I've wanted to try to carve a guitar for some time..... out of stone. (Perhaps the world needs more tombstones for guitar players.)
For this project I started with a block of marble for the body and a block of of Brazilian soapstone for the neck.
I got the marble in Vermont -- they have the good stuff. This block weighs 95 lbs.
The soapstone comes from Brazil -- it is relatively soft (has a high talc content).
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: VivalaSchwa Schwadude
on Sunday, March 11, 2018 – 06:30 pm
Cool. Can't wait to see the
Cool. Can't wait to see the finished product.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: I rang a silent bell China-Rider
on Sunday, March 11, 2018 – 06:46 pm
Very nice. What kind of
Very nice. What kind of guitar do you envision?
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Utahjim Utahjim
on Sunday, March 11, 2018 – 06:51 pm
Very cool! Please post some
Very cool! Please post some pictures during the project. What kind of tools do you use for this?
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: treat island judit
on Sunday, March 11, 2018 – 06:58 pm
Excellent! I really want to
Excellent! I really want to see the process. Thanks.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: VivalaSchwa Schwadude
on Sunday, March 11, 2018 – 08:02 pm
Is this where you are
Is this where you are currently in the project, or are there more pics to come of the process for an already completed project?
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Thumbkinetic (Bluestnote)
on Sunday, March 11, 2018 – 08:26 pm
Very nice. What kind of
Very nice. What kind of guitar do you envision?
Duh. Rock.
Sorry. So sorry
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Alan R StoneSculptor
on Sunday, March 11, 2018 – 09:04 pm
I'm thinking an electric
I'm thinking an electric guitar will be cooler looking than an acoustic one.
This block has some stripes that I can incorporate into the body.
I researched lots of shapes, traditional and esoteric.
(Of course, I initially leaned toward a Doug Irwin or Cripe, but maybe something more generic will have wider appeal.)
In this case, the stone will decide. Some types of marble are easier to work than others.
Especially since I usually just employ hand tools - hammer and chisel, files and lots of sandpaper.
This Danby marble from Vermont usually has pretty good grain consistency -- not too icy, not too sugary.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Thumbkinetic (Bluestnote)
on Sunday, March 11, 2018 – 09:27 pm
Gives new meaning to
Gives new meaning to "Solidbody Construction".
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Sycamore Slough Disco Stu
on Sunday, March 11, 2018 – 09:28 pm
http://www.gitarrebassbau.de
http://www.gitarrebassbau.de/viewtopic.php?f=10&t=6
You can find PDF, DWG, JPG & DXF files there for many types of Guitars.
How you construct neck / body joints and Headstock from rock rather than wood is up to you.
Have Fun !!
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: jazfish Jazfish
on Sunday, March 11, 2018 – 09:41 pm
I will follow this extremely
I will follow this extremely cool thread. Dig it, Alan R.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Alan R StoneSculptor
on Sunday, March 11, 2018 – 09:48 pm
I started the guitar project
I started the guitar project a couple of weeks ago and only work on it a couple hours at a time, since its been too friggin cold around here...my studio has little to no heat.
I usually avoid working with marble in the winter, however, I want to get this piece ready for spring/summer display.
The initial chiseling takes a while since you don't know the temperament of the stone and a single fracture can result in total project failure.
It took several hours just to cut the first corner using hand tools. I was being pretty timid at first.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Sycamore Slough Disco Stu
on Sunday, March 11, 2018 – 09:49 pm
https://sites.google.com/site
https://sites.google.com/site/guitarplanscollection/pdf-files/fender-ish
That one is a bit more Fender - oriented in its scope.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Mr. Sunshine State Earl
on Sunday, March 11, 2018 – 10:20 pm
Very cool takin' us along
Very cool takin' us along here, Alan.
That could be potentially tedious, no? I'd fracture that baby in no time.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Sycamore Slough Disco Stu
on Sunday, March 11, 2018 – 10:40 pm
BTW --
BTW --
Those links above contain "the motherlode" of instrument plans for builders of such stuff.
I imagine one could plug a .DXF or .DWG file into some 3D - modeling machine and have it spit out a Jaguar body.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Alan R StoneSculptor
on Sunday, March 11, 2018 – 10:46 pm
I'm not a guitar player, so I
I'm not a guitar player, so I'm just learning more about real guitars and how they are constructed. I thought of copying the traditional Fender or Gibson exactly, but the width of the soapstone block (for the neck) probably precluded making the "slanted curved shape" of the Fender headstock, and the depth of the soapstone block probably precluded making the" tilted-back" headstock of the Gibson.
For structural integrity reasons I didn't want to make a Travis Bean slotted headstock, though the color of the body and the color of the neck would sorta match Jerry's white model and I liked the shape (and was the first guitar I saw Jerry play with the Dead - so a sentimental favorite).
