[Ashbys]

Hi all,
Hate to be a pest but, I need some suggestions. I guess I did OK on the model 12 trap gun , because the guy I did it for took it to a trap shoot where I guess he showed it off a lot. Last night I got a call from him and this morning he stuck a 800.00 guitar in my hand and said he wants it carved. I know very little about guitars even less than I know about carving , which means I am beyond dumb. I strongly suggested he didn't do it but he is persistant. He said it is suspose to be ebony. And I think it is lamaniated.

Any information about carving ebony would be a great help , and I think I will go vist Mr. Daniels , has to be after 5:00 somewhere.

Thanks in advance
Ash

[wade clark]

Ash,
I suggest VERY shallow carving! It might even be worth buying a $50 guitar and doing it first! I've read violin makers often spend 6 months or more on the box of one and then have to start over due to one stroke. Have a good plan, take your time, and
Have fun!
Wade

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

Personally, I would pass on that one! besides being thin wood...the laminated would be a bear to carve. but only my opinion.

[Ashbys]

Thanks Wade,

Your right,
As I started thinking about how, the first, thought was , looking for information about ebony. I found a place fairly close that sells it so I am going to go over and pick up a coulpe blocks to get an idea of grain. Then Do the suggested three time cave , the 2 blocks and then the guitar. But picking up a same shaped guitar would make a lot of sense, especially just learning how to handle it.
Thanks mate will check to see , if I can find a cheap one close to the style of his.
Ash

[squbrigg]

Ash.....Ebony is a bugger to carve, even with power. I really wouldn't suggest trying....the wood is so dark/black that it isn't worth the effort. You can't see what you carve. It is rock hard but also splits easily in some ways. I use it on my ship models and avoid carving it at all. It is really a challenge bending too. Having said that, it has it's uses and finishes beautifully, it is more for use as an accent wood that can be inlayed, smoothed , sanded and polished, but carving is next to useless and you can't see the detail.

Hope this helps.

Bob

[Ashbys]

Very much Bob, and Hi-Ho.

Thanks!

[Ky_Whittler]

If it's an acoustic there's no way I would carve it. Even have second and third thoughts about carving an electric! If you do it I would suggest getting a cherry board to practice on before hand. It's almost as hard and a whole lot cheaper than paying for the dudes fancy guitar. Whittler

[artolver]

pretty serious carving... I'd ask a guitar maker... Boy! I sure wouldn't try to do any carving drunk!
art

Prep work b4 you make your decision.

I would google search guitar makers "luthier" I believe they are called, after locating one on the internet, email this individual and explain the project.

Ask this person for his professional advise or direction you should take, woods they use, how thin, etc.

I believe that you could possibly alter the acustic characteristics if you plan on carving anywhere on the body of the guitar, might want to ask that to.

Goodluck with your decision and project at hand.

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

actually the J.D. is not a bad idea....have a couple then forget the whole thing! LOL Guitar that is, not the J.D.