maxwell carefully crafts 'infinitum' to re-imagine traditional acoustic guitar design

the new zealand based designer, maxwell custom, has carefully hand constructed the ‘infinitum’ archtop guitar. the project embodies a fresh approach to guitar design and is built exclusively from native new zealand timbers (kahikatea and black maire). this re-imagining of the instrument utilizes digital technology and composite materials to create a fresh take on a traditional craft.

all images courtesy of maxwell custom

the aim of the design focused on creating a harmonically rich and responsive sound that is rewarding for players and audiences alike. the designer began the project by questioning the nature of internal bracing in traditional instruments. the development explored different concepts but finally the bracing was removed from the soundboard leaving a single point of contact where the strings attach. by doing this, it allows the guitar to resonate more like a loud speaker, revealing a more diverse and dynamic instrument.

the guitar has been crafted using CNC machining and thermal modification of the timbers to create the complex organic shapes that provides a very tactile quality. in essence, the ‘infinitum’ values sound over physical aesthetic and expresses the idea of ‘less is more’. the final design by maxwell embodies the philosophy that ‘the guitar should make you want to play it, so much that it is hard to put down’.

project info:

project name: ‘infinitum’

designer: maxwell custom

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: lynne myers | designboom