I don't have any more of the long rectangular soapstone blocks in stock, so in a way, the neck parameters determined the body characteristics. (I sawed the original soapstone block legthwise in two, so I actually have a spare neck the same size)
So it's gonna be a "custom" shape for the body and neck - with nods to the classics. (And I guess this way I can avoid getting sued by some corporate entity.)
Here's the front and back of the neck at an early stage. I intent to install real tuning pegs, a nut, a bridge,and strings. The engineering will come later. TBD.
Maybe carve a pickguard. Carve some knobs. Probably install real strapholder "bolts." The pickups will be fake.
(If I make a second guitar I will carve a hollow for real electronics, knowing it will not be a musical instrument, but it would be a cool musical sculpture.)
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Def. High Surfdead
on Sunday, March 11, 2018 – 11:00 pm
If you could build a stone
If you could build a stone dobro or steel guitar (so you wouldn't need to pick it up), you could incorporate a bridge, nut, and electronics - not sure how you'd attach the bridge nut, and strings - but if you could, it would be playable.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Alan R StoneSculptor
on Sunday, March 11, 2018 – 11:24 pm
The soapstone was so soft it
The soapstone was so soft it was easy to accidentally take too much off. After the initial chiseling, I mainly stuck to files and rasps. Note- the sucky part about carving symmetrical shapes (like a guitar neck) is that if you fuck up one side, you just doubled your work. And since you are working in 3D, there's one more opportunity to screw something up.
My last piece, "Done For The Day", included two shapes that were both symmetrical and almost-identical. Anytime I messed up or modified up one side of a shoe I had three more sides to adjust. Pain in the ass.The limestone I used for this piece allowed for more detail than the marble usually does, and provided more stability than soapstone (because it's harder). But I thought a limestone guitar would be boring-looking. It's consistently tan. The Egyptians used to paint it.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: treat island judit
on Sunday, March 11, 2018 – 11:26 pm
I dislike shoes but I really
I dislike shoes but I really like those. Thanks for the view.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Alan R StoneSculptor
on Sunday, March 11, 2018 – 11:39 pm
To stay in the context of the
To stay in the context of the black screen I will rename them "Wally's Shoes," as we know Bobby wears Birkenstocks and Phil wears those moonshoe sneakers.
But I will stay focused on the guitar.. please check back for regular updates. It's far from done but getting there.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Sycamore Slough Disco Stu
on Sunday, March 11, 2018 – 11:44 pm
The shoelace pattern reminds
The shoelace pattern reminds me of Rick Griffin geometry in classic 'Zap Comics' and poster art.
Nice looking work !!
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: MarkD ntfdaway
on Sunday, March 11, 2018 – 11:52 pm
Good work SS! Keep us up.
Good work SS! Keep us up.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: VivalaSchwa Schwadude
on Monday, March 12, 2018 – 08:31 am
I am going to enjoy following
I am going to enjoy following this thread. Thanks for the real time adventure in sculpting.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Always Be Nice
on Monday, March 12, 2018 – 11:11 am
Alan,your project is so
Alan,your project is so inspiring.
Bart would have been following your thread twice a day!
~Love it~
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: skyjunk fabes
on Monday, March 12, 2018 – 06:11 pm
In that 4th pic, you had Bo
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: VivalaSchwa Schwadude
on Monday, March 12, 2018 – 06:46 pm
Lol Fabes.
Lol Fabes.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Alan R StoneSculptor
on Monday, March 12, 2018 – 07:30 pm
For the net few days I
For the net few days I concentrated on carving a basic shape for the body. I started out using hand tools -- a hammer and various carbide-tipped chisels -- ro remove "chunks." For a piece this size, the chunks are each about the size of an acorn. If you look closely you can see the gouges left by the prongs of a multi-point chisel. In general, one starts with a single point chisel, then moves to multi-pointed toothed chisels, then on to flat ones.
I seldom use power tools, but for this project I utilized an inexpensive angle grinder with a $4 grinding wheel (made for concrete) to smooth out the rough spots left over from chiseling. It saves immense amounts of time, even though it still takes hours and hours and hours to grind away inches of marble. (I get a lot of music listening done and thank god we still have a freestyle college radio station nearby..WTMD). I also broke out the pneumatic chisels, which allowed me to "shave" the marble. which greatly reduces the risk of rock fracture. The picture below looks dim because I am working in the "dust booth" - a portion of the studio I have walled off with plastic sheets. Using power tools raises a lot of dust. so wearing a respirator is required.
One design mystery is what to do with the block of marble "beneath" the guitar body. I don't have access to a saw that will cut a block of this depth -- so chopping it all off was not an option. And I had to figure out which way the guitar will sit when it's finally finished. Is it going to be laying down?, upright? leaning against something? At this point I'm picturing it upright.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: VivalaSchwa Schwadude
on Monday, March 12, 2018 – 07:37 pm
The block behind it could be
The block behind it could be the wall of sound.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Deadly Leper van Atom
on Monday, March 12, 2018 – 07:50 pm
Rock on! Great work SS.
