Ep 6 Hand Carving the Neck and Headstock - Making a Modern Multi-Scale Electro Acoustic Guitar

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

The first 1000 people to use the link will get a free trial of Skillshare Premium Membership: skl.sh/crimsoncustomguitars12201

[@kiltymacbagpipe]

I know you gotta make money and I don’t mind a skill share add, but please don’t start promoting raid shadow legends and it’s ilk, that would be a step too far.

[@hooptiejones]

Speaking of Skillshare... have you considered making videos on that platform? I used to work for a cabinet maker... If you combined his tutelage (half-assed as it may have been) with the books I've read, and other such research; I've probably learned more about wood and tools from your guitar building uploads. Could be a worthwhile endeavor to produce a few intro to woodworking videos for them. You've certainly got the charisma to engage with potential students. One of my goals (pre-pandemic, even) is to get the time off to spend three months at Crimson. Might be something to consider.

[@hooptiejones]

By the way... that headstock looks gorgeous.

[@rsfields2009]

I am an interior trim carpenter by trade. I was doing some stair rails a while back and received the wrong size up-turn for the rail I had. The wait time on the correct one was 2 weeks. I didn't have the time to wait, so I drew inspiration from you. I ran to the only store in 50 miles and bought a Shinto saw rasp and carved it down to the correct size. Worked perfectly and saved me a ton of time. Thanks Ben.

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

It is one of those tools, life changing in certain situations, I'm glad I could help! B

[@cheapskate8656]

I name this guitar "Fing" as in F...ing beautiful. I was so proud of my last build. 5 piece laminate through neck. Here I am watching Ben do a lazy 29 piece laminate neck. Awesome stuff.

[@toddsipes1471]

Hi Ben, I have spent the last 8 months watching yours, others videos, doing research and gathering tools in preparation of starting my own guitar company here in the US. I just wanted to tell you that of all the youtube videos I've watched, and there are hundreds, your are the most informative well put together teaching videos there are on any forum. You are a credit to the guitar world and I would just like to thank you for inspiring me to go as far as I can with this idea. I'm late to the game at 52 but have been playing guitar for over 35 years and I know what a great guitar is and can say with certainty that you are building great instruments and should be so very proud of what you've accomplished. It makes me so happy to know that you started in a garden shed and are now THE master luthier by which all others are judged, at the very least when it comes to electric guitars. You are the master and I your apprentice. Thank you man.

[@bazzer124]

"A surfeit of door wedges." Brilliant. Sounds like a song off a Pink Floyd album. Cheers.....

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

That would be an achievement! B

[@GreyMatterStew]

Truly, you're instruction style is facetnating.

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

thank you.. I'm going to assume you mean fascinating in a good way? B

[@GreyMatterStew]

@@CrimsonCustomGuitars Absolutely, it was "facet"nating to watch you shape that neck. 😉 Joking aside, yes I mean it in the best way.

[@midi510]

I'm glad to see you going with a non-flat headstock top. I'm in the process of building my first neck from scratch. I would have thought I'd start with something basic, but have gone with binding that matches the myrtlewood body top and have tapered the headstock and sandwiched it. The neck is flame maple with an ebony fretboard. I made a book-matched myrtlewood cap for the headstock out of the leftovers from the body top. Since I'm tapering the headstock and want it to be plenty strong, I'm adding a tapered slice of ebony between the maple and myrtlewood. I'm considering tapering or carving it from bass to treble side in addition to longitudinally.

[@maxwellcohen2917]

Thank you for existing, Ben. You're a wondrous existence in the guitar building community.

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

And thank you for your support! B

[@kirillknatko3540]

When you stood with the resparator on the face i thought that you are about to do a Bane impression... The guitar looks great...tnx for doing this series

[@rapidfire1400]

Huge fan of your work and videos. Witty, well spoken. And someone who actually knows how to use the word Myriad. Thank you.

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

your myriad compliments make me very happy.. thank you :) B

[@iannesbitt2986]

I purchased a Triton oscillating belt/spindle sander for myself on the back of watching you use yours. It is a superbly useful machine.

[@dalgguitars]

Thank you so much for your videos! Especially love the advice about the spoke shave and dipping in the middle.

