The body is now finished. Bubinga spacers are in the back, and plates are joined to the rims. A single bold black line was used for purfling, and Bubinga bindings trim out the body.
A shot of the tail wedge, showing the beauty of the Sycamore's quarter-sawn grain.
A closeup of the abalone rosette in our Sycamore OM.
The top of our Sycamore OM, bound with Bubinga. Already this box has a nice, loud ring when tapped.
A shot of the Cocobolo CS, back from the finisher. The decision was taken to sunburst the top, and we're pleased we did. There is an elegance to this body that is undeniable.
The finished back of the Cocobolo CS. Cocobolo like this doesn't just grow on trees.
My assistant, Ryan Middlebrook, working on
a repair. Ryan has been with me since the
Spring of 2007, and is really making things run more smoothly. He has a good sense of design, a fine business acumen, plus he’s a blast to have in the shop.
The back on the latest CS model. It is old-growth Cocobolo, with a dark strip of Brazilian rosewood down the center. I’ve been hoarding this particular set since the mid 70’s, and Ryan thought it was high time to use it.
This shows the top of the Cocobolo CS. It is a very white, and stiff, piece of Engelmann spruce from Canada. Green heart abalone for rosette and top purfling.
Close-up shot of green heart abalone rosette
View showing the back and sides with the dark Brazilian binding. The purfling line is a single bold line of Poplar burl veneer.
The start of a Sycamore OM. We’re intrigued
with the possibilities of alternate species of tonewoods.
This beautiful set was cut
from
a locally grown tree. It is well-quartered
to maximize the “button” figure within
the Sycamore.
This shot shows the three-piece back, often necessary with pretty but narrow boards. What remains is to inlay the Bubinga spacers into the back joints. These will both strengthen the joints as well as make the back visually stunning.
A view of the top for the Sycamore OM. This is a beautiful piece of strawberry-colored Sitka spruce. It is a perfect match for the Sycamore, keeping the hues in the same family. Rosette is green abalone.
Ronnie Sheeon