The plates look pretty cool too!

Just entered the carving department:

 

 

 

awesome!!!
 
i assume the plate cutouts picture above is a good representation for the ultimate color?

Routed, carved and heading for spray:
 

 
When I'm back from vacation the week of August 7th, I'll add some more pictures of what happened while I was gone, which will be some sealer coats of spray. There's no way all the finish will be in place before I get back. So if you feel after seeing it you want a slight tint, there will be plenty of time to add that.

Sweet guitar!

I was delighted that your guitar got the first sealer coat last night so I could show you a photo right away:  

 

  It's not quite as dark as the backplates with stabilizer, but it sure is darker than raw. Let Valentino know if you want to add an all-over cognac tint.

Man that is awesome!

Erik,
Wow.  That is just absoloutely amazing!  Is that walnut in the neck?
 
I was admiring that back piece for a while in the wood bank, and actually called Val to see if I could have it for my top, but you had already snagged it.  I'm glad to see it has found such a stunningly beautiful place to live!

That's weird.  The top seems to have darkened nicely, and the back seems to have lightened nicely after first coat.  
 
This wood is so attractive, I never thought I'd consider anything but quilted maple but this has me wondering.  You lucky guy you!

Love that neck! Great wood combinations.

This one is sweet!  The way the finish makes the figuring in the wood pop out is nothing short of spectacular.  And it's neat how the bookmatched back makes this neck-thru look like a set neck ..  a wolf in sheep's clothing, so to speak.  
 
Bill, tgo

Is that back from the same lot as Charles Dragonfly?!?  
 
I love it...... lots of great inspiration in the FTC threads lately.  
 
Congrats Erik, there's lots of good vibes in this one for sure!

Very tasteful use of Flame Maple. Bravo! Congrats.

thanks for all of the kind words...very excited to play the work of art

Partially fretted, black Tahitian MOP ovals in place:
 

Bill took this shot after speaking with you today. What do you think about the color? Is it looking dark enough?