I Inlay Grace Kelly's Eyes into a Custom Guitar Using Shell, Wood & Metal

[@KimonFrousios]

That inlay already looked ludicrous before, but seeing the photo reduced to cubism and reassembled to near realism with natural materials took it to a whole new level of godlike.

[@hotblackdesiato3451]

Very nice work but have you seen what Dylan Humphries does at Daemoness Guitars? Awesome - daemonessguitars.co.uk/body-graphic-inlays/

[@jeremyvonk6853]

You have an amazing gift! Just beautiful!

[@cia9315]

Γαμηστερο δεν λεω

[@JH-jx7xs]

Isnt ivory illegal

[@xjunkxyrdxdog89]

@@JH-jx7xs relic ivory is legal. Harvesting new ivory is illegal.

[@ursafan40]

"He who works with his hands is a laborer. He who works with his hands and his head is a craftsman. He who works with his hands and his head and his heart is an artist. " Louis Nizer 1948 Definitely an artist here. Wow. That's gorgeous.

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

You made my evenings thank you! B

[@ursafan40]

@@CrimsonCustomGuitars You are welcome. Not much I like better than watching someone who is extraordinary at their craft get to it.

[@georgebryan6019]

Heart

[@DanielJAudette]

OMG that was stunning. I agree artist at his work. How may hours did that inlay take.

[@Md2802]

He who works with his head in his hands probably has a job with my friend Kevin.

[@DavidGuyton]

it belongs in a museum

[@apoclypse]

This is when you realize that the dude you've been watching for the last year or so is actually a genius.

[@GalleryBones]

Yeah exactly that. we already obviously knew that Ben was really talented.. But this is some serious next level stuff right there

[@dfhcderfguukkloo9125]

Next time do steve buscemi's eyes

[@The_Fat_Turtle]

Would match the Gibson Reverse V perfectly.

[@XC2long4u]

lmao

[@awesomearizona-dino]

HAAA...hilarious.

[@bobstrete]

How about Marty Feldman?

[@jacksoniris6841]

“ I wasn’t talking to you, I was talking to that squirrel over there.”

[@CarolHaynesJ]

Beautiful work ... but no final closeup - what were you thinking 🤔🌹

[@Ash.v1]

There are some good ones on his instagram

[@CarolHaynesJ]

@@Ash.v1 I gave up using instagram

[@rustyjames2202]

@@Ash.v1 Screw that.

[@ZiggyTheAdventurer]

instagram.com/p/B3gwNrvnYj4/

[@The_Village_Smithy]

Denied!!!

[@NicuMihai]

This is vector art on a whole new level. The best guitar inlay i've ever seen

[@michaelogden5958]

They haven't even invented a word yet to describe something like this where insanity is but a starting point. WOW.

[@manuelplascencia3223]

Thats "Inefable" in spanish

[@Rick_Sanchez_C137_]

Actually, I think we do have that word in English... funny enough, the word is Quixotic, an adjective meaning exceedingly idealistic, unrealistic, and impractical...

[@dubioushumor9243]

We have to simplify the image Breaks it down into 14 million pieces

[@rickydutton508]

Hehe, well said!

[@mell3109]

That what I was thinking hahahah also I don’t like wood then does it. Overall it is incredible. There are guitar makers and there are artists, he is both.

[@dzaijn]

Quite possibly the most beautiful thing I've seen in some time. Amazing.

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

Thank you very much, I had a great time making it and am glad she turned out well. Thanks for watching! B

[@Makritsya]

I can't stop laughing realising that you will stab her eyes with fingers playing high notes

[@testep02]

Dude!! Your level of craftsmanship is mind-boggling! I don't think I have ever seen something so creative, so well-planned, executed on a guitar. The entire guitar is just absurdly gorgeous. Whoever the lucky owner is should be extremely proud to own such a beautiful instrument.

[@treyfixes884]

I’ve never been as impressed with anyone’s doings on a guitar project as I am right now. I applaud your immense skill sir. I call a lot of things awesome from day to day. This actually IS awesome. I am filled with awe up to my nose holes.

[@Popsy1972]

Wow....... just wow....... You sir are certainly someone to watch and attain too as my own Luthier career progresses, much respect.