Rock on! Great work SS.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Bluelight Odysseus
on Monday, March 12, 2018 – 07:51 pm
Really shaping up nicely.
Really shaping up nicely.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Alan R StoneSculptor
on Monday, March 12, 2018 – 08:16 pm
Wall of sound is close...
Wall of sound is close... Several days later I was doing an initial rough sanding to get the feel of the shape. At this point the any real sanding is useless as there is still lots of reshaping left to do, muchless finishing work. But I found it helps to get one's hands directly on the marble. . And I was thinking... what to do with the back block? (I guess I coulda carved an acoustic guitar and utilized the whole depth of the marble block, but that seemed a little tame.) What's rectangular and related to guitars?
An amplifier...fuckin brilliant!!! This is the first moment that I knew what the piece would "be" in the end.
The guitar will be "leaning against" a little amp. I was psyched. Now I had a direction. So I went to work on the reverse side.
Carved some knobs and a speaker grill. There's a lot more work to do, but this is the foundation.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: VivalaSchwa Schwadude
on Monday, March 12, 2018 – 08:17 pm
Sweet. Does it go to 11?
Sweet. Does it go to 11?
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Alan R StoneSculptor
on Tuesday, March 13, 2018 – 10:29 am
Early version (the neck will
Early version (the neck will end up much darker after finishing):
Frets added: I was going to cut slots and insert wire to make frets, but that greatly increased the chance of breakage, so I carved them instead. They will intentionally be a little higher than on a real guitar so they throw shadows (important when working with monotone-colored materials). Also, since it wont be played, the frets aren't measured correctly, as I want to leave plenty of room for inlays.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: jazfish Jazfish
on Tuesday, March 13, 2018 – 11:51 am
Alan, do you have any kind of
Alan, do you have any kind of dust elimination system in your grinding booth?
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Alan R StoneSculptor
on Tuesday, March 13, 2018 – 03:15 pm
Thankfully I mainly use hand
Thankfully I mainly use hand tools, so an open shed door and a big fan usually suffice. In the summer I can work outside and since I'm in an industrial area near a railroad track near a quarry (all right smack in the heart of the suburbs), I'm not that worried about environmental issues.
Stone dust is a big problem when I use power tools and pneumatic tools indoors, which I'm doing now. Since I'm renting studio space, I haven't bashed a whole in the wall and installed a real fan, yet. Or purchased a dust-reduction system (pricey). So I count on my respirator, new filter cartridges, a wet vac and an area I've isolated with plastic sheeting. Hopefully, when I move into a new space it will have industrial strength ventilation, as I plan to use power equipment more frequently.
It is a health concern and I try to reduce the risk by working wet as much as possible.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: VivalaSchwa Schwadude
on Tuesday, March 13, 2018 – 03:22 pm
Very interesting, informative
Very interesting, informative, and cool as hell. Thanks for the journey. I am enjoying the ride.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: jazfish Jazfish
on Tuesday, March 13, 2018 – 04:07 pm
Ya, cool as hell.
Ya, cool as hell.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: An organ grinder’s tune Turtle
on Tuesday, March 13, 2018 – 04:16 pm
rock hard
rock hard
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: MarkD ntfdaway
on Tuesday, March 13, 2018 – 04:38 pm
Way Cool.
Way Cool.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: jazfish Jazfish
on Tuesday, March 13, 2018 – 04:48 pm
If anyone here remembers
If anyone here remembers Marty Resaca Rat I think it was, he did some cool tutorials on cigar box guitars.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Alan R StoneSculptor
on Tuesday, March 13, 2018 – 11:10 pm
Now that the basics are done,
Now that the basics are done, a long period of refinement begins: shaping, detailing, sanding, more sanding, assembly, finishing/polishing, hardware, quality control...
Here's a rough draft of what it may look like (but more shapely and "fluid"): I've got nickle-plated tuning pegs and bridge.
I still need some pickups or I might make some. I carved some proto-knobs out of the soapstone. I need to add some strapholders and a hole (for cord).
Once the neck is attached to the bridge I'll add a nut and string it up.
Note: I used the largest block of marble and the longest piece of soapstone I had in the shop (I usually stock up when spring hits Vermont), but the guitar is not full size. But I think it will look good anyway due to the contrast -- a highly polished, curvy guitar standing upright against a little blocky amp (with a rougher "roadworn" texture).
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Druba Noodler
on Tuesday, March 13, 2018 – 11:37 pm
Is this going to be art, or
Is this going to be art, or actually playable... either way will be one heavy guitar, lol
Very much looking forward to seeing the progress you make on it, pretty dang cool!
(and I've got access to more marble if you need, but you'll have to cut if off the mountain yourself, lol)
oh, forgot, this fell off the mountain last winter, has pyrite in it, might have gold too, big old boulder of (limestone / marble / dolomite)
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Alan R StoneSculptor
on Wednesday, March 14, 2018 – 12:18 pm
Thanks but I need the pure
Thanks but I need the pure strains....
