Pouring Purfling & New Way to Make Headstock Veneers | Guitar Building Experiments

[@argo1010]

Something that lit a spark in my brain- I really like the pencil lines for the tuners as a design element. On a future build of mine I may keep all of the measurement lines and incorporate it into the overall design of the guitar.

[@roninwilson2406]

Glad to see you’re having some fun!

[@JansenX12]

i love the way you think Ben. You always come up with new and creative ideas to make Guitars more interesting and beautifull.

[@oldmanzen6682]

I can't see what you're seeing yet, but I'm looking forward to it seeing it evolve into the final build.

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

Looks far more fun in better lighting.. I need to fix the lights in this workshop, I really really do, especially as I just LOVE working late at night

[@jeremyanson8795]

Loving the experimentation and the results. Makes for great videos too.

[@CastlebayNet_Music]

There is a technique, which name I can't recall, that was used in the Neopolitan mandolins. The inlay was glued into a cavity, then covered, usually, with a slurry of hide glue and ebony dust. After the slurry cured it was sanded/scraped down to reveal the inlay. That would be a perfect technique to use with the metalized resin. It's also akin to the lacquer process you mentioned in the video. "There are no new ideas, just new materials."

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

This is why I absolutely love researching other crafts.. Problem is, I should not forget to look into luthiery techniques too 😂 I will definitely look into hide for and dust, could also work better to hide mistakes?? 🤔 I also like the use of leather in rosettes on parlour guitars..

[@ryanferris7841]

I’m not keen on all that mess and building up to make a truss rod cover! Anyway it makes for a good video

[@davidbreazeale7257]

for your headstock logo, what came to mind was the Japanese art of Kintsugi, kinda. mix some 2-part epoxy and add some gold mika powder to it. That would be very colorful

[@thewizardjohn]

is it possible to use other kinds of powdered metal and then force them to oxidize? Like copper to blue/green, iron/steel to rust, etc. Also, powdered crystals or semi-precious gems (or full on precious gems?) do fills instead of inlays (dragon fretboard, Grace Kellys eyes type stuff) Love your work!

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

I've not tried yet, but I have heard that you can patinate cold cast metals.. And I'm thinking of grinding up some a alone shell to play with too.. Can you imagine a whole a alone headstock!? Garish? Yes.. Worth it? Hell yes!!

[@waynebake1123]

I have heard the term "channel bound" for a fretboard inlaid to the neck.

[@christopheradams7671]

So far I don't like the headstocks but when judging before seeing your end result I mostly find I have to change my opinion. Looking forward to the next episodes!

[@markgordon4368]

Lovng lots of aspects here cool beans however not as much as this.. Ben please carry on over gluing the truss rod, it will keep me in premium truss rod repair jobs till I retire ❤❤❤❤❤

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

I don't build enough guitars to keep anyone in any sort of repair job.. Sadly.. In this caw though I made damned sure that the resin didn't bind the truss rod. It was waxed early in the moulding process and manipulated while the resin was curing.. It works perfectly and will continue to do so for many many years to come. 😁

[@hannuhanhi183]

Totally agree with the truss rod access in tele and strat. What I had in mind is to CNC a plug with a horizontal hole to be glued in the access.

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

That would work too

[@hannuhanhi183]

@@CrimsonCustomGuitars Second thought about the plug. Because I CNC my necks they are really accurate in dimensions. So I designed a plug in Fusion 360 with a round access hole to fit in the neck. This could be 3D printed in resin or even in real aluminium. Asked quote from a chinese manufacturer in aluminium for 5 pieces of those and it was 33USD without shipping. Quite cheap I would say.

[@rogersmith9420]

There’s always a bit of shrinkage with polyester in my experience, even with the metal powders…I used to use this to advantage by taking successive further moulds from the castings….One other thought is that it can become more brittle with age…though admittedly, I was doing these things maybe 20 year ago and I”m sure resin technology has advanced somewhat since then.

[@PaulCooksStuff]

Lots of epoxy pros do the vacuum and heatgun trick to eradicate bubbles. But I wonder if it could be more interesting visually to add huge bubbles, like a swiss cheese. 🤔

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

Yes! Yes indeed.. Check out @peterbrown lava bowl for just this effect! kzbin.info/www/bejne/fpSWm3uEjbeYoKcsi=NvKFf7jCJTEtAWF3

[@MrUglyDuckly]

loving it, how about instead of aluminum use copper powder, like they use in marine care, they mix the powder with epoxy and apply it as an anti fouling, then they send it a bit, makes an amazing color play with the sunlight... worth a try, what do you think?

