Yamaoka has been making magnificent, more traditional archtops and solid-body guitars in Japan. But recently, he’s been working on a unique guitar with a “floating top.” From his Facebook page, translated:
Private production FT-15
I want to make a compilation guitar so far for the 20th anniversary of yòu zài lái nián, and I’m trying to challenge a model that has fully future personal hobby.
The concept is a unique structure that seeks the possibility of a new sound in the state of the ′′ floating top ′′ top edge without splice with the side rim. I’m pulling out the jar monthly, and I’m making a prototype from this spring.
The other day, I posted on my personal account, and there was a big response from the overseas instrument store. Honestly, there is no schedule to be completed yet. Stay tuned for future developments!
It reminds me a bit of Matsuda in construction — or rather — deconstruction as it attempts to separate certain traditional parts of the guitar into separate pieces and joining them together again in unconventional ways. All while still trying to enhance the tonal characteristics.
You can see that the top is not glued to the body linings as is normally done. He has left the linings there –not sure why, but perhaps as a decorative flair. It’s unclear how the top is secured to the body, but it’s probably hidden. Check out the top and body development below.
Looking forward to seeing how this experiment turns out!