Somehow the good chunks always end up being furthest from the car..
The good shit...
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Alan R StoneSculptor
on Wednesday, March 14, 2018 – 08:44 pm
Been busy making the guitar
Been busy making the guitar body thinner and making the cutouts better (fairly hard spots to get a file into)...
..and working on the slot the neck will be in.... I'm thinking of attaching it using "pin and epoxy" or a bolting it on (which would be visible from front but could be disguised)...
and widening the grooves between the guitar and the block behind it to make the image "pop" more...
it's just so friggin cold I'm not getting a lot of work done in the studio the past few days
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: skyjunk fabes
on Wednesday, March 14, 2018 – 08:54 pm
Polishing it up is bringing
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Druba Noodler
on Wednesday, March 14, 2018 – 09:06 pm
Very cool. And we do have
Very cool. And we do have pure stuff, that pic was from the gold mine nextdoor. Some of the marble was used in making the Washington Monument in DC
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: jazfish Jazfish
on Wednesday, March 14, 2018 – 10:58 pm
This is coming along very
This is coming along very fast. Fascinating, indeed.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Deadly Leper van Atom
on Wednesday, March 14, 2018 – 11:02 pm
...And It Stoned Me!
...And It Stoned Me!
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Bluelight Odysseus
on Wednesday, March 14, 2018 – 11:07 pm
I like a heavy guitar.
I like a heavy guitar.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Alan R StoneSculptor
on Thursday, March 15, 2018 – 09:50 pm
Some good progress.... got
Some good progress.... got the tuning peg holes drilled and got the pegs inserted.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Alan R StoneSculptor
on Saturday, March 17, 2018 – 11:27 am
Working on amplifier details
Working on amplifier details and the shape of the guitar body (I don't know if you can tell but I improved the shape of the left "arm"). Now I have to get the proportions correct.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: VivalaSchwa Schwadude
on Saturday, March 17, 2018 – 01:29 pm
The amp needs to go to 11,
The amp needs to go to 11, maaaaaaannnn...Looking good.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: treat island judit
on Saturday, March 17, 2018 – 02:09 pm
This continues to be very
This continues to be very cool and keeps getting better!
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Sycamore Slough Disco Stu
on Saturday, March 17, 2018 – 04:47 pm
Looks great! Appears to be a
Looks great! Appears to be a Strat-style bridge you've selected.
Since you've installed tuners and have a bridge, you ought to rig some sort of (temporary ?) pickup and tune it up like a lap-steel sitar.
Although i wonder if the soapstone neck could manage string tension.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Alan R StoneSculptor
on Wednesday, March 28, 2018 – 04:38 pm
That bout of winter set me
That bout of winter set me back a bit. Been sanding when I can. I'm up to 1500 grit sandpaper on the neck, so that part is almost finished. Note that the neck gets darker as I polish it. It will be waxed and polished more, eventually.
I tried carving a nut (the 6-slotted "comb" that holds the string in place on the top of the neck) out of petrified wood, but switched to a store-bought one instead. I filed out a little slot in the neck and epoxied it in. My frets are raised compared to a real instrument, but I need them a little high so they cast shadows. So the nut and bridge need to be raised up a tad, too.
Only up to 400 grit on the body..... I'm trying to get a real glassy-looking finish on it. This picture doesn't really show how glossy it is getting.
Because it's impossible for me to carve a hollow space in the backside of the guitar (there is no backside), the guy at the store also sold me a cool looking bridge that doesn't have to have the strings anchored from underneath the body (like on many electric guitars). Once I attach the neck I will place the bridge on the body so that the strings are lined up "straight". Then string it. Then add volume knobs, strap holders, etc.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Alan R StoneSculptor
on Wednesday, March 28, 2018 – 04:44 pm
closeup
closeup
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Alan R StoneSculptor
on Wednesday, March 28, 2018 – 04:48 pm
All this is done by eye and
All this is done by eye and rough measurements, so nothing is perfectly symmetrical. Miraculously, the store bought nut just happened to be the exact width of the top of the neck -- so that was auspicious.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: VivalaSchwa Schwadude
on Wednesday, March 28, 2018 – 04:52 pm
Lookin good. Thanks for the
Lookin good. Thanks for the update. I can't wait to see the finished product.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: treat island judit
on Wednesday, March 28, 2018 – 04:53 pm
So good! The results must be
So good! The results must be so satisfying - it is wonderful to see it coming to life. Thanks for sharing not only the pictures but also your thoughts.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Sycamore Slough Disco Stu
on Wednesday, March 28, 2018 – 08:16 pm
Thanks again for sharing your
Thanks again for sharing your photos. That rock guitar is looking better all the time!
From looking at the details, my guess is that you have built Wooden guitars in the past.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Stone Peakfifteen
on Wednesday, March 28, 2018 – 09:19 pm
Is the neck soapstone?
