They usually use Padauk, this looks to be the same to me. They say it rings like a bell so they like to use that....Of course I could be completely wrong!!!

Dennis, I love those shots, the thick just glued on braces to the beautifully carved braces, what a transition. There really is something about this one that makes me believe that top is special!!!

Glad I checked in tonight, as I didn't even make it into the shop today.
Ryan--that looks nice. Of course, I'll want to put me old paws on that tomorrow, and invoke the tone fairies to pay their visit.

Oh, and that is a special Italian spruce top...with Adi braces.
Let's hope they can reconcile their differences, forget their intra-species rivalry and work together, though they grew an ocean apart. ;)

Steve

Wow, thanks boss. I was pleased with this carve job, but you are too generous. You know I do this for the love of the job and to make our customers feel like they are joining a family. But, I won't turn down the drinks. ;)

Whoa there, padawan. The Force is strong with you, but not that strong.
DP's it is!

Actually, the top is Alpine Spruce. The braces are Adi. Steve and Ryan identified this top when I said I was looking for "the best". I have high hopes.

Bridge plate is Padauk. Ryan says "it's strong and musical". Works for me! :)

That is coming along really nicely! I like the use of all of the inlaid woods.
It's fun following along on this one!

Mark

This is shaping up to be one spectacular instrument ... love it!

Thanks Guys ...
 

I'm with you on that! I think the guys have picked out a choice one!

You guys are some generous folks! I always knew you had it in you!

Well thank you Mark. I'm glad to have you following along! :D

Thanks David. Happy to have you along for the journey as well. :)

Almost a box ... it is
 

You know it's official when the luthier has affixed their signature to the underside of the top. This date will always hold a special significance for me.

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4180/...d2a66d_o_d.jpg

Then the label representing the product to whom ever may peak inside. Or whomever may be hovering their nose over the hole for a whiff!

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4190/...5dfa8c_o_d.jpg

I don't know why but when I see this part of a build I always think of poor Gulliver and those pesky Lilliputians. Never fear ... you will be released tomorrow!

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4192/...c764e5_o_d.jpg

I would imagine tomorrow we will see some routing for binding. Can't wait to see the box as one piece.

You know, I see the beauty, but now I feel like I am looking at sound...I feel like I can hear this one already and I KNOW you will NOT be disappointed!!!

Ahhh yes--the Star Wars guitar:

May the Fourth be with you...

So....Dennis, I think you should do some sort of live, online broadcast of your beautiful new piece of functional art, from a visual walk around to the first strum through the first few songs. Heck, I bet folks would pay to see and hear the unveiling, I would.

I Kinnairdly wait to seeing the finished product. This is by far the most beautiful guitar build I have ever seen.

Wow! Now that is some high praise. We're very happy you like what you see. Dennis has been a great customer to build for. He's had a clear vision of what he wanted the whole time. Not necessarily every detail, but when presented design options, he could state clearly how he wanted to move forward. He knew from the beginning that he wanted color in the instrument. As luthiers, we know how hard it is to balance an appropriate color palette for an instrument, but Dennis could see where he wanted to go. This has been a great partnership, and his vision deserves some praise.

Also, great use of Kinnairdly - a great southern word. Our second reunion t-shirts designed by our patron saint read, "Kinnairdly live without 'em!" While it's a little on the nose for a marketing campaign, we try to live up to the sentiment.

Thanks for following along.

That rosette is so beautiful! Wow!