[@creepyLegend8]

The genuine joy your work brings you is outstanding. God bless you man.

[@SupRec]

The 8th wonder for sure. Absolutely amazing job.

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

Thank you very much. It was a real labour of love.

[@elsbearylovegood9473]

This is the 5th time ive watched this video since it came out. Thank you for your incredible contributions to this plane of reality we all share

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

Thank you, this made me very happy! B

[@somersetrob4824]

Your skill is undeniable. But your vision to be able to transpose a 2-D picture into a 3-D image - sublime. I bow to your gift

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

Thank you! It is entirely down to practice and is completely achievable to anyone who tries.. and has the luxury of time to put into it. Thanks for watching! B

[@rossgoodley5176]

Inlay is easy, he says. I hate marquetry, he says. I then watch 20 odd minutes of some incedibly difficult inlay work, quite a lot of which is marquetry. Awesome work as always sir.

[@AerisShenlin]

I am not a Granny, but someone's mum whose son has followed you for a long time now. I occasionally had a peep at your work but watching this video I have to conclude you are indeed a phenomenal artist and craftsman. I nearly cried when you cut through those eyes.

[@ausm6294]

"wow"....is all I can say.....it is uplifting to see someone who is so talented and pationate about thier craft, especially when they create works as you have done........amazing and stunning....please do not ever loose your passion for creating such wonderfully inspired artistic guitars...... :)

[@Mars-pt8zb]

How does this not have 100 million views???

[@H4rleyBoy]

If I watch no more videos on KZbin, I will know that I have seen work of the very highest quality in this single video, not to mention others on this channel, extremely well done mate :) :) :)

[@gerasimosgerolimatos7549]

Been watching your videos a loooong time now. Since the old grumpy dark workshop days. It is obvious you were meant to do this for a living and watching you work is very satisfying. Keep it up!

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

Thank you

[@rossmckeown8675]

Holy shit!! my jaw literally dropped when you showed the completed guitar!! amazing work!!

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

Thank you

[@duanehenderson9710]

This is easily the most impressive work on a guitar that I have ever seen! The skill level for this is near immeasurable. Genius level, for sure!

[@MrEric622]

I have never seen ANYTHING like this done on a guitar! INCREDIBLE

[@elsbearylovegood9473]

It is impossible to overstate the level of skill and vision you continue to exhibit. Among your many works I continually return to marvel at this and it comforts me knowing you, this masterpiece, and I all share this time and space. Probably 9th time watching this now. Thank you again sir.

[@Rokkbom]

By far the most beautiful inlays I´ve ever seen. You rock, Ben!

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

Thanks!

[@trawl7880]

"inlay is easy.. just route it out and fill it in". Then there is you. props. lifetime supply gold stars. well done

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

Cheers for making me smile! I will take your gold stars for life and cherish them! B

[@danielschuster1384]

"Inlay is very simple; very, very, very simple."

[@StuntcatTV]

Yeah, that made me chuckle for a bit :D

[@davidmongo3001]

I have no words. But even if I did, I wouldn't be able to say them with my jaw still on the floor. That is amazing!

[@ViktorStorniHauer]

Mr Crowe, Mr Crowe - you are an alien!!! That inlay is incredible! You never stop to amaze us! Beautiful! Thanks!

[@glorst]

Taking a $60 fretboard and turning it into a priceless masterwork of art. You, sir, are an inspiration!

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

Cheers Glorst, it turned out very well and I couldn't be happier.. another really long term project that nearly drove me loopy but well worth it in the end. Star wars inlay next I think.. B

[@philthain6965]

Ridiculous! Actual patience of a saint, amazing artistry and craftsmanship.

[@kevinhenschel375]

I watched and I still can't believe what I have seen. Just remarkable. Thank you for taking the time to make the video and share it with us.

[@leilee203]

Dang!! That looks amazing, Ben! So perfect on that Guitar too, with the shape and colour of the guitar and the shades, size etc. of the inlay... One of the best final guitars I've seen (yearned for) in a while :) I'm a sucker for guitars with awesome inlays. Good job!

