I am thrilled to introduce my latest guitar project, meticulously crafted from a reclaimed pine door with a rich history spanning over 120 years. Originally part of an old shed in a local Chasselas vineyard, this door has recently been repurposed. What makes this wood truly remarkable is its unique silver patina, a result of decades of exposure to sunlight and the elements. The striking silver hue on the guitar's surface is a product of a natural process known as photodegradation. When wood, like the pine used in this door, is exposed to ultraviolet (UV) rays from sunlight, a chemical reaction occurs with the wood's lignin. This reaction, over time, causes the wood to oxidize, resulting in a gradual change in its coloration.
The silver shade you see on the guitar's surface is a direct consequence of this oxidation process, a testament to the transformative power of nature and the distinct character that emerges from prolonged exposure to environmental elements. This guitar not only embodies the history of the wood but also showcases the intriguing science behind its stunning silver appearance.
This project presented an incredible technical challenge. I don't use CNC machines; instead, I work exclusively with hand-guided small power tools. The difficulty lay in routing the humbucker and neck cavities on an uneven surface. It was a nerve-wracking experience that required deep thought and meticulous planning. I'm unsure if I could replicate this feat, even if I were to find another door with similar characteristics.
An additional historical touch comes from original staples I've chosen to leave in the wood. These staples are remnants from the door's past life, preserved as testimony to its history. In Switzerland, vintners often staple papers to shed doors to document hail events for insurance purposes, adding another layer of story to this unique instrument.
In the construction of this guitar, I've chosen to utilize Sipo Mahogany for its exceptional stability and tonal qualities. Sipo Mahogany, scientifically known as Entandrophragma utile, is renowned for its reliability in maintaining structural integrity over time. It also produces an incredibly bright tone, making it an excellent choice for the body and neck of the instrument.
Inspired by the iconic Iceman shape, this guitar boasts premium materials and hardware, including:
-A 120-year-old pine door, expertly repurposed
-Impeccably quartersawn Sipo Mahogany body and neck
-A Crelicam Ebony fingerboard with 24 frets, a 25.5'' scale, and a 12" radius
-The pioneering Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) nut with intricate scalloping
-High-quality Hipshot hardware and high-tolerance CTS pots
-Solid brass fingerboard side dots
-A NOS Russian FT-2 0.027uF Teflon capacitor
-Custom unfinished Alumitone deathbuckers with a laser-etched logo
-An Antique Bronze-finished coin logo inlay on the back
-Copper shielding and 25 coats of hand-applied oil-based varnish
-The top has received a highly protective treatment to preserve its stunning silver appearance.