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

Glad you like them, I am happy to help. B

[@1963jesse]

You hold us up in these times good work Ben!

[@bronsoncarder2491]

Everyone's talking about headstock designs. I just wanted to give a shout to the most awesome headstock design I've ever seen, on that amazing bass that Guns and Guitars built for the Great Guitar Build-off 2020. Sort of a combination of Classical Guitar style headstocks and modern bass headstocks. I never would have thought of that in a million years. lol I love how this guitar is shaping up. It's a very subtle design. I can't wait to see what it ends up looking like. One of these days, if I ever have that kind of money, I would love to order a custom Crimson. I'd probably go for something Gibson Axecess- like in shape. Single cutaway, probably semi-hollow, with a single f hole and lots of ergonomics. Deep belly cut (I love those curves lol). Silverburst. With a fender strat-style flat 6-on-a-side headstock. Ebony fretboard, abelone inlays in a simple pattern. Abelone on the tips of the knobs, and on the dark moon pickups. Oops... I didn't mean to design a guitar. lmfao

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

Sounds like something I would love to build, you should drop us a line.. we're not as pricey as many people think tbh.. and I personally think that Guns and Guitars should have won followed closely by Tamar at 3x3 customs.. They both went outside the box and with STYLE! B

[@troyalcorn9459]

I really liked this video showed me a lot on how a neck is formed from scratch thanks Ben.

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

Glad it was helpful, thanks for watching! B

[@StarDragon7677]

Man if I had the money to afford to take your classes I would. I have been in awe of your videos for some time now. I don’t get to play very often, but having a custom guitar I could hand down to my daughter or (if and when I have another child) my son (*fingers crossed it would be a boy*). Actually played the violin for nine years of my life from grade school through high school and guitar was an easy transition after graduating. Love these videos!

[@stephencarey6114]

Thank you Ben and happy Christmas to you and the family. Thank you for all that you do to make our lives easier and a hell of a lot more enjoyable in the shed. cheers buddy

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

You are very welcome, same to you and yours! B

[@scottbehl216]

Hi Ben. I love the look of a Laminated neck ! And of course it will be Very Stable !!

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

Fingers crossed! B

[@scottbehl216]

That's one of the nicest looking necks I've seen !!

[@peatbogfaierie]

My dad passed recently , being a tool fan I'm getting his Stanley No.5! He was a Couch Builder & had some sets of weird Tools !

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

It is so sad that many of the tools we get in the shop are not wanted in the slightest by the family of makers who have passed on.. I am glad you are going to keep your dads plane, it is a beautiful continuity across generations. I am sorry for your loss! B

[@sootys4024]

I wish these videos existed many moons ago when I made my first guitar as an A level project. Makes me want to clear off the bench and do it all again!

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

My job here is done, go on.. make a guitar or two! B

[@lewisbrown958]

BEN. Always love it when you post right before I go to work on my guitar. Inspired!

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

Rock on! B

[@petedazer3381]

Ben, you’re a trip to watch! Incredible workmanship

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

I appreciate that, thanks. B

[@MichaelKeeter]

That neck is gorgeous. I absolutely love it.

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

Thank you, I am very excited to see it under finish! B

[@apinakapinastorba]

I really like the Mirka Abranet belts on that Triton belt sander. The dust gets extracted very well. Really good tool for guitar building for the price.

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

It feels like a tool you would pay twice the price for, I'm very happy with it, and it's extraction too :) B

[@saveriohaman3464]

Whoever puts thumbs down, is obviously jealious. This guitar so far is amazingly beautiful.

[@TwoWheeledHepkat]

That's exactly what I think whenever I see a thumbs down. Jealous, talentless hacks that wished they had his skills.

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

oh you guys! :)B

[@IvanWizard-Karl]

It honestly confuses me, like, it's great content, same as on loads of places like rob cosman, matt estlea etc, but there's always some downvotes, and there's just no actual reason. maybe it really is jealousy, but to me I just find it fascinating and inspiring. I guess some people really just can't be helped.