Is the neck soapstone? Looks great.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Alan R StoneSculptor
on Wednesday, March 28, 2018 – 10:40 pm
Never built a guitar or any
Never built a guitar or any instrument before. I'd like to make one that had some real electronics, just for fun.
Yes the neck is Brazilian soapstone -- with a relatively high talc content. I got it from a place on the Vermont / NY state border. The way it's polishing up, it reminds me of those old work benches in the high school lab. It actually has some gold flecks of pyrite in it.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: I rang a silent bell China-Rider
on Thursday, March 29, 2018 – 08:07 am
Wow, very impressive work!
Wow, very impressive work!
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: gypsy tailwind T.O.D.
on Thursday, March 29, 2018 – 08:30 am
It's been really cool
It's been really cool watching the progress.
Thanks for sharing your gift with us.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: ________ Heybrochacho
on Thursday, March 29, 2018 – 08:47 am
what does something like this
what does something like this cost ?
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Alan R StoneSculptor
on Thursday, March 29, 2018 – 10:00 am
Marble costs me roughly 1
Marble costs me roughly 1 dollar per pound (but I have to go to Rutland Vermont to get it) and this Brazilian soapstone about 2 dollars a pound. The marble block I started with for this project weighed 95 pounds. Occasionally, I use soapstone I collect from a long-abandoned quarry (they used soapstone for bathtubs and fireplace inserts because it retains heat). Alabaster can be imported from Utah and Colorado, for a couple dollars a pound, but shipping charges add up. So a high quality piece of stone that you can haul around usually costs between 100 and 200 dollars.
Tool-wise, one good chisel can cost $35 and up, but a starter kit for handcarving stone (hammer, chisels, files) can be purchased for a little over $100. I use steel tools for the softer stone and carbide tipped or diamond grit for the harder materials. But you always need more tools -- right? When I use power tools, I buy cheap ones because dust invariable ruins them. A basic set of pneumatics and a compressor -- a thousand or two, depending on size.
I spend a lot at Lowes for various incidentals - filters for respirators ($!7), grinding wheels ($5), tile files ($15). Then there is studio rent.
Cortisone shot to shoulder -- hopefully covered by health insurance.
"Time" is probably the biggest expense -- the hancrafted work usually takes months to complete.
Currently my art sells for a couple thousand a piece. However, instrumental tombstones for musicians might fetch a much higher price!
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: ________ Heybrochacho
on Thursday, March 29, 2018 – 10:03 am
>Currently my art sells for a
>Currently my art sells for a couple thousand a piece.
Nice! You definitely deserve it.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Alan R StoneSculptor
on Thursday, March 29, 2018 – 10:18 am
Here's another piece made
Here's another piece made from the same marble used for the guitar, "Betty in the Bubble Bath". The finished piece is 2 ft long and weighs about 60 lbs.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Bluelight Odysseus
on Thursday, March 29, 2018 – 11:21 am
Most amazing Alan.
Most amazing Alan.
I would ship Cesar Rojas the bath and David Hidalgo the guitar.
Still bill the shipping to the recipient.
Or the Smithsonian
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Alan R StoneSculptor
on Saturday, April 7, 2018 – 11:19 am
It's done!
It's done!
Electric guitar body and amplifier carved from Vermont Danby marble.
Guitar neck, knobs, pickup, strapholder, base of bridge,and nut carved from Brazilian soapstone.
Tuning pegs and bridge from local guitar store. Assorted metal parts from junk drawer.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Alan R StoneSculptor
on Saturday, April 7, 2018 – 11:25 am
Cable input. (Surprisingly, I
Cable input. (Surprisingly, I chiseled the hole good enough so that no glue was required to hold the inscribed "washer" in the stone. One tap with the hammer and it fit perfectly. That rarely happens.)
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Def. High Surfdead
on Saturday, April 7, 2018 – 11:26 am
Pix?
More pix?
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Alan R StoneSculptor
on Saturday, April 7, 2018 – 11:31 am
I was told a single pickup
I was told a single pickup guitar only needs two knobs. I carved these two and epoxied them on the body.
Usually I would drill a hole in the knob and in the body and connect them with a pin and glue that in, but at his late stage in production I wanted to avoid cracking the body, so I took the safer, "less correct" alternative and skipped the pin.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Alan R StoneSculptor
on Saturday, April 7, 2018 – 11:38 am
I got an inexpensive bridge
I got an inexpensive bridge from the guitar store and modified it a bit. I had to mount it on a base to provide clearance for the strings, as my frets were higher than on a real guitar.
The pickup I had to carve myself. The hard part was sizing it correctly. I don't measure much -- just eyeball it mostly. I added a dab of silver metallic paint for contrast since the stone was gray.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Alan R StoneSculptor
on Saturday, April 7, 2018 – 11:46 am
I consider the project a
I consider the project a success since a prime goal was to produce a highly polished guitar (with "realistic" glossy finish) against an unfinished stone amplifier (so it looks dinged and road-worn).
