Beetle Kill Electric Guitar

A little background on this guitar: In 2008, I was working for a Natural Resource Management team conducting forestry projects in Colorado’s front-range forests. Of which, Ponderosa Pine Trees are one of the main inhabitants. A main objective was to remove pine beetle infected trees. I spent about six months with a chain saw in hand and pine pitch stuck to my face and clothes getting to know this material. The Ponderosa has some beautiful characteristics: The grace they possess in filling space in a healthy forest, the sweet aroma in the air, and the way the bark on older trees has a rich red color. The bacteria associated with the Pine Beetle leaves the wood with “blue stain” adding another element to perk my interest in creating an instrument out of it. And it is satisfying when you can use a regional material, really creating a Colorado guitar.

Finishing Stages of the Beetle Kill Electric

Finally back in the shop again trying to finish some projects. Here two guitars are on deck for the spray booth. This process takes a month. Lacquer has to be giving time to dry and harden, then releveled and sprayed again. When there are enough coats it will be time for the final sanding and then buffing.

P-90s

Marshwood Remodel

More work has been done on this cool project: sanding is 75& complete, extra pickup cavity added, the old logo's pearl inlay has been removed so that the router for the new one will cut nice and smooth, a new veneer has also been added. It is looking good! The Clash's star design will be installed around the 12th fret in a red reconstituted stone. Rudy Can't Fail!

Beetle Kill Electric

The neck and body are joined! Now the fun part begins with the shaping of the neck heel and "gut-cut." Then a final sanding up to 220 grit, some pore-filling (more sanding) and some lacquer. This body-style will be one of the "standard models" offered by Marshwood Guitars. I like it. It features a slight bevelled edge around the body which will eliminate any harsh edge. This was tried on the Prototype (March 3, 2011) and seemed to make a difference in comfort.

Remodel

Here is a older Marshwood which is going to get a facelift. New finish, add logo, etc. Should be a fun project. It is a thin hollowbody (17" wide) made from maple.

Beetle Kill Electric: Neck

Before gluing in the neck I want to get as much done as possible. So, back of the neck has been roughly shaped, the logo and frets have been inlayed this time using aluminum and the fretboard leveled and frets installed. A little more work to the body and this neck is getting glued in.

Fun with GarageBand and a Marshwood Guitar

12th Fret Inlay

Here are a couple pictures of the Mountain Pine Beetle inlay which will be installed on the 12th fret. There will be two smaller ovals of pearl on the 9th and 15th fret positions as well. The material is abalone.