The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"

[Highlander]

I believe he was into martial-arts, as well as his lutherian pursuits... would be an interesting person for you to interview... hmm, Chris...?

[Highlander]

This is a silver holographic metalflake lacquer finish over left - blue base, and right - black base...

Views...?

ps... not mine...

[Chris P.]

Hmm... a bit eighties space movie...

[nofi]

too mardi gras...don't.

[Highlander]

I like Alien...    but we haven't got a chest-burster emoticon... Dave....? Dave...? 

[Highlander]

Sourced the timber... picking it up Saturday...

[Highlander]

Met a wonderful chap by the name of David Dyers today...

This is his site...
http://www.luthierssupplies.co.uk/

Doesn't look much of a site, but looks can be deceiving... I had a discussion with him earlier in the week and he suggested bringing down the PC so I could "offer up" some laminates... so I did... I walked into his workshop (all wood piles and saws and stuff) and the smell just hits you... he had been cutting up some black walnut "planted in Kew Gardens by Queen Victoria" (acquired a sample for "shavings") for an Irish acoustic luthier and the smell of "overheated balck walnut" from the saw blades is just... something... else...

He dug out some laminates, a few burls and some plains, and the first one just struck me as the favourite, and his quote, "If you really want to go mad..." so that is what I went for...

For the the body control bay insert he found a suitable piece of South American Mahogany with grain to match the pattern on the body, and of he went to cut it...

On a recommendation I went for black binding (ABS) and white pin for the markers... also got a couple of black switches for potential playing with the "Mud", and a 1/2 litre of Titebond...

David is the kind of person I thoroughly enjoy meeting: dedicated and highly knowledgable, with a hint of ecentricity... Thank you Mr Dyers...

(Oh yes, and he knew Peter Cook, but as everyone seems to say, not his present whereabouts... he has also supplies materials to Andy Manson, who appears to have made several instruments for a certain John Paul Jones...)

So, what did I get...?

Oregon Myrtle Burl... bookended...

I don't think a picture can do justice to how beautiful Oregon Myrtle Burl is, the way the sun catches the wood is simply stunning, but when you colour it...


The colours are for an idea of how much of a difference can be made with simple dyes... and the overlay of my 'bird gives you the size...

The burl is not a perfect piece, but it has more than a large enough section to cover her, and then some... then it is time to play with fins... as long as I get it all right...

The next question...

How do I fix ABS binding to ebony...?

[Dave W]

It's always nice to meet someone in the business who will give you honest advice when you need it.

[Lightyear]

Dang, son, you'se going whole hog!!

That will be a fantastic top ol' bean!

The binding is typically attached with super glue - there are myriad of types, viscosities, and dry times.  I've not done binding but others here have and I suspect that the good Doctor will chime in shortly   Like all other precision type endeavors - do your homework and practice in advance - you don't want to learn on a valuable piece

[Chris P.]

Love this thread! You're doing well, Kenny!

[Highlander]

Might as well show everyone that I can be taken seriously... not... 

Jus' kiddin'... 

As we both know, Chris, she deserves a little TLC in her elder years and at least a decent set of clothes...

[clankenstein]

very nice.

[chromium]

That's a pretty piece of burl, and it looks nice dyed.  Are you back onto the cherry finish then? 

Keep them photos coming - love seeing it progress.   

[drbassman]

That really is a beautiful piece of wood, should look super nice on there!

[birdie]

drbassman, any news on the tailpieces? i've got everything together but that.

sorry for the hijack....

back to our regularly scheduled show!!!