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: VivalaSchwa Schwadude
on Saturday, April 7, 2018 – 11:53 am
That turned out beautiful,
That turned out beautiful, Alan. Bravo. Well done. Does the amp go to 11?
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Alan R StoneSculptor
on Saturday, April 7, 2018 – 11:57 am
For the strapholder, I got
For the strapholder, I got courageous and drilled into the "arm," but I was freakin out that I might crack it, so I didn't drill deep enough to insert a metal piece I had. So I carved a strapholder out of soapstone and glued it in the hole.
I know that the amp cable input goes on the front of the amp and not the side, but I needed something visual on this side of the piece. Plus I was thinking of running a real piece of cable between the guitar and amp, and if I do, I didn't want it obscuring the the face of the amp. So I invoked "artist perogative."
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Alan R StoneSculptor
on Saturday, April 7, 2018 – 12:10 pm
I carved a couple knobs and
I carved a couple knobs and buttons on the amp and added a "little red light" and a handle. I might carve a more realistic-looking handle, but this one just seemed to fit.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Alan R StoneSculptor
on Saturday, April 7, 2018 – 12:30 pm
As mentioned previously, I
As mentioned previously, I drilled holes in the headstock and screwed in real tuning pegs.
The nut (the string guide at the top of the neck) presented a challenge. First, I carved one out of petrified wood. Then I tried a store-bought one. Neither worked due to my "custom" geometries... I didn't copy a Fender or Gibson headstock and there are reasons they are shaped like that.
So I had to be a bit creative and invent something that would position the strings correctly from the tuning pegs down to the bridge. remember, my frets were purposely higher than normal ones (to throw shadows). I drilled six holes in a piece of soapstone instead of carving grooves. This seemed to work well, though I could have done a better job measuring. I was pretty close.
After watching a couple YouTubes I still couldn't figure out how to sting a guitar professionally. I'm sure it's easy once you learn how to wind and tie them correctly. I did a hack job. But I don't think anyone will notice.
And yes, that is an instantly-recognizable green "Eat Bertha's Mussels" bumpersticker in the background. Once you know it, you will spot them all over the country.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Alan R StoneSculptor
on Saturday, April 7, 2018 – 12:38 pm
Here it is (one cortisone
Here it is (one cortisone shot and two PT sessions later):
The guitar body really shines. I took it to 1500 grit. When I put a second coat of wax on it, it will glow. I'll take some better pictures soon but wanted to give the Zone a preview. Thanks for all the support and encouragement. Much appreciated.
It needs a name though..... So far the working title is" Rock and Roll Tombstone".
Any ideas?
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: thinthread hillman
on Saturday, April 7, 2018 – 01:03 pm
REAL rock & roll. looks
A REAL rock guitar. looks fantastic to me, great work! I always misread the thread title as "craving a guitar" though.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: MarkD ntfdaway
on Saturday, April 7, 2018 – 01:37 pm
Wow! Awesome work Alan.
Wow! Awesome work Alan. Thanks for sharing. It has been fun watching it develop.
When they were passing out artistic talent, I thought they said autism and declined.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: hooper Hooper
on Saturday, April 7, 2018 – 02:25 pm
Nice work on the guitar
Nice work on the guitar
Betty in the Bathtub is really amazing!!!!
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: VivalaSchwa Schwadude
on Saturday, April 7, 2018 – 03:44 pm
Carvin Martin?
Carvin Martin?
La Rocka Blanca?
Black Throated Ax?
Dream Guitar?
Granicaster?
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Alan R StoneSculptor
on Saturday, April 7, 2018 – 03:54 pm
Betty in the Bathtub is in a
Betty in the Bathtub is in a new galley in Hudson Valley / Catskills if you are ever up that way. "Art at Leeds" (in Leeds). They have some very psychedelic stuff in there among other artworks.
I'm hoping to get Done for the Day (limestone shoes) accepted into a big exhibition this fall (National Sculpture Society), but I'm an amateur compared to some of these folks. I also submitted Betty and a small marble piece called First Kiss.
I currently have a piece at Columbia Art Center (near Merriweather Post Pavilion) in Columbia MD and two pieces in a online show (which doesn't do much for sculptors, but looks good on the resume).
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Def. High Surfdead
on Saturday, April 7, 2018 – 04:14 pm
>>>>>Any ideas?
>>>>>Any ideas?
(stealing idea from Schwadude)
"Goes to Eleven!"
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Deadly Leper van Atom
on Saturday, April 7, 2018 – 04:26 pm
"For those about to Rock!"
"For those about to Rock!"
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Alan R StoneSculptor
on Saturday, April 7, 2018 – 05:05 pm
I just gave it a final coat.
I just gave it a final coat. I have fancy wax I use if I know something is going outdoors, but prefer the regular Johnson's.