[@seeteasea5497]

I’m so glad Ben is getting the neck work out the way first, gives us the body to look forward to

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

I'm liking this way around too.. B

[@seeteasea5497]

@@CrimsonCustomGuitars I’m just happy watching you build guitars, even the kit builds are awesome, but the scratch build has so far been worth the wait

[@Pauld62]

The gift of the drawing lines neck carve method! Ive only ever seen it referred to on this channel not explained, so that was a boxing day bonus xmas present lol

[@chaptermasterpedrokantor1623]

I think he did it on the Cyperpunk 2077 guitar or the one that came after it. Because he ruined the neck of the CP2077 guitar so he had to build a new one instead.

[@juliansuarez3849]

So cool Neck Ben!!! Feliz Navidad!!

[@scottbehl216]

Alot more stable than a solid neck !!! And much cooler looking I might add ! When I am ready I want Ben to build my Son's guitar !!!

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

I would be honoured to! B

[@stefanobarrilari]

Hi Ben, have you ever considered giving an analysis or sharing some thoughts about the way Strandberg necks are shaped?

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

I'm a fan, I was playing with similar ideas myself back in the day but got side-tracked into KZbin.. I think they feel great but it depends on the player in the end. our production range is only really getting the love it deserves now tbh.. B

[@zz9pa]

I've not heard of Strandberg before - but it does answer a question. I was wondering if it was possible to have the nut straight and the fan at the bottom (the opposite to this guitar) - and that's how they do them. Win! Think this would make playing the higher frets easier..

[@stefanobarrilari]

@@zz9pa I couldn't say, but they definitely make some proper guitars with kind of unique ergonomics really. Guess you should try one for yourself and see how you like them

[@hobbyturner6634]

Although I'm not a guitarist I am fascinated by the techniques used to make a guitar and Ben makes it look simple !!

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

Thank you for watching! B

[@atakdragonfly1675]

You came up with a nice shape there, Ben. Yeah... The headstock design challenge.. I've photocopied both a 6 inline and a 3x3 hole pattern... Even a 4x2... Just the holes. I sit around sometimes, and sketch headstock shapes with them. Making new headstock shapes IS NOT EASY. I've crumpled up so many. So, now instead of wasting paper, I've drawn the holes with a stencil on a dry erase board.. with permanent marker. Then I use the dry erase markers to invent new shapes. I've got a few.. But the only ones I have kept... are for purely animalistic, demonic guitar designs. Just way off the wall. I can say... Headstock designing is definitely difficult. You just eventually hit this block ... As far as coming up with new, innovative, original shapes.. It's not fun sometimes! But the dry erase thing helps come up with shapes. Makes things a little bit easier. Sketching headstocks has become a new hobby of mine! I both love it, and hate it.

[@spiralflash6169]

I was just wondering about the motorcycle/paduak lamp and if it was in use, and then it sneaks into the frame and pretty much stays there! I love it, and that beautiful neck is a real work of art!!

[@martinclayton7260]

I can't wait until Crimson have finished building my guitar!

[@glennwhitlock1272]

I know how you feel. I waited around 10 months for mine. I kept emailing James (MD at the time) to find out when it was coming. Although he must have been fed up with me, he at least got them to film it for WOTB at various stages for me to see it coming together. It'll be worth the wait.

[@martinclayton7260]

@@glennwhitlock1272 I've been waiting since August, and I've been in to see it as it is, now I've seen it, I want it more!

[@LPJMagicmusic]

What are they building for you?

[@jellopuddinpops9421]

@@LPJMagicmusic The guitar in the video?

[@LPJMagicmusic]

@@jellopuddinpops9421 that's what im asking. It could be interpreted either hes waiting for this guitar or he has another order

[@MattMcConaha]

