LOTS OF PROJECTS NEARING COMPLETION...

[johnallg]

Just beautiful color! Really nice.

[jps]

I must say that is the first blue instrument I wouldn't mind owning, Paul, and that is saying a lot as I generally prefer warmer colors on my instruments.

[kiramdear]

Superb job, Paul. Just the thing for the harbor life. Who designed the inlays?

[lyle_from_minneapolis]

I love how the frets make me feel somewhat protected from the shark...

[ozover50]

It certainly has come out spectacularly, Paul........... brilliant!!

[doctorwho]

Paul: This instrument has more finishing touches than my imagination can create.

To hold it must rival arriving at a warm isle in the Carribean.

One of the most unique and exquisite instruments that I have had the pleasure of seeing on this forum.

+1

[paul_yan]

Simply breath taking!!!

[scotty]

I dunno there's something fishy about that that fretboard.

[jingle_jangle]

I've had a real emotional go-round with this bass. After I put the ebony board onto it and sent it to Craig for the inlays, I was not feeling very positive about it...a blue-to-aqua-to-greenish aqua fade (I hadn't done the paint yet--it was stripped and reboarded, that's all...) was going to be a challenge to pull off and not have it look clownish. I figgered I'd have to go subtle or it would be effort wasted. So I went to some photos done by fellow Forumite and good customer and friend, Tim Rock, who's an underwater photographer, for color inspiration, and got a good picture in my mind.

Still, it was painted twice, but the second time I nailed my vision and was content that I'd done it justice. Craig did a masterful job on the inlays (he's going to do a project for Tim soon, too), but again, when I unmasked it to clearcoat it, I thought that it had gone over the top and was going to be too gaudy. So I laid all of the chrome in place, set the guard down, and stepped back, and I was shocked and surprised.

I've seen a lot in guitar finishes and design projects in general since starting in the field after college in '71. I have little trouble visualizing things that don't exist, from a sketch, or seeing an existing project in a different color in my head, or knowing what a finished project would look like before putting it together, BUT:

This one floored me once I got the chrome and guard on. Instead of making it look terribly over-complicated and therefore nasty, these elements unified the instrument and actually enhanced the image. The Aquabass made sense, visually, and fulfilled my ideal of, "take it one half step beyond the edge, then back off slightly less than one half step". In one phrase: teetering on the brink of crazy sense.

I'm ready now to get into doing themed art guitars as an additional specialty. But each project will have to be carefully conceived and considered.

I'll post finished pictures sometime next week, after the last few parts are in and installed on the bass.

[woodyng]

paul--that....is......beautiful...... man,i do love an ebony 'board on a rick,too...

[Darkhollow]

The shades in that burst are stunning, a nice addition to the portfolio.

[deaconblues]

I understand exactly what you're saying Paul, and it's just the impression I got...the bass is very exotic in a lot of ways, but it always remains tasteful. Truly a work of art. A job well done to all!

[paul_yan]

Paul,
I have a few questions about inlay work and it would be very kind of you to give insights to:

1-On the fingerboard, are the inlays done first, or the frets?

2-Any varnish on the ebony fingerboard of the Aqua Bass?

3-Wouldn't it be easier if you send only the fingerboard to an inlay artist? Is there any advantages in sending the whole guitar to the artist, like you did?

4-Do you have to adjust the truss rods to make the neck truly straight (neither upbow nor backbow) before sending a guitar or bass to an inlay artist (who obviously needs days or even weeks to do his work) so he can work on a totally level (but radiused) fingerboard?

5-Do inlays on the body, like this other work by Craig, require extra work in finishing (to not cover or color the inlays)?

Thanks.

[manta]

Hi Jingle-Jangle,

I am in Tonga at the moment and hoping to garner more whale and other blue water images to aid in your inspiration. Thank you for the kind words and if my shots were any inspiration, I am flattered and pleased.

I spent a day with Craig Lavin in Florida recently as I returned from shooting dolphins in Bimini.

Craig uses a boggling array of materials to create the inlays that he does. It is true visionary work.

To have you two teamed up as a creative pair is an amazing collaboration and the Aqua Bass is a fine example of the highest level of creativity and luthiery (izzat a word?).

Anyway, that bass looks superb.

Keep on outdoing yourself.

From Tonga (no Rics in the bands here so far),

Timbo

[wints]

That's a great looking bass with the ebony board. It's got certain similarities to my RM1999 which goes more green to aqua, especially on the back.


All round, a very fine piece of work.