[@markbader4942]

Let’s guess the reaction of the resin is exothermic, and the silicone mold is somewhat pliable. The resin generates some heat as it goes off, expands a wee bit, the mold gives a wee bit, and there you have a slightly larger piece than when you poured it.

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

I think you are right.. I think I need to encase the silicone mould in a hard outer shell of plaster or something that doesn't have any give in it..

[@cheapskate8656]

I was also thinking that since the mould is pliable, just the weight of the liquid inside might cause the mould to lose some shape. I was think of the same fix as Ben ie a hard outer layer on the mould. Its great to see these small errors occur, so much learning by seeing the actual problem occur.

[@SergeantSphynx]

As far as the logo goes, I would definitely add a color into the carving. Would personally do a black, but that is just me and I like the idea of the contrast, but a transparent blue would look nice

[@vincentvandervaart8019]

Gold for the inlay

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

Gold to tie in with the kauri... Mmm great idea!

[@borgonianevolution]

Will reserve opinion until the end on this one.. Learnt my lessons before with posting too soon before the "Vision" focuses.

[@jefferywarburton2116]

Paint will settle into the low points on a surface so the logo could simply have paint brushed on and then have the excess wiped away.

[@jastoddart]

I've also used transtint to color resin

[@scottiecasey9312]

Always look fwd to seeing what u have going on.

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

I appreciate that mate, thank you. I'll keep it coming as long as I have breath in my body!

[@scottiecasey9312]

@CrimsonCustomGuitars I'm always learning. And ur outside of the box approach is so awesome. I try and have the same approach. And I have learned so many things from your vids. Keep it up.

[@cheapskate8656]

Love the experiments Ben. All power to you good Sir. Re the LOGO. Silver cars tend to use black or orange for their stripes. I was thinking that you could even put something like coloured cotton thread in there and fill with clear resin or after polishing the aluminium coat the whole thing with clear resin to prevent oxidisation.

[@fairguinevere666]

I just prefer wheel adjust truss rods that are accessible through the heel. You can pull the rod without taking off the fretboard if you ever have to, you can adjust it with a wide variety of tools, and being so far from a fixed point the strings are stretchy so you're not fighting them or kinking them like if you're using an allen key or wrench up at the nut. (Unless you have an expensive, bulky, and annoying truss rod wrench for the size in question.) You can hide it if you need, but also it looks fine out in the open.

[@jastoddart]

Solar Rez for a finish, and you could cold cast a different powder for the logo.

[@Konosh]

With the resin and aluminum powder could you do the guitar nut? Or would it be cheaper just to use aluminum or steel for the nut? Keep up the fascinating work. It’s great to see the boundaries of luthiers skills being pushed.

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

Yes.. You could. You can up the metal content quite significantly before it loses cohesion and I have been playing with this already.. Expect cast nuts from http.www.crimsonguitars.com sometime soonish..

[@stephengent9974]

Standing in front of that cupboard makes you look like you have horns! Would it not be easier to use thick walll aluminum tubing that is machine down? Quicker I would think? To make clean up easier, I would recommend "taping" the sides with an acetate type of material. It is used for resin casting, so should be easily available. As an added bit of complexity, you could of course do resin in resin faceplates etc. I am sure there are ptfe type materials that can be used that resin will not stick to, to create channels etc for this purpose. The options seem endless.

[@SloverOfTeuth]

With epoxy, you can wrap wood dowels etc in plumbers' tape (PTFE) to use to leave holes in castings.

[@BLBlackDragon]

You are what we call "traditional." Still, it's good that you are willing to learn about, and accept, new materials and techniques. That is what keeps you on the cutting edge of luthiery. The Mrs. has said you should inlay the logo with black. (always a good option) I think you might do well with a brown inlay, to match the kauri, like a shine-through effect. There's always the next project, isn't there? (LOL)

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

Always the next project.. And the next.. And the next. 😁😍 Black, blue or brown.. I think all have their merits. I think I will wait to see what the client says when he sees them.

[@CaraesNaur]

For the logo... bring the headstock surface to a high polish. The logo may stand out on its own just from the finish contrast.

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

Or the other way around maybe?

[@peterlee440]

I wonder if you could electrify the head stock to represent a lightning strike. Fill the voids wth gold.

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

I avoid electrocuting things.. Too many artisans have actually died trying that and I don't want to promote the technique because of that.. Carving the effect by hand though.. I could get behind that!

[@shadowalkgrafx]

Hey Ben, seeing you play with cold casting aluminum got me wondering if you have thought about doing bright engraving with this medium... just thought your logo would SMASH if you engraved it with a gravure rather than the dental tool!

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

Great idea. I will revisit these logos and may well do just that, great idea.

[@stephencarey6114]

Maybe a red enamel in the crimson logo. Nail varnish?