It seems that there are two main ideas when it comes to designing a headstock, flat or angled. Something like a les paul has the angled headstock and something like a strat has a flat headstock. For the flat headstock there is an offset between the headstock surface and the fretboard surface so that the strings break over the nut, but the further your tuners are from the nut the lesser the break angle (thus requiring string trees.) For the angled headstock, there is no offset, but the angle is steep enough that all of the strings will break at a sharp enough angle. However, one thing I've noticed is that the break angle is still not the same for every string on an angled headstock. In order to get the same angle on all strings, the angle of the headstock would have to be more extreme than necessary. On my latest guitar build, I chose to combine both ideas so that my headstock was angled (at the same angle that I wanted the strings to break over the nut) but also offset so that every string has the same break angle regardless of distance from the nut. I'm not aware of this design philosophy being used by any other builders, but surely there are people out there who have also done this. I like how it turned out, but I will say that this method is probably more labor intensive than either of the two more common methods, and I dont particularly feel that any advantages are significant aside from the fact that it is more pleasing to me from a design perspective. I will also note that the offset required for this type of angled headstock is actually not very large anyway, depending on what angle you choose and the height of your tuning pegs, you might not have any offset at all. Btw, I'll note this has nothing to do with the "flat headstock" discussion in this video. In the video he's talking about flatness in terms of the planarity of the headstock face and I'm talking about flatness in terms of being parallel to the fretboard plane (before radius.) it's just something I was thinking about.

[@donniebrookins6215]

I love the haha yay at the beginning

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

I tried to have the editor ditch it once and many people complained! B

[@donniebrookins6215]

It makes me laugh every time

[@RomainWhatever]

When I will begin to be a ok to play some music and enjoy a good guitar, I am sure I will want to get one from the masters at Crimson... this one is already so cool and the nebula was already veeeeery noice !!

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

I would love to build you one one day! B

[@RomainWhatever]

@@CrimsonCustomGuitars I need to spend less time woodworking and more time learning to play ha ha ha, but I will get there and will take a trip to Dorchester 🤗

[@guitarxplorer2022]

Enjoying your experience and learning. Thx!

[@johnjperricone7856]

This is the best build yet. I feel like I am at your school, which is on my wish list.

[@odiec5567]

Would love to see your take on Torzal necks that have a twist to (supposedly) feel more natural on the wrist.

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

I haven't ever done one of these on camera before.. I'll see if I can work it into anything in 2021.. B

[@stevethebluesman6393]

This neck is AWESOME!!!!!!

[@stuhaysman135]

Looking beautiful 🤩 ❤️ A Crimson course is definitely on my bucket list once the global madness settles down!

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

I will look forward to meeting you in person then, fingers crossed we get back to some normality sooner rather than later! B

[@yazman4040]

Ben my friend, I'll refrain from the usual shin kicks. Hope you guys had a good holiday and I hope the new year finds you and your family healthy and happy. Much love, from your crew across the pond.

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

The same to you and yours, I really appreciate your support, shin kicks and all :) B

[@yazman4040]

Oh, this is just a momentary reprieve dudeski, Santa gave your favorite Yankee a new pair o boots 😁

[@Lordehlie]

Merry Christmas Ben and crimson family...

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

and the same to you and yours! Thanks for your support! B

[@mikeivey8471]

Very impressive , sir !!! As always !! Looking forward to seeing this work of art come together !!

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

You and me both! Thanks for watching. B

[@matt6288joyce]

I love this series

[@weekendworkshop7196]

Me too! B

[@russellscott1151]

That’s turning into one gorgeous neck. I’d really like the triton sander you have with the flat surface but alas my little workshop cannot squeeze it in and I already have tritons round oscillating sander so will have to make do :( looking forward to the next video.

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

You can do the same with the spindle sander, it just takes a little longer to be sure it won't dig in imo. B

[@SidewinderINC]

I'd buy one of those door wedges if they were on the crimson shop!

[@benheaver4332]

Love the countryside back yard ,,, great video

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

Thanks.. I am loving being back in a workshop with a field in back, makes a much nicer working day tbh. B

[@jeffreyeagen4896]

Such a pleasure watching you work!

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

Thank you.. I'll keep doing it as long as I possibly can! B

[@rossstokes4822]

Great neck shaping tips, thanks Ben

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

No problem! Thanks for commenting! B

[@JoseFGonzalezPerez]

Justo before de 14 minute mark: "Hi, I'm Bane Crowe"

[@Red_Robin_Guitars]

Nobody cared who I was before I put on the mask......

[@dubioushumor9243]

You simply adopted the copper leaf. I was born in it, molded by it

[@notedsinner3171]

The most amazing neck I have ever seen !

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

Why Thank you :) B

[@graham6229]

The genius is still the genius. Amazing work. BTW, lets not get too commercial. We have ads interrupting videos and so on.

