Well I know it's been almost a year since this topic got started, but I finally got started on this project. I changed the shape up a bit since I started this thread, could post the sketches but figured you might want to see the progress instead. Not a ton to see at this point, but should get some good updates in before spring break. I'll try to grab some pictures with a real camera instead of off my phone, doesn't seem to catch the color of the padauk or the figure in the maple.
Body shot
Neck
Neck closeup
Gluing up maple top
Things are going pretty smoothly so far, but I need to start buying some parts before I can really get going. Once I get a truss rod/bit for routing the channel I can get that nice fretboard glued up then start cutting and shaping the neck. I realize now I should have routed the channel before gluing on the headstock ears...ah well, it's all a learning process. Padauk is a crazy wood to work with, you might not guess from my pictures but it creates the most vibrant orange dust, looks very unnatural to see this glowing orange coating everything
I'll keep updating, let me know what you guys think, cheers
Mike