Tuesday dawns cool, crisp and full of promise as we head into the tasks of the day. This is the time of year that many of us enjoy the most in New England, and the fall light streams into the shop with its flattering glow.
In the whitewood area of the shop, Tom is putting the final prep touches on a lovely quilt-topped Studio model. He's applied a light coat of Danish oil to help the adhesion of the first coats of nitro lacquer. This particular guitar has an ultimate-grade top and it's a sight to behold even before we get the clear coats on it. Somebody is going to be very happy with their purchase.
Over in the other corner, Todd is toiling away on the third round of sanding on the stacked purfling guitar. Each leveling takes about an hour, and it's one of the reasons our finishes look the way they do. Todd is using a hand block and a 2000 grit wet-or-dry paper to get the finish totally flat. Then he'll move over to the buffing wheel for another hour of polishing.
The thing I like about this guitar is that its simple appearance belies the huge amount of planning and handwork that goes into it. The details will reveal themselves slowly to the owner over time, which makes it a gift that keeps on giving. Substance over flash wins every time.
Hi Jol-If a customer requests "Ultimate binding" (trying to achieve the look of an Artist Ultimate) on an Ivoroid bound model would that be termed as "Ultimate Purfling .020" Black/MOP/.020" Black" and the original Ivoroid remain on the outer edge? Thanks.
Posted by: Dave Peers | September 15, 2009 at 12:22 PM
Wow. That Studio Tom is holding has one gorgeous top on it! Hope you post pics of it again when it's finished.
Posted by: Rod | September 17, 2009 at 02:44 PM
Hi... that unfinished studio that tom is holding... what store is this going to?
Posted by: jj | October 04, 2009 at 09:28 AM
Hello,I have a Hamer USA Chapperal 6-string electric guitar.The only one like it,that I`ve seen,was being played by Tommy Shaw.It has the boomerang inlays and the turned out headstock.It is like a greenish-blue color,I was told it has Seymour Duncans in it w/Floyd Rose locking system on it.There is a number on the back of the headstock: 615120 If you have any info about it,please let me know.
Posted by: Greg K. | December 25, 2009 at 09:37 PM