The Oval Hole Acoustic Archtop is specially designed to bridge the gap between traditional jazz guitars and acoustic flattop instruments. This unique model is crafted to deliver the warm, rich overtones of a flattop acoustic guitar while maintaining the clarity and punch that defines an archtop.
These guitars are equipped with dual and 3-way stereo pickup systems, but they don’t rely on electronics to shine. Designed to perform acoustically on their own, they produce a full, resonant sound that fills the room with their natural voice. The oval sound hole design maximizes the instrument’s ability to project rich, warm tones, creating a voice that sings with both power and expressiveness.
The dual side sound-ports add an immersive feature that enhances the player’s personal listening experience. By projecting sound directly toward your left and right ears, they create a natural stereo effect. While the ports don’t alter the instrument’s fundamental acoustic projection out to the audience, they allow you to hear yourself with incredible clarity—just as if you had personal monitor speakers positioned directly beneath your ears.
Whether you’re a jazz guitarist seeking an acoustic voice or an acoustic player looking for a new tonal palette, the Oval Hole offers a perfect blend of both worlds.
Tonewoods and Acoustic Voice: The new 17″ premium version takes the acoustic archtop platform a step further, offering enhanced warmth and richness over the 16″ model. It features an old-growth Adirondack spruce top paired with sugar maple and jet-black African blackwood bindings and appointments. A clear finish highlights the natural beauty of the woods, lending an elegant “black and white tuxedo” look, accented with a stunning abalone logo and classic mother-of-pearl split block fingerboard inlays, along with an intricate lotus flower inlay on the headstock.
Advanced 3-Way Stereo Pickup System: Amplification possibilities are vastly expanded on the 17″ model with the addition of a third pickup. Alongside the passive James May Ultratonic and Barbera acoustic pickup systems is a Kent Armstrong handwound floating P90 magnetic pickup with a custom African blackwood cover. Volume and tone controls are cleanly mounted on the fingerrest with custom low-profile blackwood knobs, giving players precise control over a highly versatile tonal palette.
Design and Comfort: Despite the larger 17″ body, this instrument is meticulously engineered for comfort and playability. The neck joins at the 13th fret, keeping the overall reach identical to the standard 16″ model. Remarkably, the 17″ weighs only 4.5 ounces more than the 16″, ensuring a larger, richer voice without sacrificing the ergonomic, fatigue-free experience.
Premium Appointments and Hardware: Attention to detail is evident at every glance. Complete with Tad’s signature ultra-lightweight bridge design and harmonic afterlength tailpiece tuning to maximize overtones, the 17″ model offers the ultimate in acoustic richness and archtop versatility.
Original owner, bought new in the early 2000s, excellent condition, still works and sounds as spectacular as ever, all original. The quality of the parts & wiring alone are a work of art. A beautiful example of hand built greatness by the legendary Jim Kaufman. I may regret selling it, but don’t play as much amplified acoustic guitar these days, primarily archtop guitars, always worked beautifully and reliably.
Used 17″ model in excellent condition. A few minor scratches and lacquer checks. No fret wear, perfect playability, freshly polished and setup.