[@andyh0010]

I did some marquetry once - a landscape with a tree and bridge in the foreground...... it looked like different pieces of wood stuck on another piece of wood. What has been done here is absolutely amazing, the intricacy, the detail, the patience. I come back to the Crimson Guitar channel every now and again and it's always worth it.

[@matthewearl9824]

Wow this is crazy! Mad skill. You cant even mess up a little on something like this. Hope he got paid at least several grand for this.

[@MrBebopChamploo]

I was already mesmerized by the inlay, and then you showed the finished guitar at the end and I was blown away. That thing is incredible.

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

It was directly out of the mind of the client and I wouldn't want to change a thing about it! Thanks for watching.. and, if you fancy it, we would be happy to build you something along the same lines ;) B

[@MrBebopChamploo]

@@CrimsonCustomGuitars Oh boy if I had the money I would jump on that yesterday but right now all my spare funds (and some of my not so spare funds :S ) are going towards acquiring tools and materials to help me build guitars! (And other things)

[@michaelpohlgeers3214]

This is a work of art ... let's just hope, the guitar has never to be refretted :O

[@CraigH999]

Pure art brought to us by a master craftsman. It's as beautiful as the woman herself and is a fitting tribute to her memory. It's just...

[@AnoDesigns]

Craftsmanship at its finest!Absolutely beautiful work!

[@LevitatorMusic]

dude....I've been following you since the shed days like what...12 years ago or something?...I knew you were skilled and stuff but maaaaaan...you're a legit full blown, high level, artist...I'm blown away

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

It has been a crazy 12 years, and thank you.. I wouldn't be able to do any of this if it wasn't for people like you who have watched over the years! VB, B

[@dominicmorelli88]

That has to be one of the coolest things I've ever seen.

[@OldSilkRoad]

We just witnessed the birth of a masterpiece. You are a wizard with your hands. Thank you for sharing!

[@szczerzo]

I like the big chisel. If you have a big chisel everything looks like wood.

[@stoshua88]

Ben is an absolute mad lad! His work is consistently the best and severely under praised. Bravo Ben!

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

Thank you! B

[@vadibrin4023]

best custom neck!!! great work, master.

[@endoffate5475]

I dont think its possible to be anymore creative and skilled with your hands..Bravo.

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

Thank you! B

[@rogermoore2798]

You Sir are an artist. I used to do a lot of pencil drawings and I found faces to be the hardest thing as just a tiny tiny incorrect positioning of an eye and the whole face looks just wrong......and here you are making a well known face out of bits of wood n shells......just brilliant.

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

Thank you very much

[@lorettahookano6139]

OMG , it’s so exciting to see what his approaches will be , what those results will be , how the finished product will turn out & ultimately how it will sound !

[@amirjubran1845]

I could only imagine the sum required to have such a guitar commissioned. Just Awesome.

[@justindesilets3526]

When you have the money everything is possible.

[@justindesilets3526]

@Pimpy Bojangles yeah probably a 80h job, so at 50$/h it makes around 4k

[@AWMJoeyjoejoe]

@Pimpy Bojangles No way. A run of the mill Les Paul Custom shop is $5-6k. A PRS private stock is around $10k. Something like this would be at least as much as the PRS. I'm thinking $8-12k. Maybe $3-4k just for the fretboard! Lol

[@justindesilets3526]

I too think just the fret board would be 3-4k. The whole guitar probably around 8k.

[@AWMJoeyjoejoe]

@Pimpy Bojangles No I haven't, but I've got a good idea of what these things cost from years of drooling over custom guitar websites. Most made to order custom guitars I've seen start at $3-4k, and that's for relatively simple designs. Trust me this guitar would be at least $8-12k.

[@stevenmgyori3826]

A Lovely Tribute to Our Princess! One of my favorite actresses! Well done and thanks for sharing brother! Be Well Ben!

[@nobunari9167]

I love the many guitars that you’ve ever created. I’d love to use them someday... I hope you’ll make more and more impressive guitars!

[@wickedgrey7019]

The thumbnail lured me in...i like eyes :) As the video progressed I caught myself speaking out loud "how tf is he going to do this?" In the moment i realized it was all going to be separated pieces inlayed, I spontaneously clapped in front of my monitor :D Outstanding craftsmanship, bravo!