I gotta say it looks more shiny in person (it feels great, too -- for polished marble). My cell phone camera doesn't do it justice..
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Alan R StoneSculptor
on Sunday, April 8, 2018 – 06:24 pm
"..And It Stoned Me" (Van
"..And It Stoned Me" (Van Morrison) is currently the number 1 title for the guitar sculpture.
The working name is "Rock and Roll Tombstone" . (I purposely left room for an inscription, just in case).
keep those cards and letters coming
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Alan R StoneSculptor
on Friday, June 1, 2018 – 01:08 pm
Ok, so I made some minor
Ok, so I made some minor improvements: I replaced the metal handle on the amplifier with a stone one that I carved (same stone as the neck).
And I polished out more of the rough spots on the amp to let the stone's natural patterns seep thru. I still want the amp to appear beat-up to provide contrast to the shiny guitar body, but I this stone has some nice markings I want to show. And it makes the piece look more expensive.
I got the guitar in a show in a new gallery in the Catskills. It's located in a historic firehouse in the town of Leeds. The Hudson Valley is supposedly a hotbed of art nowadays, so maybe a rich musician will drive by and stop in.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Alan R StoneSculptor
on Friday, June 1, 2018 – 01:10 pm
(No subject)
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: treat island judit
on Friday, June 1, 2018 – 01:14 pm
You do such great work!
You do such great work! Thanks for updating the thread. I hope that rich musician comes along.
Are you working on anything now?
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Alan R StoneSculptor
on Friday, June 1, 2018 – 01:41 pm
Thank you. Since I just got
Thank you. Since I just got back from DelFest, I am thinking of making a mandolin -- if I have the time to drive up to the Vermont / NY border to source the necks (soapstone already cut into "planks").
I already have some nice Brazilian soapstone for the body with blue streaks in it.
It may be too soft, though -- it has a very high talc content. I previously used it for this:
But I'm temporarily slowing down a bit as I'm dealing with a frozen shoulder. (That's a topic for another thread. Nothing like advice from the Zone doctors.)
Until I get fully back in shape I'm teaching kids (rock carving) at local schools and camp.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Lucky Day Timmy Hoover
on Friday, June 1, 2018 – 01:50 pm
Pretty cool, Alan.
Pretty cool, Alan.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Alan R StoneSculptor
on Friday, June 1, 2018 – 04:37 pm
Thanks. I'm about to exhibit
Thanks. I'm about to exhibit a really cool one.
Last year I made some (real) holograms of one of my sculptures as part of an Artist in Residency award.
The idea I pitched to get into this coming exhibit is to present two exact versions of the same image -- one made from rock using old technology (hammer, chisel) and the other made from pure light using new technology (lasers, high end optics). Hopefully it will look something like this:
The gallery is the middle of PA in a town called Williamsport -- home of little league or something. I've not been there yet.
Getting the 3D images to show correctly is a challenge because certain lighting conditions have to be met. I'm hoping they can pull it off.
If anyone is passing thru Williamsport next month...check it out.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Sycamore Slough Disco Stu
on Friday, June 1, 2018 – 04:56 pm
Hey,
Hey,
Beautiful Artwork there (should we say 'craftsmanship' ?)
I guess not, unless it is a functional musical instrument.
But did you actually make that Granite and Soapstone ?? Or at least, mine it yourself ?? Hopefully you performed the creation of Igneous / Stratified rock, for authenticity.
Please, pretty please, tell me you did not craft / sculpt that out of Rock someone else quarried.
Also, the Bass knob is a bit low.
Don't trifle me; I do landscaping for Generalissimo Francisco Franco.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Briank Briank
on Friday, June 1, 2018 – 05:23 pm
Nice work!
Nice work!
Sorry about the frozen shoulder. I had it a few years ago and it was brutal, just horrible. I have no doctorly advice. It goes away over time. I little cortisone shot may help.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Alan R StoneSculptor
on Friday, June 1, 2018 – 05:29 pm
Stu baby, that's marble, not
Stu baby, that's marble, not granite.
From the Danby Quarry: The Vermont Danby quarry is the largest underground marble quarry in the world. The quarry is entered through the same opening that has been in use for over 100 years. From there the quarry twists and turns 1 ½ miles deep where Danby Marble is quarried.
Note to self: in the event of impending nuclear war, book a tour of the Danby quarry.
I would have expected an outdoorsman like yourself to know the difference. Next time - try this test - take a bite of granite, swallow, then a mouthful of marble and crunch it around..... see? The granite tastes like a tombstone and the marble tastes like a Roman statue. Easy Peezy.
(and thanks!)
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Alan R StoneSculptor
on Friday, June 1, 2018 – 05:36 pm
>>>>>I have no doctorly
>>>>>I have no doctorly advice. It goes away over time. I little cortisone shot may help.
crap, that's exactly what my doctor said!
