Thought I would bump this to the top. I just added a link to Koentopp Guitars after watching this YouTube video of Julian Lage trying out two of Dan's guitars: an oval-hole and an f-hole.

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Robert, I've played a few L4's and like them too. I just love the looks of the 30's 16" f-hole instrument. I played a lovely 1933 L5 at Gruhn a few years back. It was really nice, but out of my range at the time at $7,500. If I had to, I could pull that kind of money together now, but honestly I'll probably go with an L7 instead. I've found a few early 30's 16" L7's that I'm currently considering. As much as I would love the extra figured wood of the L5, I just don't think I can justify the extra price for my "needs".[/QUOTE]

Hi. pardon this late comment but a year ago, I ordered a 1934 L-4 16" f-hole from Archtop.com.

This is it : http://www.archtop.com/ac_34L4.html

It had a long journey from Seatle to England but made it OK, Chap at Archtop said it was an export model and more like an L-7 than an L-4 (which was a round hole until late '34.

The guitar was in fine condition but frets were very low. This week I got it back from my preferred luthier who has done a bang up refret job and the guitar seems to have come alive. My Jazz teacher had a '34 L-5 - prettier all over, but my teacher said he could tell no difference in tone or feel with his eyes closed.

I believe ther might be a '35 16" F-hole at Archtop right now.

Can't help holding that guitar and wisging it could tell tales.

Oh BTW - I used to have a VGC L-1 a few years ago - I loved that guitar butv it had to go to pay the mortgage - which id did for about one month ! Tree trunk neck, and not ther greatest sound but characterful. I'd go for a flat top L-0 or L-1 now.

Best,

Ol' Andy

just a quick note that I noticed several very desirable guitars at archtop.com including a walnut/adirondack Spartan, I owned one once and kick myself for selling it, someone please buy it, I can't afford it, but I am so tempted. also the Epiphone Ritz looks really great too. and the '35 L-4. all look like fine archtops

beautiful L-4 Andy, mine was a round holed L-4.

re. that Lage vid, I just took a quick look, I see two different archtops, no?

Finally, Acoustic Vibes got one of these, and I played one a few times (not the exact guitar), and it's a killer guitar: http://www.acousticvibesmusic...._32&products_id=1694

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Robert Forman,

That L-4 at archtop.com is definitely enticing. L-5 tone and playability at a fraction of an L-5 price? Sign me up. Wish I was in buying mode.

That Spartan sounds interesting and I'll be making a trip back to see the pics and what they have to say once the guitar makes it through inspection and setup. Robert - what year was your walnut model you liked so much?

Yep, there were two different Koentopp archtops Julian was playing: a Chicagoan Oval Hole and an Amati. The Amati is very interesting to me. It's designed as a no-holds-barred acoustic model, with cello f-holes and a one-piece cello-style bridge. Dan's sensibility as a builder is rooted more in bowed instruments than guitars. I imagine this to be a very light and lively instrument. I do believe Dan Koentopp is a builder to watch closely.

Hi Jim,
you know, I don't remember exactly what year my Spartan was. I am not 100% sure that the Spartan that Joe currently has is not the same exact Spartan, it appears to be, or very close. I have already communicated with Joe, he sent pics, a description, and a price. I don't think it would be polite for me to post the pics or price here, but I think it's OK to say that Joe says it's really good. It's a solid carved walnut back and a solid carved spruce top. the walnut on an archtop is a really great and different tone, very dry and woody. I really want it, want it back, I only ever sold it to get a Triumph Regent, and then sold the Triumph Regent to get the Collings Archtop. But I don’t think I can get the Epiphone at this point, and I would be really REALLY happy if someone on this forum snagged it.

also, re. the L-4, I have never played an f-holed L-4, only the round holed model, but I don't think the round holed model takes a back seat to the L-5, or any guitar ever made. for the life of me, I don't get the obsession and high prices on Gibson flattops, while the archtops are such a steal, and simply, better guitars.

Flammang archtop http://www.acousticmusic.org/F...ang-SA-45-p-817.html

I still like this builder when they do good work......



HE

love a good Gibson, noticed a brand spanking new L-5, all acoustic, on the Music Zoo website, thing is an ugly red color, but I wonder how it sounds.

Howard, you are a Flammang player, have you tried his archtops? I have seen at least two.

Hi Robert,
I actually played his first attempt that had been damaged in shipment. It was at Serious Acoustic up in CT. It was pretty good for a first attempt.

HE

Thought I would give this a pre-Christmas bump (as good a reason as any). I've added quite a few European builders to the list including Hahl, Heeres, and Slaman. Bireli Lagrene plays a Hahl.

WOW! I just checked out your list and didn't realize you had been adding and expanding, that is quite a list.

quote:

WOW! I just checked out your list and didn't realize you had been adding and expanding, that is quite a list.

I'm new to this forum, but I'm missing B&H in your archtop builders list??

B&H archtop

This one is here with me since 7 years...

tom

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Toms hut,