HuntinDoug

The idea on this one was to do a tribute build with the same approach Eddie used when he built the Frankenstein Strat. I wanted to keep the same vibe as the original without making an exact copy. So, I used my Paradox design with a TOM one piece bridge. I aged the paint, relic'd the body, and used a hodge podge of new parts I had laying around. It was a fun build...

I cheated... Found them on etsy. They are molded resin. Worked out good, but they cost me $25 ea.

Just delivered this one to comedian Tim Hawkins. He's a huge Willie Wonka fan. He's going to use it on his new DVD due out in Nov. I documented the build, and produced this video for him. It will be on the DVD as an "extra The airbrush & clear was done by Alex at Williamson Works: https://www.facebook.com/WilliamsonWorks?fref=pb&hc_location=profile_browser

I finally programmed a nut file for the CNC. I ended up running about 100 more than I need. Here are specs: bright white Corian 12" radius 1.75" wide x .25" thick x .365" high at the top of the radius These have a slight relief taper. They are roughed in and will need sanded & slotted. They polish up really nice. I figure they are well worth $3 each. Sold in groups of 5: 5 for $15 10 for $25 15 for $35 Shipping in the lower 48 states will be about $3.50ish. Paypal works best... PM me Youtube video of a black one I ran:

Very interesting... Cool design. I love the visible chambers. They would look really good painted black to match the pickups & other black parts. Good stuff!

Ok... It's been forever since I submitted one for GOTM. So, here goes: Black Limba Paradox Specs: Parable "Paradox" carved top model 25.5" scale Figured black limba body 3 piece Maple neck with beeswax finish Bound Ziricote FB with gold MOP offset dot inlays Figured maple TR cover with "Parable" logo EVO gold jumbo semi-hemi frets Seymour Duncan JB1 & SH2N hums (coil tapped) 1 piece TOM bridge Bone nut Gotoh tuners Gold Hardware More pics in my 2014 build album:

Black Limba's done

You may ridicule at will...

That top is cool

It's a trick I do with the laser. It's slightly out of focus causing a vertically tapered cut. This allows the inlay to fit snugly in the bottom of the pocket so the inlay piece doesnt "float" in the pocket. That way the outline is consistent.

Well, if you don't enjoy it anymore, then I can understand. Maybe some time away would be good... Get a fresh perspective. But, at least do this: Before you sell all your tools, take a good look at your work, and your progress at the art. You've got talent. Don't "bury it"... Use it. It's a gift. I fully understand the money aspect. I was a part time builder until I lost my full time day job in Nov. 2011. I havent had a real paycheck since. At times I have rhetorically asked myself "why am I still doing this". If it wasnt for my wife believing in what I do, I guess I wouldn't be doing it. I just turned 49, and I finally LOVE what I do. It takes a lot to "make it" as a full time luthier. I'm still at the stage where everything I make goes right back into material & tools. Now I have a shop with all the bills that go along with it. But, I'm right on the edge of things finally breaking loose. I just picked up a customer today that wants to carry my guitars as their premier brand. Sometimes it helps to analyze yourself, and what you are looking to achieve by building. For some guys it's money, others for the art, others do it for the fun. Some do it for their ego. Any way you do it, one thing is the same for everyone. Perfection is un-obtainable. For a long time the best I could do was just not good enough to satisfy me. Then I realized that striving to continually improve is the only way to do this without it driving me crazy. Now I strive for excellence. Frankly, sometimes I'm disappointed in myself. I've burned some really nice guitars. But, I refuse to let that stop me. Whatever you decide to do between now and next year, I hope you do it without regret...

Ok, so it's more circumstances causing you to cease... Not just being sick of striving for excellence without results. Right? Look for a place that will allow you to continue. And, use the downtime to start building up the tools you need. Or, do repairs for a while... No finishing needed there. I can guarantee you one thing: If you quit for good, at some point you will look back and wish you had not.