NCAT Archtop Guitars
NCAT (New Concept Arch Top) guitars are the result of intensive research and development. They answer the question: What can be done to optimize the acoustic tone, volume and sustain of the archtop style guitar? (Note: this R&D is ongoing. We will continue to make advances in design and construction with every instrument). Advances such as: one- piece neck/heelblck, tuned bracing, laminated solid lining (rather than kerfed linings which do nothing to strengthen and stiffen the sides) and modified f-hole design ( the only visible difference in the NCAT design) bring unprecedented acoustic responsiveness to the archtop genre.
Choosing from a wide variety of top, back and side woods and top bracing patterns add even more tone shaping possibilities to the NCAT palette. No longer is the archtop player limited to the standard spruce top and maple sides format. We will work with you to create the sound you want.
Standard features of the NCAT are: 25″scale, your choice of Sitka spruce, Engelmann spruce or red cedar top; figured maple or mahogany back/sides; ebony fingerboard, bridge and tailpiece and Benedetto floating mini-humbucker (by far the most detailed and natural sounding magnetic pickup we’ve heard).
Custom features include (but not limited to): neck width and scale length, fret height and width, fingerboard radius and neck shape; fingerboard/bridge and tailpiece woods (or a metal tailpiece if you prefer) and top/back/side tonewoods. We will graduate the top to suit your needs. We are currently testing magnetic pickup/acoustic transducer blend options with very promising results. We are currently offering a choice of clear, shaded or sunburst finishes, but will consider other options.
NCAT Archtop base price is $3,850. +case and shipping.