(and thanks)
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Sycamore Slough Disco Stu
on Friday, June 1, 2018 – 05:53 pm
My Legal - ish staff advised
My Legal - ish staff advised me to pass this message along:
A: Don't ya fool with me !! My fleet of Submarines are full of Hammerhead Sharks.
B: I have a long-standing contract to crochet Hüsky-Fur merkins for Chairman Mao and relatives, until 2199.
C: Of course I know the difference between a Granite and a Marble. Just fack-checking to make sure you made those Rocks personally.
But seeriously, love how you made that Guitar / Amp come out.
The little Red "power-on" amp jewel is a great touch. Did you put a Garnet there or some Red glass ?
Also, the new handle looks good.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Alan R StoneSculptor
on Friday, June 1, 2018 – 06:11 pm
The red light is a cool
The red light is a cool little gold washer from something around here, with a little red iridescent button in it (from my mom's button box that we inherited).
And I just remembered an instance where i did actually create stone...if shitting a brick counts. The incident involved a smoke-filled station wagon on a dead end street and a New Haven cop. We didn't go to jail somehow.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Bluelight Odysseus
on Tuesday, August 7, 2018 – 02:40 am
I don't enjoy this type of
I don't enjoy this type of art any longer.
You have set a bench-mark, I peer over.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: ............. Jambone
on Tuesday, August 7, 2018 – 04:43 am
Some pretty cool shit fo sure
Some pretty cool shit fo sure...
Alan, did you live in New Haven? If so, what years?
I lived over by Yale Bowl (west rock area).. from 86-90 (minus cpl summers on silver sands in Milford)..shit a few bricks in that city myself....
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Bluelight Odysseus
on Tuesday, August 7, 2018 – 05:50 am
He's very talented & a real
He's very talented & a real artist.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Alan R StoneSculptor
on Tuesday, August 7, 2018 – 08:38 am
< Alan, did you live in New
< Alan, did you live in New Haven? If so, what years?>
Not New Haven. What made you think that? Too cold for me up there.
I have had a steamed cheeseburger in Meridan. And almost got arrested in Hamden, back when weed ws evil. And I can get you in to The Pantry (in New Haven) without waiting in line.
But many years ago -- back in the Keith and Donna days -- I did spend time in the heart of another jewel of New England - Worcester -- [pronounced Woooooster ]-- The only good thing about that town was it's proximity to concert venues in other cities. After a show, we could usually make it home for morning (looking back, probably afternoon) classes.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Def. High Surfdead
on Tuesday, August 7, 2018 – 08:47 am
I lived in Hamden 1953-1956.
I lived in Hamden 1953-1956. Never had any run-ins with the cops - I was only 2 to 5 years old. Lived near State Street not far from East Rock Park.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Alan R StoneSculptor
on Tuesday, August 7, 2018 – 09:05 am
<He's very talented & a real
<He's very talented & a real artist.>
Good morning Blue... sounds like a rough night with many interruptions. What are you doing posting after midnight AND at 5 am? At your age, a man needs his sleep. Otherwise you'll start posting gibberish and the online crowd will ridicule your nonsensical manic depressive, threatening rants, further working you into a frenzy, leading to another sleepless night...and the cycle continues until you have to be physically pried away from your cumstained office chair in front of the multiple video screens.
And your sarcasm is blinding but you should learn something from this thread --- all the art is presented in a single thread!
(I find so many mini-movie threads annoying as hell. It's like flotsam after a storm, clogging up the black screen everyday...Zone pollution.)
You don't need an entire folder, just post your links in a single thread. Call it "Visions of Insomnia."
You should try doing it. Not for me; for the children.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Def. High Surfdead
on Tuesday, August 7, 2018 – 09:09 am
>>>>>"Visions of Insomnia."
>>>>>"Visions of Insomnia."
Didn't Jerry do that one one night in 81 during that coke-filled run in East Cakalaky?
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Lucky Day Timmy Hoover
on Tuesday, August 7, 2018 – 10:54 am
Good advice Alan. I
Good advice Alan. I suggested the folder because he really seems to need or crave recognition for his “work”.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: skyjunk fabes
on Tuesday, August 7, 2018 – 10:54 am
I would suggest a coming
I would suggest a coming together of two zoners with Bluelight making a movie of the building of the guitar amp that Allen made by using the pictures in this thread
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Bluelight Odysseus
on Tuesday, August 7, 2018 – 11:05 am
>>Good morning Blue... sounds
>>Good morning Blue... sounds like a rough night with many interruptions. What are you doing posting after midnight AND at 5 am?
Partied all-night-long (made a Buckwheat Zydeco Jr movie)and have not slept yet; if you're a fan of the Grateful Dead -you should too .....I see you were up at 5:30am?
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Bluelight Odysseus
on Tuesday, August 7, 2018 – 11:14 am
That's a cool idea Fbs.
That's a cool idea Fbs.
I don't think I could pull of a simple interview with out the Red Tailed Hawk & spacey stuff.