[@SergeantSphynx]

Ben, I am curious, is there a way to have a smooth finish on a guitar that looks like reptile scales? I have an idea for a guitar but no idea how to get the look.

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

Yes.. There is. Easiest is to just draw or paint on prior to lacquer.. But we both know you want 3d 😉 carve the scales, paint.. Hit it from one direction with one colour from a spray can and then from another with a slightly different (or completely different colour if you prefer.. Then cover in glass clear resin and sand smooth. 3d colour changing scales with a flat surface. This is a technique I have been planning for ages and something I will be experimenting with shortly in various projects.

[@markgordon4368]

Have you thought of (bear with me now as this is contentious 😊) charing the wood with fire 🔥 and using high build crimson oils? 😉

[@paulblain9881]

Have you thought of how you could use mummification techniques in guitar building?

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

That's a 'no..' 🤔😳... What on earth do you have in mind? 😳

[@peterlee440]

Cool as!

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

Thank you!

[@chazstewart4865]

I.... can't see where this is going.... thought you had lost the plot at one point... looking forward to the end result.

[@omegaflameZ]

I kinda wonder if you couldn't build up that resin and powder mix via a spray gun. Need something with a longer pot-life and really good PPE, but might go down a good bit more even or overspray like heck to get the drip effect

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

Another commenter said you could thin down some resins with denatured alcohol.. That may work.. In fact, I know for sure that this can be done.. We have been sold a product that, while finicky as an unbroken horse, was basically metal powder in 2k lacquer of some sort and which sprayed quite well..

[@nickwalton6238]

The alcohol will react with the isocyanate Ben.

[@zubeystinzen540]

Mask the edge of the headstock off to the required depth then poor the resin to form a pool then add vibration to level the resin👍

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

You are so right, I feel rather dim now 😳😂

[@zubeystinzen540]

@@CrimsonCustomGuitars focus dear boy 😂🤘

[@motaman8074]

You're looking fit, Ben. 👍

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

Thanks! 😃 I'm feeling great, all it took was ADHD meds and a divorce 😂

[@motaman8074]

@@CrimsonCustomGuitars I'll have to give it a try!

[@samcabodi]

I felt a bit awkward daying it but, yes! Still the same absolutely wonderful masterbuilder, only you look shredded now! Sorry about the divorce, though. Hope you're hanging in there.

[@briw4647]

good piece of fun, new ideas. i personally don't like the look of it, doesn't go with fret wood. but nice idea. maybe a black fretboard would be better

[@mikeh5150]

what type of aluminum powder did you use?

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

Aluminium casting powder, sold by the guys I get my resin from..

[@AaronHendu]

Make silicone headstock molds and you can cast all sorts of cool stuff into it.

[@ThumpandtheGroove]

Someone verify this, but Ernie Ball does so ething very similar with their body bindings if i recall

[@peterhansson7967]

Cold casting?! It is metal powder and glue in a mould…

[@anonymousbotch7370]

Engine turning?

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

Love engine turning!

[@stevenadkins-pg5xw]

Come on Ben Jammin !!!!!!! Why didn’t you tape the headstocks off on the edges?

[@2old4u]

Next will be Tandy Craft hand stitched leather...

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

Have a design for a very cool semi rigid leather gig bag/case I've been wanting to make for a while 🤔😁

[@peachmelba1000]

I think this approach could work, but I feel the steps to applying the perfling/veneering should be done early in the build.

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

Agreed. The process needs refining.. Means I have to build more guitars. Shucks 😛

[@wrap-itsolutions2387]

Hate to say it but a metallic blue resin fill ... would match the fret markers.

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

True that.. Or.. Or I could crush some stones up in a pestel and mortar 😂

[@jondoe6062]

Not for me, this one Ben...😮

[@markgordon4368]

Yes i had a bourbon before watching this 😊

[@seitsen]

Next: Cold cast aluminum frets

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

Nope.. But.. And here me out here.. I 100% plan on casting my own frets from recycled metals at some point.. Full sand cast or lost wax casting with molten bronze sound fun?

[@seitsen]

@@CrimsonCustomGuitars Absolutely sounds fun!

[@peterjones3100]

All of that was spectacularly bad, sorry Ben but it comes across as content over creativity/quality.

[@DaHill1998]

High marks for creativity. Maybe heading a little towards industrial looking (think toilet bowl...), rather then your normal elegance, but hey, keep going for it!

[@JoeThornhill]

I thought you were gonna carve the logo down to the wood. The dark brown against the silver/grey sounds pretty good and simple. P.S. Either this video is a bit old or you've started smoking AGAIN. Shame on you. Think of the kids. 80% of the smoke is invisible and I'm sure you DO know that the second hand smoke is worse because it's not going through the filter.