So on to the rest of the inlay work, which will conclude the “build”
You’ve already seen the “Addict” logo back on the first page, just re-showing it here.
This is the Kanji characters for bushido, prepared for inlaying. Ive arranged them, and then covered the top with transparent tape to hold them all in their positions while setting in place.
I’m glossing over some work herte, but its exactly the same process I described with the fretboard inlays so I didnt bother doing a whole photo layout. The locations are set out on the headstock for these inlays after covering the area with tape. Then I cut the outlines with a scalpel and remove the tape from the areas. Then I use the dremel tool to route out recesses for them.
In the case of the headstock, even though the inlays are more complex in shape, its actually easier because the whole surface will be solid black, so its not necessary to be so careful to only route out the exact shape. I just route the rough outline, and embed the inlays in black epoxy.
Once the epoxy is set, I simply sand it all flat. This removes most of the dye on the surface of the headstock overlay.
but a simple re-application fixes that. The oil-based dye (fiebings leather dye) doesnt absorb into the inlays, and simply wipes off clean. A quick, very light sanding at a high grit polishes the inlays nicely. the slightly blotchy look will disappear completely once the dye is 100% dried on the holly, and lacquer is sprayed over the top. It will be a pristine-looking glossy black with the inlays showing up sharply.
This is my original design for the large inlay on the back.
And here is the real thing. I paid a real inlay artist to create this for me, and I will be doing the actual inlay on the body myself sometime in May 2022
This is roughly the color I’m going to shoot for…
The back, sides, and neck will have the same treatment as the phoenix guitar (shown below). Basically just finished mahogany with dark pore filler.
