Very cool my friend - maybe after I get my second shot in my system I'll make a day trip up there...;)

That's a spectacular looking guitar and it's good to hear your comments about Russel Crosby 'cause I've got one on order with him. After reading many comments about his builds but never playing one, I decided to take the plunge. Will be a few months yet for me.

Russel has really stepped it up here, James...he's always done good work but this looks spectacular. Love the birds (another passion of Russel's) and their little toes! Glad you took the plunge and I hope it's everything your heart has desired...

Phil

Last week the “Crane” Landed.
It took well over a week to get this guitar out of Canada to my doorstep with a few custom snafus, but NGD final did arrive.
You can take a look at the pictures below, but they don’t do this beautiful instrument justice. I can think of only two other guitars I have had made, purchased or received via trade that have blown me away as much as this Custom FS Elite from Russel Crosby managed to do upon one the case and initial playing. Sonically rich, So easy to play, aesthetically gorgeous and a form that oozes a master quality build. This guitar exceeds my expectations on every level. I tip my hat to Russel Crosby. He may fly under the radar, but his guitars absolutely soar. A big thanks to Philjs for introducing me to his work.

https://i.imgur.com/QFptyRM.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/TSOJ7Sa.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/sSxeMQ5.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/jbae3Hl.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/shnhi8x.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/wMJ3HFv.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/8xhuJf5.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/ETWjmLv.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/D84nxqP.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/TVtKhC7.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/MujlG5j.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/O9iLhvK.jpg

I couldn’t agree more. It is absolutely everything I had hoped for:D:D
Russel is a super person in every sense ... he is also a great bird photographer as well.

Beautiful Axe!
 

My goodness that is pretty!!!

Have fun and play in fine health....

Paul

Speechless......:up::up::up:

As was I when I opened the case!

Looks beautiful, congratulations. Out of curiosity, what kind of customs snafus did you have to deal with?

Basically the guitar got delayed at Canadian Customs. After contacting Russel they were satisfied, however it took several days for that to occur. I had run into a similar problem sending a microphone to Canada a few weeks prior to this. I think it is just the state of world right now. I really thought using FedEx would avoid border issues, that just wasn’t the case.

It's a treat for the eyes, and no doubt for the ears as well. Congratulations!

Man, there's nothing like a nice piece of koa. Beautiful guitar. +1 on the gorgeousness of that wedge...probably my favorite part of the whole guitar, just from a visual aesthetic point of view. But now I want to hear it!

Well, Mr. Hamlin - really good to see you back on the forum!:up:

Hey, it’s good to be back and see old friends here. ;)

That is a gorgeous instrument!