top could join the original box. To tackle this, I used a 30 ft. radius sanding disc on the sides of the guitar box. Photos by Rich Duby
I rotated the sander until the wax line disappeared, ensuring the box will end up with a 30' foot radius. The neck and end block always need extra attention to ensure full glue contact in these spots. Notice the Marker ski gloves? This takes a LONG time, so hand protection is a must! Next time on the bench: Archtop guitars always have larger back braces, so I will need to plane these back braces down to that of an OM-28.
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My client bought a 1933 Martin C-2 archtop with hopes of converting it to period correct 1933 OM-28. The back, sides, and neck are in excellent condition, and the entire guitar has its original finish. A real gem! Of course my challenge is to remove the archtop and replace with a Red Spruce flat top while not interrupting the original finish on rest of the guitar. Next up is creating a 30 ft. radius on the sides of the guitar without sacrificing the depth of the box, especially at the neck and heel blocks. I will also reshape and reduce the height of the back braces, adding the flexibility to the back of the guitar. This has been an awesome project so far, and I will be working on this through the spring of 2019.
Special thanks to Rich Duby for documenting this conversion. For more pics and information check out the Unoffical Martin Guitar Forum (UMGF). |
Matt Shimala-
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