Master Luthier Otis Tomas

First, let me say a little about this project. Most of my work is as a violin maker, but I do like to make a guitar or two every year (I started out in my teens to be a guitar maker, but was soon sidetracked by the fiddles..) What I like about these kinds of projects is that they offer more room for the artistic imagination to roam. The violin, with its classical elegance and perfection commands a more inviolable respect just as it is - that's its challenge and its beauty. But here I am looking for a chance for a wider exploration in design and aesthetics ­not necessarily the outer limits of traditional style, but to stretch my own sense of discipline, craftsmanship and taste into new, (for me), areas.

The instrument I will document here is to be a round (oval) hole archtop. Round hole archops are relatively rare. The f­-hole design became dominant rather quickly in the history of the archtop guitar - probably because it was superior in power and projection, which were the primarily considerations in the early days of its development. This was just before electronic amplification came into common use, but today, that's not necessarily the most important criterion. Because it is a relatively little explored design, I like to think that it may be time to look at it again with some different expectations. For me at any rate, it should be a fascinating exploration into some uncharted territory..