Turrell #1

[bluegrassplayer]

I got the fingerboard glued on today and finally got to string it up. Now it is only clean up and finishing. It's going to be a blacktop. You'll also have to imagine a abbreviated 'A' pickguard on there. That is on the way.

[bluegrassplayer]

I did a lot of upgrades on my IV kit. Here's the fingerboard.

[bluegrassplayer]

I wet the back with a rag to show the flame. This part will be a sunburst.

[bluegrassplayer]

Here's a pic of the binding.

[bluegrassplayer]

Here's a dream-like pic of the headstock.

[bluegrassplayer]

Here's a pic of the headstock with the template for some more inlay.

[bluegrassplayer]

I'll keep posting pics as I go along. Hopefully it will be done by the end of September.

[Antlurz]

I think that is the first IV I've seen that the fretboard was modified. I've been wondering how long till someone did it. Looks nice.

Ron

[kyblue]

That's an awfully nice flame on the back. Seems a shame to cover it up with a burst.

Paula

[Skip Kelley]

Micah, great job on the mandolin! Can't wait to see the finished pics!

[Darren Kern]

bluegrassplayer, looking real good. Nice work. Way to think outside the box. Paula, a sunburst doesn't necessarily have to cover up the figure. Alcohol based dyes (and probably others but that's what I have a little experience with) can be pretty translucent and even show the figure through pretty dark colors.

[Sitka]

After many a setback...

Here are some current pics. I changed some of the inlay pattern. Don't look very close at it. You'll see all the imperfections.


For those of you who may be wondering why Sitka is posting instead of bluegrassplayer... look at my signature.
Micah

[Sitka]

Here's a pic of the headstock. I designed the inlay myself. Still learning the art of cutting pearl, but it I'm happy with it for my #1.


EDIT:
Oh, yes those are shims between the nut and headstock overlay. Something funky happened during glueing.

[Sitka]

Here's a pic of the back.

[Sitka]

Here's another. I decided to put an ebony cap of the neck heel. I need to clean it up a bit, but I think the stain will cover most of it up.

I hope...

[Doug Edwards]

EDIT:
Oh, yes those are shims between the nut and headstock overlay. Something funky happened during glueing.
Nice work. I getting up the courage to try one of those kits.

Nothing wrong with shims. You'll just have to fine a creative way in incorporate them into your TRC. "Oh yeah, I did that on purpose, why?".

[markishandsome]

I just hope you haven't quit playing bluegrass http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[Sitka]

This is therapy while my mandolin has been in the shop all week. I found that I get board and irritable easy lately.

Hmm, wonder why?

Micah

EDIT: Ohhh. I get it now. No I haven't stopped playing bluegrass. I just wanted a more luthierie oriented name. It might make me sound more professional.
At least I try...

[Sitka]

Here is a pic with the pickguard installed.