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

Thank you, your comment made my night! B

[@wickedgrey7019]

@@CrimsonCustomGuitars You are very welcome! The feeling is mutual. Cheers

[@brucelefevre1522]

Personally, I think that guitar beats "The Complication" guitar hands down. Stunning inlay.

[@alanblott4559]

In your own words......... This has made me very happy. Thank you

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

My pleasure, thank you. B

[@TheLambLive]

That guitar is absolutely beautiful.

[@mark-dietz]

Im an artist and I know the patience it takes to keep moving through the rough in stage and believe that everything will come together. To give full credit...I can wipe paint off or paint over a mistake, but you cant. That to me is just amazing!

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

Actually we're not too far apart, I can always rout away a section I don't like and add more shell, of engrave over a section to give more depth etc. In most crafts there are ways to recover from seeming disaster quite nicely. Thank you for commenting! B

[@Ruddigore]

That is quite (and by quite I mean astoundingly) brilliant. I'm almost certain that on the day you reached the age of eleven a half giant knocked on your door and said "You're a wizard Ben."

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

Oh, thank you. This made my day :D

[@ericg01]

I am speechless. The quality of your work is breathtaking. Bravo!

[@jstagzsr]

dude, how insanely amazing.. omg i love it.. i want one.. or 30... my brother and father both play guitar. i should get their guitars done like this.. i imagine its not at all cheap.. i wonder what he charges for something like this.. if id have to guess id say 3 grand.

[@K7classicrockfan]

Think of the time put into just the fretboard, more like 10 000$

[@justthetruth870]

WOW............. I mean,............ WOW ! Sorry, but did I make myself clear ?......WOW. You have crazy skills Ben. Great job, the client is a very lucky person.

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

Thank you :) B

[@VictorRondonM]

Man! This is a truly spectacular work of art! Be proud! Congrats!!

[@dennisneo1608]

First of all, the guitar is gorgeous. The inlay, totally sublime. The owner must be well chuffed.

[@todor55]

Hi,MAN! It's a second video of yours i've watched and i'm so impressed.. You are huge talent,man and i love your works.. Keep going nad good luck!

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

Thank you, I'm going to keep on making them as long as people are watching, I love my life so much! B

[@MrBoJohnny]

A work of art, choice of materials, shapes and combinations far exceed the parameters of "inlay"

[@bishlap]

this is incredible - drawing it up in my mind didn't come close to the outcome. So ridiculously artisan, beautiful work/craftsmanship.

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

Thank you! B

[@richardlee6886]

I've watched a lot of your videos, over the past 2 or 3 years, in the process of learning to build my first guitar. But I had never seen this one, and I have to say, very minimally, impressive! I wanna do some simple inlays on my next guitar and this helped a ton. Thanks for the content!

[@Eo_Tunun]

Help my erse, that is an incredible piece of craftsmanship, arts, luthiering, everything! Lost for words. …except those above, obviously. You get my drift. O.o

[@leewitte4580]

I nearly fainted when I realized you were going to have to cut through the inlay for the frets! I swear at that point I had forgotten this was for a guitar and not some art piece! Stunning! Just stunning!

[@paulsutherland6302]

Canny talented for a bald tattooed fella! Seriously - I’ve been watching this inlay project over many months, it’s got amazing attention to detail.

[@DarrylKirby]

Grace Kelly was utterly stunning, as is your inlay work!

[@cantworkitout]

I've been working on an inlay for the past few months drawing it up and cutting it out... it' nowhere near done, but it's my first intricate inlay attempt, and probably a bit too ambitious for my skill level, lol (think PRS dragon guitar style, but it's a phoenix) it's been coming along really well, all my pieces fit in my diagram and it looks pretty great, if i'm honest, then this appeared in my recommended feed and now i've lost a little bit of confidence, haha, but at the same time i've also paid attention to some of your techniques to use in mine to hopefully make mine a bit better... i've just found a video of yours explaining your use of inlay powders and i'm so glad i found it because i think it could be what i need to really make the flames of my phoenix come to life. stay awesome :)

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

Hey, this sounds amazing. Don't lose confidence, please. Would love to see pictures of your inlay progress

[@cantworkitout]

@@CrimsonCustomGuitars i'd love to show you and get some thoughts, what's the best way to contact you?

