Hatcher's Studio '20 #2

[Mark Hatcher]

Here is a picture of the Amboyna burl that I am using for the fretmarkers:



And they are in!



They are bordered in silver and are also the fret side markers.

[Treenewt]

Dang that’s slick Mark!

[Mark Hatcher]

Originally Posted by Treenewt

Dang that’s slick Mark!

Thanks Treenewt!

I started working on the headstock overlay today:



I selected a nice piece of burl that had Red, White and Blue. It is bound in Sapele (like the body and fretboard) and has a simple black purfling line

[Lonzo]

I selected a nice piece of burl that had Red, White and Blue. It is bound in Sapele (like the body and fretboard) and has a simple black purfling line[/QUOTE]


...never fails to amaze !

[Mark Hatcher]

Originally Posted by Lonzo

I selected a nice piece of burl that had Red, White and Blue. It is bound in Sapele (like the body and fretboard) and has a simple black purfling line

...never fails to amaze ![/QUOTE]

Thanks Lonzo!

Here is a picture of the pretty neck I am going to put on this guitar:



Well, it's a picture of all the clamps that are holding the fretboard, backstrap, and headplate as the glue dries. To me it's a wonderful sight because it means tomorrow I get to do my favorite step in making a guitar. I get to carve the neck.
I carve the neck in open hand. I hold it and carve it and it magically appears before my eyes. All the complex compound curves fall into place by feel.
I find that all immensely rewarding!

[Mark Hatcher]

I got the neck carved and the first rough sanding done:





I'll finish touching up tomorrow and the guitar will be ready for finish

[Treenewt]

Mark, I love that! When you first said a "Red, White and Blue" guitar, I was a little skeptical, I must admit! But the way this has turned out, the subtleties in the wood/adornments, the details...it's seriously beautiful! Can't wait to see how it looks under finish!

[kkrell]

Amazing how you bring your aesthetic choices together so successfully. Some of it on the fly. What's the bridge look like (I may have missed a post), tuners, and are you going to try the fossilized mammoth on nut & saddle?

Just fantastic appearance.

[Mark Hatcher]

Originally Posted by Treenewt

Mark, I love that! When you first said a "Red, White and Blue" guitar, I was a little skeptical, I must admit! But the way this has turned out, the subtleties in the wood/adornments, the details...it's seriously beautiful! Can't wait to see how it looks under finish!

Thanks Treenewt, the wood tone version of Red, White and Blue is more subtle than the expectation "Red, White and Blue" conjures up! With it being natural wood the closer you look the more there is to see.
I'll get some "wet" pictures before the finishing process starts.

Originally Posted by kkrell

Amazing how you bring your aesthetic choices together so successfully. Some of it on the fly. What's the bridge look like (I may have missed a post), tuners, and are you going to try the fossilized mammoth on nut & saddle?

Just fantastic appearance.

Thanks kkrell, I go in with a general plan but, it's important to leave room for decisions while I am in process. That flexibility is one of the great advantages of being a small shop builder.
I'll be going with my more rounded bridge in Cocobolo and I'll use the Blue fossilized mammoth on the nut and saddle (at least that's the plan now )

[Mark Hatcher]

Here are a few detail pictures before the finishing starts.
First is a close up of the mildly curly Sugar Maple neck with a wide center laminate of Amboyna burl. This is bordered with black purfling lines:



Then we have a closer view of the spalted Amboyna burl backstrap:



I put the front strap button bevel in as is my way when I have a cutaway:



Here is a side close-up with a wipe of Naptha so you can see to pommel figure in the Sapele side and binding. You can also see how I went with contrasting light binding on the bottom and darker around the top:



Finally a wet back picture where the neck joins the body. You can see more spalted Aboyna burl that I used for the heel cap:



Thanks for following along!
Mark

[Treenewt]

Mark, I love all the little details you put into each build. One of my favorites on this one is the contrasting sapele binding...such a cool idea!

And that sapele under finish.....wow!! Love it!

[Nemoman]

Mark--your wood choices are spot on as always.

Great choices with the maple neck and the Amboyna burl.

Everything looks amazing--just WOW!

[Hanter]

Originally Posted by Mark Hatcher

it occurred to me that I could work the Blue mammoth tusk into the nut and saddle. That way I have the option to swap the nut and saddle out.

That blue mammoth tusk is absolutely stunning. It’ll add some crazy character to the guitar. I wanted to ask if you felt that “upgrades” from bone contributes significantly to tone and what would be your favorite or recommendation for nuts and saddles.

[Naboz]

I'm dyin'!
"It's all so beautiful..." (echoing Itchycoo Park).

[cigarfan]

Truly a special piece Mark. To call you a wood magician is not a stretch. Absolutely stunning!