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We make covers for any
type of guitar including, PRS (Paul Reed Smith), Gibson, Ovation, Taylor,
Gretsch, Jackson, ESP, Ibenez and more.
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Custom Inlaid Truss Rod Covers |
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Here is a quick, easy, and inexpensive
way to really dress up your guitar. A custom Truss Rod Cover can add that
personal touch that will make your instrument stand out from the crowd. Below
are some examples of other custom t-covers I've done.
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| YES!!! We do
custom covers. Below is a photo (left) I was sent by Lauren Melton of
Greensboro, NC who wanted to purchase a special gift for her boyfriend, Nathan
Griffin. He loves his PRS guitar and his loyal dalmation, so she wanted to
combine those into the perfect gift. Using a combination of MOP, Red Abalone
and a bit of black paint, I created this. Here is what Lauren had to say,
"OMG!!! I am in tears right now! It looks absolutely
AMAZING!!!! I LOVE it!!! I would love for you to sign the back! It is such an
amazing piece of artwork!!! Thank you SOOOOOO very much! I absolutely adore
it!!! I couldn't have asked for anything better!!! (still in happy tears)!!
Thank you again for your dedication and hardwork that you put into this piece.
I cant wait to see his [boyfiend's] reaction!!!!" Lauren sure does
love exclamation points!!! |
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| I really like this one. The Pharaoh cover is made of White and
Gold Mother of Pearl, Paua, Lapis, Bloody Jasper, and a red acrylic for the
eye. This is made of 24 pieces and is one of my trickier covers to make. It was
commission by Kentry Kinard of Waldorf, MD and is based on one of his tatoos.
This will certainly look great on his headstock. Kentry commneted, "It looks amazing. Hell, it looks better than my tattoo. The
blue in the headress looks incredible. The graining is spectacular. The use of
light on the face is artistic genius. Very thoughtful. I can tell you were
selective in your choice of shell pieces. " |
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The record has been BROKEN!!! This cover is made with 29 pieces
shattering my own pervious record of 23 on the Viking cover shown below. It
took me three hours just to test fit all the pieces after they were cut. This
cover is made of Pink Muscle, Gold Mother of Pearl, and Maple on Ebony. You
won't find Pink Muscle listed in my materials list because it's hard to get and
only very small pieces are available. This was a special order material that
just worked out for all the little pieces I needed. This piece of commissioned
by John Rainwater, of Alexandria, VA. |
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I think this is my record for the most number of pieces in a
truss rod cover - 23! That's a crazy number of pieces in something so small.
The eyes are about 1/16" in length. But that why it is sooooo cool. This piece
takes a while to build, but is worth it. It's made with Brushed Nickel Steel
for the helmet, White and Black Mother of Pearl for the horns, 50 thousand year
old Fossilized Mamoth Ivory for the face, Yellow Cedar for the hair and beard,
and Sparkle Paua for the eyes. |
| What makes a custom tcover GREAT! Well, take a look at this
tiger head cover. You don't see covers like this often. 22 pieces of White
Mother of Pearl, Paua, and Bloody Jasper on Ebony. There is no etching, paint,
fillers, or coloring used on this cover (like most of my covers). Everything
you see is shell, stone, and wood. The lucky owner of this work of art is
Michael Onofrietti from Honolulu, Hawaii. Micheal wrote me this, "The cover is absolutely unreal!! I just got the cover in
the mail today, and it is absolutely spectacular! The detail is unreal, and it
is going to look great on my jet white guitar." |
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I love this
cover! When I first drew it up, I knew it was going to be special, but it
truned out even better than I hoped. This piece was commissioned by Chris Von
Wahlde of Reading, Ohio who picked out many of the materials used on the cover.
This little fishy is made up of White and Gold Mother of Pearl, Dinosaur Red
Bone, and Arizonia Jade on Lace Wood. I absolute love it!
The lower picture is a variation on the theme. The interesting
thing about this one is the backing is made from three different parts, Blue
Jean Lapis, Banded Malichite, and Deep Blue Lapis. Gives is a watery
effect. |
PRS Eagles !!! |
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| Ever Watchful |
Eagle Strike (Gibson version
Available) |
Eagle Battle
Design Retired |
Flying Eagle |
Hunting Eagle |
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More dog t-cover. This is Troy the beloved
pooch of John Rainwater, of Alexandria, VA |
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A poster made up by the
owner.
Now it's raining cats and dogs
t-covers. This beautiful cover is made mainly of Black and White Mother of
Pearl with just a touch of Gold. |
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And even more pets. I'm starting to get
known for these. This is Gibson, Gio Tenorio of San Francisco daughter's
beloved pet. I was amused that I was making a Gibson to do on a Taylor guitar.
:-) |
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Yes, believe it or not, this is a truss rod
cover. I think we have to give these sorts of things a different name. If you
look carefully for the two screw holes, you will see how it attaches to the
headstock. However, unlike a normal t-cover, this one is going to take over a
good chunk of the headstock. This is designed to fit on a Taylor head stock.
