My Private Blonde DNA 20th Aniversery Project

As a fan of the JEM’s for years, I decided to build one for my private collection but I wanted to do something not too flashy but unique. That’s why I decided on an EVO / DNA style with some of my own enhancements.
You have seen the custom JEM Tribute I’m currently working on for a client. This project is very different in it’s design.

The body is a 3-piece basswood. This design keeps the neck, pickups and bridge on the same section of the body enhancing the energy transfer.

I use the Schaller Locking Tremolo system with a custom enhanced bell brass block for enhanced sustain and overall tone upgrade-

I’ve not completely decided on the pickups as of yet. I have the custom project in the works now that has a set of custom wound Sublime Pickups. Once I get to play them, I’ll make a decision as to the possible use of them.

I really liked the DNA inlay so that was a must as well as the white finish. But the EVO was beat up pretty good, so I wanted it to be like a new version. How it would have looked fresh. So I enlisted the help of my friends at RIPCC again for this project to produce the Diamond White finish.

Like the other project, I’ll be making some custom engraved plates. They are at the engraver now being polished and the design laid out.

JEM Tribute Ready for Peghead Color Matching

With the body back from the painter, I am able to perform the final fitting of the neck and finalize the size and shape / contour prior to applying the finish to the completed neck. Since most of the milling has been complete and the material has had a chance to settle, it’s time for the sealing and finish coats. The settling process is very important due to the small changes the wood goes thru due to the stress and heat / friction of the shaping process. Larger companies have many necks setting there for days adjusting and acclamation so there are no delays. With a small custom shop, there must still be the wait for the settling. If not, there are shifting and cracking possibilities.

Once the neck is dry, I’ll pack it up and ship it off to Las Vegas to the RIPCC Contractor. They will apply the final coats of sealing and then do the custom color to match the completed body. I’m using the same artist as with the body to avoid having to re-explain the entire concept. I’ve already been thru the planing and design on this project with this artist.

I’ve also heard back from my engraver and he has sent me a photo of the first look at the Vai logo engraving on the truss rod cover plate I made a few days ago. This will be polished a bit more as well as having the outline sharpened. I’ve made several custom covers over the past several months for many styles of guitar. If you have an part you can’t seem to find or you want something special / unique, let me know. CLICK HERE!

Both items will be heading to Vegas in the next day or so to be painted / chrome plated and returned to me for assembly in the next week. Over the next few days, I’ll be preparing the body for the bridge installation and will install all the electronics into the pick-guard as well.

New Curbow Completion Project

I have a client I did a previous Curbow completion project for that has asked me to complete yet another body for him.
This time, it’s a purple-heart body. Same shape and same contour / thickness as the last project.

This time, he has given only minor specifics as to the use and playability of this instrument and has given me full control of the design and performance aspects of this build.

He has asked me to select and design an inlay pattern for it as well as select the pickup / electronics. I will be using a vine / tree of life inlay pattern using a variety of pearl. Abalone and MOP will be the most likely material.

I have also selected a beautiful piece of Birdseye Maple for the neck. This with a dark Ebony fingerboard with some subtle inlay work will cap off this new custom Curbow Completion creation.

• 25-1/2″ Scale
• Purple-heart Custom Curbow Body
• Birdseye Maple neck-wood
• Ebony Fingerboard with custom vine/tree of life hand inlay work
• Gold Gotoh 510 Tuners
• Gold Gotoh Wrap Bridge
• Pickups and electronics to be determined

As this project evolves, I’ll make post here. I hope to have this project completed by Thanksgiving.

New Custom JEM Tribute Project Progress

In the operation of my shop, I sometimes use some unusual and special craftsmen to help me complete special projects. This week was no different. I had a need for some special paint color matching and effect work to be done on a JEM tribute project I’m working on. (there have been other posts referencing the same project)

What I’ve done is combine new age guitar design with vintage materials and a custom show car company for paint, engraving and chrome. My friends at RIPCC in Miami have been a fantastic resource for color and finish options on my custom projects. RIPCC have been featured in several Low-Rider magazines as well as won many shows and competitions around the US.

This project is really progressing well. One of the first of this style guitar I’ve done. I love this style. I building one of my own for my Private Stock Collection. Want to learn more? Click Here-

The other day, I received the body back from the painter. Here is a quick shot with some of the parts placed into respective orientation for concept purpose.

As I progress with this project, I’ll post additional information and photos.

Here are some shots of the Sublime Pickups the client had custom wound for this project.

Sublime Pickups come from Hungary. This project truly has become an International Project.