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16" Acoustic
Archtop Tenor Guitar





This is a Tenor version of my 16" hollow body Archtop Guitar and is styled after a vintage '30's model. At the time is was common to put a shorter scale 4 string neck on a "standard" model body. This was to allow banjo players an easy way to get into playing a guitar. Since then there are a variety of different tunings that have been adopted.

The top and back are both individually carved and graduated by hand for the optimum voice.

full front view of the body of michael mccarten's 16

This example has a very old Western Red Cedar top. The back, sides and neck are ribbon figured mahogany. Cream bindings make for a traditional appearance. The scale length is 23.18 inches with other scales available on a special order basis.
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full front view of the body of michael mccarten's 16

This example has a Sitka Spruce top. The back, sides and neck are ribbon figured mahogany. Cream bindings on body, fingerboard, and headstock. The scale length is 23.00 inches with other scales available on a special order basis.
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Full bodies or cutaways are options.
Bracing options are "parallel" braced for a punchy traditional big band type sound or "X" bracing which is a more modern type providing a warmer and more even response.

Other species of tone woods can be used as well which is a variable that affects esthetic as well as tonal characteristics of the guitar.

Another version is more modern having wooden tailpiece and one piece bridge. Binding made of figured or contrasting woods provide a natural conterpoint to the traditional plastic.

All these details are variable on a case by case basis.