There seems to be an area in Quebec and Ontario that is brimming with luthiers pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. Take for example, Benoit Lavoie in Quebec. He recently displayed some archtops at the Ottawa Guitar Show that are spectacular in every way.
I love guitars that push the boundaries of design, while at the same time pay homage to old traditional techniques which are time-tested. Benoit does this with his Modern Archtops. There are some notable features:
- Construction like a violin in the bindings so that the top and back can be repaired easily
- Sound holes at the top and sides to facilitate vibrations of the top
- Unique internal bracing optimized for the top sound hole position
- Bolt-on neck or elevated bolt-on (similar to Ken Parker) to allow full access to the neck for adjustment
- Incredible design aesthetic throughout (body shape, headstock, tailpiece, pickguard)
- Use of wood combinations which are sustainable, yet tone worthy
Here are some guitars that were shown at the Ottawa Guitar Show on June 26, 2016. He will also be showcasing at the prestigious Holy Grail Guitar Show in Berlin, Germany.
