Amber Shellac Guitar Finish

I am partway through the process of applying an amber shellac finish to Simplicity multi-scale (fanned-fret) headless guitar.

The ergonomic electric guitar will be distressed — deliberately made to look like a 250 year old instrument. Techniques include burning or discoloring areas of the body. The exception is the neck, which will be crisp and pristine present tense.

To achieve the aged or distressed appearance, finish is applied, (partially) removed, and reapplied in thin layers, gradually building in thickness to the desired look. The final result will include more deep red/amber tones in a subtle sunburst, like a Stradivarius violin.

Shellac is organic, made from insects, and non-toxic.

Skilled eyes will wonder what the hell am I doing, carving cavities throughout the body. The purpose is to expose the gorgeous Toone & Townsend Treble Six bridge and tuning system. This hardware is 360 degree fine mechanical art and deserves ogling!

EDITOR'S NOTE: Supply your own drool towl.

I'd love to stay and chat but I'm headed back out to the shop. I've got a date with Cupid semi-hollow body electric guitar...and some titanium.

Comments

[Benji Damron]

Call me crazy, but it has a real old world map feel to it. I'm surprised that there is no text on the guitar that says "here be monsters," with an arrow pointing to that hole where a toggle switch would go on a traditional electric.

Can't wait to see the finished product. i don't know how to be eloquent about it Rick, so I'll be the monkey I am - your work excites the crap out of me.

[Kenny Thompson]

I am glad you did not distress the neck's finish at all -- the fretboard alone shows time in a way that man never could.

I can't wait to see this finished. I can't wait to hear it finished.