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

I'll only ever partner with companies I truly believe in and support.. no video game ads here, unless I'm building a guitar designed around a game that is :) B

[@MAJESTIC.CPR1]

Have you thought of doing a build with a scratch plate made out of wood with the texture that you did on the build off, and gold/copper leafed it. Or a different texture that you wanted to try or try doing a texture style on a aluminium scratch plate , also texture bindings as an idea.

[@mariogirard9664]

Thank you man, you made me discover the japaneese rasp. Never saw it before. I will certainly use it for my next neck

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

This tool will change your life, I guarantee it! B

[@mariogirard9664]

@@CrimsonCustomGuitars just tried to adjust my neck and you are absolutely wright. It helps a lot👌

[@Atherax]

I'm loving this build, thought I wouldn't as it looked fairly simple at first but oh god it's so.good

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

Thank you, I'm going for a fairly clean and straight forward look from a distance, but the closer you get the more you should see, hopefully.. B

[@Atherax]

It really works I love how you build and the quality of your guitars :) I only wish I could afford one, tho I'd have to learn to play :P

[@garrickvandernest4584]

Hey Ben, let's talk about the Oud hanging next to your drill press. A tutorial on how to build some early stringed instruments would be sick.

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

I'm planning on going into some more esoteric instruments soon.. Outside of my comfort zone now so should be fun! B

[@danielwalter7106]

Yo B. I think you mentioned before that watch the Ads helps the KZbinrs. I’m going to start, I would encourage others. Only when you’re in the middle of something. Then I smash a guitar. You have a way with words and emotion, so please remind us. D.

[@chaptermasterpedrokantor1623]

Ooh, I have the Triton oscillating sander. Love it! Gotten a lot of Triton stuff recently. Planer, router, routing table. Still no gauge though, sorry Ben. 😊

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

You have fantastic taste in tools then.. though you really really need a gouge or two :) B

[@hogthrob]

New product idea: Crimson Guitars door wedges. Tuning peg idea: tuning pegs have the string post, and the shaft from the gear to the tuning peg. Imagine if you could get (or get manufactured) tuners with different length shafts. You could combine any shape headstock with straight string pull.

[@LaFeuilleAF]

ok the guitar is pretty cool... but Oh My that double rainbow all the way across the sky!! And it starts to look like a triple rainbow! (am I already too old to remember that reference?) Wonderful work as always Ben! Cheers!

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

Nature always knocks anything I can do for six, and I'm good with that :) B

[@BLBlackDragon]

Happy Holidays, Ben. Saw the last video. My daughter said I need to enter, so I'm furiously sketching, trying to come up with something unique and worth of your skills and insanity. ;) In the meantime, this is coming along nicely. "From scratch" usually takes a little longer, but I expect it is much more rewarding. Can't wait to see the end piece.

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

I am looking forward to seeing what you come up with! And yes, building from scratch is my personal Nirvana.. though it really depends on what I hope to achieve, a kit neck and a scratch built body can allow for some serious cool guitarage. B

[@IvanWizard-Karl]

Ben, have you, or would you ever do an extras mini-torial on the different machines you have ? It'd be interesting, to me at least, having you explain the set-up you have in the shed. Side note, I have the triton sander but the belt attachment seems to vibrate more than any other kind I've used, so I'm not getting great results. the tongue that slots into the bracket at the end without the motor seems to have quite a bit of play. Bobbin works fine though. Other side note, can you guys add back ordering to the website? all the thing's I NEEEEEED are out of stock haha. (I can wait really, let's me save more to spend there later) Epic content as always, Hope you all are having a wonderful Christmas.

[@dougcook7507]

1000% agree with spindle sander comment. So mush that I will be getting my second one in a little over a month. The one I have now is only round. Want to get the belt style.

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

I haven't used the spindle on it's own more than a few times since I've had this machine, you won't regret the upgrade! B

[@sduos-ws6ov]

Beautiful! And interesting to watch. Thank you.

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

Thank you too! B

[@DreidMusicalX]

Your work is incredible.

