Sam Houston 16” Archtop
Sam Houston 16” Archtop
It’s a privilege to carry this archtop made by Sam Houston. It has contemporary lines and designs, perhaps most notably with an adjustable neck system (inspired by Ken Parker) that allows string height to be changed under tension with the use of a simple tool. And the sound, too, is a departure from tradition with a palpably strong bass and clear separation of sound despite the fatness of the midrange and trebles. The pickup system too is a great match for this guitar, a Duneland Labs Bronzeville that is made specifically for sensing bronze strings. Additional video clips here.
Specs / Measurements
2025
Spruce / Figured Birch
Douglas fir / carbon fiber neck assembly, figured birch veneer
Adjustable neck system, string height can be changed under string tension
Violin edges
Macassar ebony appointments
Oil varnish finish
~1.75” nut
~25.5” string length
~2.12” string spacing at saddle
16” lower bout
Duneland Labs Bronzeville Pickup sense coil, housed in ebony
Carbon fiber / birch pickguard assembly (houses hum cancelation unit for pickup, and Schatten volume and tone controls)
Tubi wood tailpiece with kevlar strap, and hand turned brass end pin
Allied Luthierie Flex Strong aluminum truss rod
Gotoh HAP tuners
Pelican flight cases, Castline 1/8” to 1/4” cable, neck adjustment tool
Condition / Setup Notes
New; This guitar has never been owned, but may show light signs of wear from demoing and photography. It’s a very delicate and thin oil varnish finish that is primarily in service to its sound (think orchestral instrument ethos). Current string height is set at about 5/64”-4/64” from bass to treble, but of course is easily adjustable to taste. There is just a touch of relief in the neck currently, and plays nicely.
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As an admirer of the acoustic archtop, I was so drawn to Sam’s work. Clearly his instruments are a departure from tradition, and represent an evolution of the archtop guitar. Perhaps the most notable design feature is the adjustable neck system that is inspired by the work of Ken Parker. It’s constructed from carbon fiber and Douglas fir, and allows for easy adjustment of the string height on the fly. This is a great system that departs from the earlier Stauffer designs (which technically adjusted the neck angle to manipulate string height), and allows for true vertical adjustment. In addition to the adjustability, the design creates a seamless feeling experience for the left hand as it transitions into the upper ranges. The sound hole(s) placement is also a contemporary touch, and contributes to its unique voice. While the traditional acoustic archtop sonority is largely associated with jazz, this guitar feels more versatile in hand and inspires a range of styles. Additional video clips here.
$5500
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This instrument ships for free via UPS Ground.