Mark Hatcher's Studio 2017

[Stevied63]

Originally Posted by Nemoman

I echo Ian's thoughts--I prefer the ebony fingerboard and the koa headplate. Although all the options are tasty, the ebony brings contrast and better integration with the bridge to the table. YMMV...

I second this recommendation! What a beautiful instrument this is turning out to be!

[cpabolting]

Originally Posted by Mark Hatcher

That originally was the intent. I thought it was a great idea but, the further I got into it the more I realized that it was a great idea for maybe a grandfather clock. I just couldn't pull the look that far away from a guitar. Besides lullabies are about it being night and going to bed after all.

We went with a mother of pearl moon and Holly stars on a darker, very figured Koa ring surrounded by abalone;

Now that is a cool rosette! Nice work Mark

[Guitars44me]

That is one of the COOLEST rosettes I have ever seen. I like how it ties together with the swoopy FB extension, too

Not usually a fan of non-symmetrical stuff on a guitar, but that is a beauty!!!

May your herds increase at top speed.

Cheers

Paul

[Joel Teel]

I absolutely love this rosette, Mark. How did you create the dark borders around all of the Holly stars?

Joel

Originally Posted by Mark Hatcher

That originally was the intent. I thought it was a great idea but, the further I got into it the more I realized that it was a great idea for maybe a grandfather clock. I just couldn't pull the look that far away from a guitar. Besides lullabies are about it being night and going to bed after all.

We went with a mother of pearl moon and Holly stars on a darker, very figured Koa ring surrounded by abalone;

[kkrell]

Another vote for ebony fretboard & koa headplate.

[IBKuz]

My apologies to NewPicker for temporally hijacking your build. I hope you can see that we're all pretty pumped for your build ... lol

[NewPicker]

Originally Posted by IBKuz

My apologies to NewPicker for temporally hijacking your build. I hope you can see that we're all pretty pumped for your build ... lol

I'm loving the thoughts and comments! Truly having a tough time on the fretboard and headstock. The Koa headstock on ebony is really nice, but there's a certain appeal of the macasar fretboard and headstock, bound in koa (with a macasar bridge to match). Hmmm.....

[ross748]

One combination not pictured, Ebony fretboard, (ties the bridge) Madagascar head plate (ties the body).

[TomB'sox]

I don't really know if Mark meant this as a poll haha, but my lowly opinion is the Macassar Ebony fret board with the Macassar head plate. I also think I would like the ebony fret board with the Macassar head plate. I think the Koa head plate just stands out too much....each to their own though...

[IBKuz]

Haha ... now I feel I need to apologize for "muddying" the waters on the decision making process.

The great thing is, there is no wrong answer. And, from the comments above, some good thoughts to add to the mix. You likely don't need to overthink this, just listen with your brain and decide with your heart

[cigarfan]

Originally Posted by TomB'sox

I don't really know if Mark meant this as a poll haha, but my lowly opinion is the Macassar Ebony fret board with the Macassar head plate. I also think I would like the ebony fret board with the Macassar head plate. I think the Koa head plate just stands out too much....each to their own though...

I'm with you Tom. Macassar/Macassar seems more complimentary. The yellowish Koa with the rest of the pieces seems out of place. The Ebony fret board would also fit pretty well.

Great Minds !!

[Mark Hatcher]

Thanks for the feedback everyone! Looks like we're leaning toward the Macassar for both the fret board and head plate. These will both have the contrasting Koa binding which will set it off nicely.

Mark

[Mark Hatcher]

Well it's official, we're going with Macassar Ebony fretboard, and headstock. The Koa binding will help offset these from the rodewood neck and tie in with the Koa binding on the body;

[cigarfan]

Woah! What is that purple stuff?

[IBKuz]

Originally Posted by Mark Hatcher

Well it's official, we're going with Macassar Ebony fretboard, and headstock. The Koa binding will help offset these from the rodewood neck and tie in with the Koa binding on the body;

Beautiful, just beautiful. Nice choice