Sassafras

Amid all the repairs, I've started a new autumn tangent - a batch of bolt-neck guitars.

Just because I make mostly set-neck instruments doesn't mean I don't love a well executed bolt-on. My favourite axe around the house lately ( and in recent recordings ) has been my 1966 Mustang, there's something about a tight little guitar like that that cuts through the mix everytime.

There's not much of an argument to be had on 'screws vs glues' in my opinion, my set neck guitars certainly have a 'feel' about them, a solidity that comes from the 'oneness'  ( ? ) of their form, but I know that two timber halves of the guitar equation when held in compression with steel screws certainly sing. There's 6 decades of snappy bolted together electric guitars to speak for that.

Here's some of the timber for this project ...

Blackheart Sassafras from reclaimed forest floor stock - ex: Tasmania.

These slabs are showing the typically dramatic spalting that is this timber's glorious trademark, not only that - it's light and ringing and was cut 20 - 40 years ago.

These planks are just made for something a little slabby and simple like my new ( familiar but different ? ) 'Moon' design.

I have to work around the knots and faults in the reclaimed timber.

There'll be nothing reliced or particularly vintage about these guitars, I'm aiming for clean and simple ( yet again ) and I'll be investing in some different hardware, some of which I'll have to make of course.

Looking into laser-cutting for some Harvester neck plates and resin casting my own pickup covers.

In the meantime I have a few more Simpletone designs to complete.

Cheers, Anthony