Musical instruments

[MelancholyArtist]

This thread was created as a place to post pictures of musical instruments I've built, repaired, or just simply enjoy. But it could easily be a place for others to post their favorite instruments as well. This thread was originally inspired by @Maddiemoiselle who wanted to see the things I've made over the years. I'll do my best to answer any questions as the thread grows.

 

[MelancholyArtist]

Fretless bass. This started out with a neck I didn't like, so I pulled out the frets, and inlaid a thin black plastic strip in each of the slots. The body was just pine/spruce/fir lumber from either Home Depot or Lowes. Painted it yellow first, and then sanded it to get the raised grain look. I had a vote on a different platform to decide if I should use the pickguard or not. The votes were greater for not having one, so the final version is on the left.

 

[MelancholyArtist]

(one I owned, but didn't make)
I had an 8-string bass. It was visually interesting, but too wide a neck, and neck heavy. I eventually sold it.

 

[MelancholyArtist]

In the process of moving, the sitar case fell a good 6 feet, and the gourd body smashed. This photo shows the rebuilding of the gourd. It felt a bit like restoring humpty dumpty.

 

[MelancholyArtist]

(Repair) Syrian Oud. The original pickguard had curled and cracked, and much of the inlay fallen out and lost. I cut new tiny squares of abalone and restored the pattern. Made a new wooden pickguard as well.

 

[MelancholyArtist]

I had a cheap Jazz bass in surf green that I didn't like. Relocated the pickups, added a third, and decided to try using gold foil all over the body and headstock. New pickguard and electronics. Much more versatile and eye catching now, though very hard to photograph with it's reflective qualities.

 

[MelancholyArtist]

Playing at an open mic night in Audobon, NJ years ago using a short scale electric-12 string I made.

 

[MelancholyArtist]

Hotel room with a homemade pinstripe telecaster. I'm sure I have closer views of the artwork - I'll add when I find the pics.

 

[MelancholyArtist]

Stereo bass (each pickup can be routed to a different amp/setup). Also earlier construction pic.

 

[MelancholyArtist]

All gold strat - sold 20+ years ago

 

[MelancholyArtist]

Pine body tele - also made with lumber from Home Depot/Lowes

 

[MelancholyArtist]

Electric bouzouki with etched Hardanger-style designs in the pickguard. Sold in the late '80's.

 

[MelancholyArtist]

Baritone guitar body is from "shipping container" wood I found in the trash at the corporate office.
Interestingly, there is no black paint on the body.
I boiled staghorn sumac berries and painted it on the wood to increase the tanins. Then once dry, I brushed on a solution of steel wool soaked in vinegar. The tanins caused the vinegar/steel wool solution to darken the wood significantly.

 

[MelancholyArtist]

Prototype electric sitar (designed to sound much more like a real sitar)
Acrylic painted peacock

 

[MelancholyArtist]

Not a Les Paul, just Less.
Neck was from a butchered '60's Fender Mustang. Kahler vibrato.

 

[MelancholyArtist]

Electric 7-string Baglama Saz.

 

[MelancholyArtist]

My current favorite telecaster, made with a carved swamp ash body and one piece maple neck.

 

[Maddiemoiselle]

My current favorite telecaster, made with a carved swamp ash body and one piece maple neck.

I will take this one please and thank you

 

[MelancholyArtist]

I will take this one please and thank you

You have good taste. And I don't mean that in a kinky way.