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

Thank you. B

[@nsjguitarsakascotsman6989]

Ben that was facetnating lol Seriously though, had to watch again as I'll be doing this part of my first neck this coming week!

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

Really pleased to help. Hope everything works out well. DC

[@nsjguitarsakascotsman6989]

@@CrimsonCustomGuitars It was great! At first when you start using your own shinto rasp it seems so brutal! But then it all begins to take shape and now it's looking fantastic. Cheers

[@duffduff4948]

Hey Ben, thanks for yet another awsome video, I had to laugh when you mentioned you were still eating scraps :) I had scraps aka leftovers today and its the 27th!!! - Now, I haven't entered your competition as I am not worthy but it did prompt me to suggest something to you which is that my idea for a guitar build would be your take on a Gretsch G9221 Bobtail steel body resonator but in wood :) I mean is that even possible? It would certainly be a challenge and I believe you could do it :) It would make an amazing build series and I suspect challenge even you :) just a thought :) take care.

[@PastelComGini]

The neck looks just great. Nice window view. I'm sure you'll end up with something great on the headstock, but it already looks great. Well, I guess we'll have different great looks on the front and the back then.

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

Fingers crossed! and yes, I'm glad I've gone back to a workshop with a view.. it makes a huge difference! B

[@ВениаминКузнецов-ы2м]

Happy New Year!!!!

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

Same to you! B

[@benheaver4332]

Great job Ben!!

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

Thank you. B

[@drdoomecj]

How are you determining the spacing for the tuner holes?

[@whatawordsalad]

this one is going to be soooo awesome.. damn

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

Cheers Martin, I truly hope so! B

[@jimmytree1936]

I agree with Jon Green, the head stock is really looking good - would it make such a big difference to the aesthetic you have in mind to leave it "as-is"? - Great channel by the way!

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

Thanks for your support! I think with the top, fretboard and the 2 woods in the neck it would look too busy from the front, a veneer is essential now though as I thinned it down in preparation already.. B

[@atakdragonfly1675]

Ooh is it going to have the invisible bridge? I so need to grab some tools. What do you think shipping some tools to Florida is looking like? I know everything is a mess. But I'm liking a few of your tools.. I'm all signed up. And I'm desperately needing some new things for some projects.

[@kilhattrick]

Could you edit a short version for a fast way to shape a neck? That was cool. Always fun.

[@samfrankmusic6538]

Ben!! Do you think you could build an electro acoustic guitar (can be solid body) that is sturdy enough and modified to be able to support a good sized dude while they get on stage, like a crutch? Maybe with a retractable cello spike or something. A friend is losing a leg today (NYE 2020, ouch righ?) and already struggled to get on stage holding a guitar. I feel a guitar and stability device in one would be a possible solution but the build is beyond me. Up for the challenge or know anyone who is? Not begging, sure a fund can be put together to pay for the build. Happy New Year to all at Crimson 😊

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

We actually could do this.. B

[@jamespatrick9446]

Nice sky bow. What's the hardest wood you've worked with and can you use that wood they make ball bearings out of

[@evasanders7327]

Hi I luv your videos, learned a lot watching them not all about guitars but........ One question I would like to ask is about fret slot and why people don't radius them like the fret board?

[@btlxguitars7606]

Does a headstock have to be flat? Check out the "Ergon" guitars made by Adriano Sergio... Mind-blowing works of art... The man is a sculptor, and his instrumets are generally hewn from a singly solid block of wood... His headstocks are countoured and curved both front and back, and he carves beautiful little recesses into the back of the headstock to accept the tuners... Seriously Ben, if you haven't seen his work, you're missing a treat my friend...

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

Hey! I have seen his work.. very very interesting indeed. The physicality of the bodies blows my mind! B

[@Stronthor]

I'm planning to build my first instrument, a 4 string cigar box/electric guitar hybrid thingy soon after being inspired by this channel. Got a gorgeous piece of bubinga for the neck already... But just the thought of carving the neck scares the shetland pony's out of me. The faceting explanation does make it seem slightly less daunting of a task though!

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

practice on a bit of pine for a few goes first but there is no reason you shouldn't be able to do this without any issues. Good luck! B

[@Stronthor]

@@CrimsonCustomGuitars Thanks Ben, will do. The advice is very much appreciated!