[@NavaroTanjaya]

i bow down to your craftman skill. i never seen anything like that my entire life. its beautiful. keep up the good work sir, and greeting from indonesia

[@jmvanick]

Seriously amazing work, a true artist -- but what I really want to know is how Ben doesn't glue his fingers to the work piece with all the super glue? I'd be a royal mess if I tried it!

[@djstringsmusic2994]

It helps when you have those super long thin tips, I actually need some more, I ran out doing some copper inlays

[@ThorbjrnPrytz]

Slow set glue, and then applying accelerator when properly placed and fingers off

[@jimmerseiber]

This is the most beautiful inlay on a guitar I've ever seen

[@XC2long4u]

I thought it was Betty Davis eyes. Holy crap that's amazing.

[@michaelkaliski7651]

Outstanding craftmanship and patience.

[@EveyJamo]

Christ that's beautiful. Reminds me of Aloy from Horizon Zero Dawn for some reason...

[@firestorm996]

Wow, wow, wow. Unbelievable patience and skill. Mind = blown.

[@notarealusername3407]

i hope to the guitar gods that it never needs a refret. that job would be terrifying

[@SD0409]

Not what I would want from an inlay job...for me, some skull and bones, bats or whatever would do but this....this is a whole other level of genius and a joy to watch...

[@FloridaManRacer]

ah, so you did go with this "eye-dea..." I believe the 90 hour build inspired this idea during the neck making process..

[@Elvis5O1]

this is imposible... i mean I know You did that, but from my perspective the effect is just so unreal... a skill, craftmenship and an art mixed toghether. I cant understand how somebody can dislike that? Big fan. seriously, im speachless.

[@mm9773]

If someone had asked me how to do this, I would have said “easy: you don’t.” I stand by it, but it’s an amazing piece of work nonetheless. Very well done.

[@HVACRILLA]

Truly exceptional artisan craftsmanship. I could watch that all day.

[@kmcclinton71]

Ben: " I don't like marquetry..." Ben: Uses 85% wood in the inlay :)

[@thescarymoosh]

I thought the same thing and then went to wikipedia to read up on it a bit. Turns out, marquetry is inlay exclusively using veneer; what Ben has done using pieces of wood would be intarsia. TIL.

[@Karlos-bh9zk]

Just when you think have enough, Ben comes in with another couple of clamps. Love it, looks stunning.

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

There are never enough clamps! Now why does that make me feel like some sort of deviant??

[@hunterjames76]

I thought you'd look old, gray and exhausted at the end of the video

[@zavlqaDIprab3DrublsU]

This is the highest end guitar builder i've ever seen by miles.

[@kevinbutler525]

"I'm not an Artist' --Ben Crowe ...pardon my snicker...but.... BWAAAHAA HAAA HA!... ha,ha....☝️😂 ...guffaw-guffaw ... (achhem)🙄. ...Cheers 🙏

[@markbennett4672]

I am always impressed by your amazing craftsmanship and art you create Ben but you have completely blown my mind with this build.

[@antellmarkus9568]

One important question, who did that to your head when you where sleeping? Those Bastards.

[@mvc2arg]

No way! This is unbelieveble! Nice combination of talent and patiance!!! Extremely well done!!! Cheers from Argentina my friend!

[@wearytraveler3524]

I feel privileged to have been allowed to watch this god-like artistry unfold! Thank you! I'm not sure I could let go of something so insanely beautiful!

[@hafengr]

You are the man! Artist at his labor of love! I hear your kits are among the best as well and I can see why. Simply amazing!!

[@joe1871]

Incredible! I am just starting to build acoustic guitars and your command of the tools and design is just extraordinary! Thanks for posting this, it was a class all in itself.

[@juliesheldon4772]

I have to say, you are truly gifted! That was just amazing to watch. Thank you for sharing. Just amazing, WOW!! Love the different materials you use to do this work of art.