Tom Bills offers a fresh take on the classic flattop with this 2004 Genesis model. Eschewing the conventional wisdom of a central soundhole, Tom has redesigned the top bracing system with an upper bout soundport as the exclusive soundhole, making for maximum real estate from the top plate to vibrate and create tone. The result is added richness and definition, plus a powerful bass response. Ziricote back and sides adds clarity and transparency, and German Spruce on top for a touch of sweetness. Tom dressed this one up with a series of oak leaf inlays floating down the fretboard and bridge; otherwise, Tom lets the quality of the woods speak for themselvse. With an asymetrical shoulder design in lieue of a traditional cutaway, you still have great fretboard access all the way to the 21st fret.
Other keywords: lutherie, luthier, guitarbuilding, flat top, ziracote, gotoh, ameritage, 0454
Removing the traditional soundhole from the equation allows Tom to radically brace the top for maximum power and range. 
I've been a fan of Tom Bills ever since I first learned about his series of Art of Lutherie classes. It's wonderful to visit here with one of his sans-soundhole flattops, dressed up with Ziricote and German Spruce plus oak leaf inlays. Strong bass response on this one! | Scale Length | 25.4 in |
|---|---|
| Nut Width | 1.75 in |
| String Spacing | 2.25 in |
| Woods | Spruce - German, Ziricote |
Tom Bills offers a fresh take on the classic flattop with this 2004 Genesis model. Eschewing the conventional wisdom of a central soundhole, Tom has redesigned the top bracing system with an upper bout soundport as the exclusive soundhole, making for maximum real estate from the top plate to vibrate and create tone
Removing the traditional soundhole from the equation allows Tom to radically brace the top for maximum power and range.
I've been a fan of Tom Bills ever since I first learned about his series of Art of Lutherie classes. It's wonderful to visit here with one of his sans-soundhole flattops, dressed up with Ziricote and German Spruce plus oak leaf inlays 