[@scraeling7310]

AMAZING! Love your videos!

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

Glad you like them, thank for your support! B

[@timcarter1164]

I was just about to get some sleep, and this popped up. I don't need sleep that bad. Ben, how does go about getting a hold of some of your door stop wedges? I've often thought how cool it would be to be able to do some art pieces with some of your cast offs.

[@terryousley1178]

Great videos! Appreciate the info on how to carve a neck. Do you use the same technique on an asymmetrical neck, just moving the center line toward the bass side but still segmenting by 1/2s?

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

Yes, you can use the same technique. Ben

[@OmiP42]

You might need to make custom curved ferrules for the headstock tuners!

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

I'm planning on drilling flush to the back so the ferrules are recessed with the curve hugging them nicely.. should work if I don't go too deep. B

[@ravenslaves]

You've really taken the fanned fret guitar to a new level. I played one of the first fanned fret guitars in the late eighties, before the patent. Ralph made them from Tele's because the bridge allowed enough space for the compensated string length...plus they were cheap. All Ralph said was "don't look down. Just don't look down.". Gibson top end, Fender low end, Danelectro middle.

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

That is an awesome thing to be able to say! And thank you.. I'm having fun with this build for sure! B

[@ryancozzolino7832]

That’s a great headstock!

[@pmcm-ih1ep]

I want to build an electric steel string guitar with the string spacing of a classical guitar, both at the nut and the bridge. There are many hybrids out there, some with a wider nut but the spacing at the bridge is a standard electric guitar width. Some have a standard electric guitar with nylon strings. This is not an electric classical. For me the Gibson SG comes closest with 48mm nut and 58mm overall string spacing at the bridge but with decades of playing a classical it’s quite extraordinary how a few millimeters difference can make you miss strings when plucking. Plus the neck is thinner, us classical players are used to a thick chunky neck. Ben, i wish you would build one with a tutorial, any chance of that happening?

[@marcialavine1272]

I've lost count of how many different tools are your "favorite", Ben! I suspect we are much more kindred than I suspect, considering mine changes with every chore I'm tackling, at any particular moment ;)

[@ninosciorra6312]

Ben,how have you done the black strips between the other colors of the peghead? Are they Made of wood too?

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

Hi Nino, yes.. it is 0.7mm thick stained poplar veneer.. adds a little something special to a build imo. B

[@Rodarwah]

so skilled ultimate perfection skills so good to see. im stunned :)

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

Thank you very much! B

[@pmcm-ih1ep]

Good stuff... When is episode 7 ???

[@garethbarlow5278]

Ha Ha! After years of subscribing from Down Under I'm finally the first viewer and the first to press "Like". You Bloody Ripper! I exist!

[@garethbarlow5278]

Merry Christmas Sensei! Thanks for the education. I'll make it worth your while when I recover from the Bushfire and the Pandemic. Best wishes for the New Year to you, your Family and the whole Crimson crew!

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

Hey Gareth! The best thing about this is that you will be the only person other than us to see this video before Saturday.. you happened to click on it in the single minute that it was erroneously live! I really appreciate your support, and your enthusiasm. I hope you and yours have a fantastic holiday and that your recovery from all the shit is swift and true! B

[@MrJimmyWalsh]

Yup, the Shinto rasp is the absolute best tool in my shop

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

I concur wholeheartedly! B

[@rswhite78]

Hey Ben, what is the music in this episode? Specifically around the 5-7min mark. I’d love to check out the artist.

[@rossfudd256]

Ben, Have you ever tried using a Ferrier's rasp for quick wood removal?

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

Yes, I loved it.. very wide and keeps a neck nice and straight, though I vastly prefer the japanese saw rasp. B

[@johnnyjohnny5639]

Man that neck is sweet looking!!

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

Thank you.. I think so too :) B

[@S-T-E-V-E]

Ben, How do Fender make their Channel Bound Necks?

[@Jonpilen]

That headstock is way to pretty to put a veneer on

[@claudevieaul1465]

My thoughts exactly - I'd love to see an oil finish on that, and maybe a little amber-ish dye to keep the contrasts in the wood...

[@paulshouse524]

I have to agree.