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Posted: 30 Mar 2008 11:21 pm
by Ryan Rukavina
Gorgeous work Tom! Very stunning wood selection too. I particularly dig the volute carving you've done, and I really appreciate your use of gobs of WOOD wherever you can. Nice, nice.

Keep it up!!

Ryan Rukavina

Steel

Posted: 31 Mar 2008 3:00 am
by Lee Gillespie
All I can say is WOW. I can visualize your feelings and emotions while you were constructing it. Lee

Posted: 31 Mar 2008 7:31 pm
by Tom Pettingill
Thanks Ryan and Lee :)

Posted: 31 Mar 2008 8:36 pm
by Terry Farmer
Exquisite work! Just the shot of the back of the headstock shows attention to detail, precision, thoughtful engineering, artistic touch and unparalleled craftsmanship. Just beautiful!

Posted: 1 Apr 2008 4:09 pm
by Tom Pettingill
Thanks Terry, I do try :)

Posted: 3 Apr 2008 11:59 am
by Daryl Smetana
Tom, a question. There is a wood, I assume access cover by the Vol/Tone controls. On the opposite side is a matching piece. Is this a cover, and if so access for what? Or is it for artstic/visual balance? I love the bridge cover. Did you use any special tricks, tools, fixtures, templates to create it? Amazing, beautiful instrument!
D

Posted: 3 Apr 2008 2:25 pm
by Tom Pettingill
Thanks Daryl :)

The other cover holds a secret known only by the builder and owner ... ;)

The bridge cover takes a bit of effort to get right.
Its very low profile with the strings barely clearing on the way out.
By keeping it tight, it does not get in the way and is still comfortable for muting.

The mounting is a three point setup. There are two 1/4" dowel pins forward, and the rear knob has a short section of 8/32 threaded brass rod that mates with a 8/32 brass insert in the body.

The under side gets routed out using a template I made for it.

The rest is rough shaping with a rasp and lots of sanding.

This is the second one I've done with a cover like that.
You can see the first one here
http://bb.steelguitarforum.com/viewtopi ... highlight=

Posted: 3 Apr 2008 7:27 pm
by Daryl Smetana
Ahhhhh, a bit of mysterie on that other cover. Will have to do some research on true oil - has to be easier than nitrocelulous. Quite an engineering feat, the bridge cover. Folk look at the result and are amazed at the artistry. The ART is in the vision, plan, design, engineering AND the template. The template will make it or break it. And when you get it right...a work of art as shown here. Very nice!