I'll post pictures of it on the guitar once I have them. I'm really looking
forward to seeing that myself. This was order by Michael Reed of Plainfield, IL
the same owl fan that had me create the Owl Family cover shown below. He always
likes to give me a challenge and I'm glad he does, because just look at
it!!! |
| A Great White Shark on a Gibson Bell Cover
made for Stephen Long of Dallas Texas. This was made with only two materials,
White MOP and Paua. |
Left-handed Taylor version. |
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Commissioned by Scott White of Bloomington,
IL this cover was designed to add as classy touch to a Taylor guitar. Note that
the top screw hole is in the middle of the design. This allows it to look like
a headstock inlay without modifying the guitar. And yes, it for a left-handed
guitar. Scott commented, (he also purchased the Tayor Great White Shark shown
above at the same time) "Wow!!!! They look
Amazing. Can't wait to see them on the guitar. Dude, you do GREAT
work!!!" |
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Another oversized Taylor cover with 3 doves. This piece was
commitioned by Sam Lee of Mukilteo, WA. This made of White and Gold Mother of
Pearl, Red Abalone, and Paua on Ebony. This piece takes up a good chunk of the
headstock and is officially the biggest T-Cover I have ever made. |
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Only five pieces on this cover, but I love. Simple, classic,
and classy. |
| This blue heron t-cover was commissioned by Craig Simpson of
Wheaton, MD. The cute little guy is made has 12 pieces and is made up of Banded
Azurite, White and Black Mother of pearl, and Orange Spiny all on ebony. A
great looking piece. |
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"Ever Watchful Over America"
Based on a combination of cover designs (Ever Watchful and
Eagle Mountain #20 - both pictured below), this cover is the latest in the
Limited Edition series. This cover is made from Bloody Jasper, Clear Lapis,
White/Gold/Black Mother of Pearl, Red Abalone, and Brass (for the flag staff).
"Ever Watchful Over America" replaces the long time favorite Tiger Head (shown
below) in the harolded first position on this page. Currently, this cover is
only available on PRS guitars. This proto-type (#1) is the property of Craig C.
of South Huntington New York. Craig had this to say about his new piece of art,
"The piece is ROCKIN!!!!!! You do impecable
work! Kudos to you! Couldn't be happier." |
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Yes, this is a truss rod cover. It's for a Taylor or Gibson
guitar. The customer, Michael Reed of Plainfield, IL, wanted an entire owl
family. My first reaction was, "Yeah right, a tcover is an inch tall." But then
Michael ask me to be creative and so I was. The screw hole is just over the
Mommy owl's head. The Daddy owl extends over the screw into the headstock. It's
more of a headstock inlay that just happens to double as a truss rod cover. One
of the most interesting projects I've worked on this year. |
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Skull and
Rose made with White and Gold Mother of Pearl and Paua. Commissioned by Chris
Bell of LA. |
This flame
version of the cover is done completely on Bloody Jasper and was commissioned
by Stacey Heiser or Portland, OR.
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This
whimsical little gold fish is from a Gretsch guitar. This was commission by
John Dunne and was paid from with a Shark Inlay Gift Certificate that his son
gave him for Christmas. How cool is that, the prefect made to order Christmas
Gift. John had this to say about his new prize, "I recieved the TRC today. It is beautiful, a work of art, I
am blown away! It looks three-dimensional. A job well done.
Thanks." |
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Evil man in
shiney black helmet. This cover was designed for a Gibson Les Paul and will
eventually end up on Tom Fletcher's guitar from the
UK Rock Band,
McFly. |
This one is
just too cool. The king of beasts. Commissioned by Reagan Lee of New South
Wales, Australia. It is going on an R-Taylor. Made of White, Black, and Gold
Mother of Pearl and etched. Check it out on the headstock by clicking the
picture below.
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| The
Scorpion. This exciting insect was commisions by Justin Smallwood, of
Middleburg Florida. This bug is on the hunt and made of Paua, Red Abalone, and
Silver Fantail on Ebony. |
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Bomb Guy
made of White, Gold, and Black Mother of Pearl and Red Abalone one Flame Maple
which was then really flamed with a torch to give it that burnt look. This
cover was made for James Lee of California. James had this to say,
" It looks AMAZING! You took my scribble of a drawing
and turned it into a work of art!! It really puts a personal touch on my PRS
and I couldn't be happier. Thanks a bunch. You can bet I'll be coming back to
you for future inlay projects. Bravo!" |
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Based on a
charm from Avitar the animated series, this cover is a technilogical miracle.
Check out how perfect all the pieces fit. The black dots in the middle are
actually ebony wood stick up from the base plate. A cover like this would be
impossible if done by hand, at least to this quality. This piece was
commissioned by Nicholas Orr of Ann Arbor, Michigan. Nick added this comment,
"It looks spectacular. Once again, I really appreciate
you doing this, you provide a very unique and exciting service! Your work is
phenomenal, and this T-Rod cover is no exception." |
| Planetscape
- This was commissioned by Kris Margiotta of Manheim, PA. The mountains are
made of Silver Fantail, Red Abalone, Black Mother of Pearl, Sparkle Paua,
Sparkle Mother of Pearl all on Ebony. Here are Kris' comments when he saw it,
"Pardon my French, but HOLY SHIT!!!!!!! I LOVE
it. LOVE IT! Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU!!!!! " |
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Commissioned
by Sean Keim of Stanford, IL. I know, I would have thought he lived in Denver
too. :-) Sean had this to say,"I got mine
yesterday! As hard as it is to believe it looks even BETTER in person! I
honestly don't know how you get something this small to look THAT detailed.
Amazing! Thank you again!" |
| The brand new "KING OF
DRAGON" cover is complete with 10,000 year old Mamoth Horns. It's interesting
to see what huge difference a change of materials can make. |
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| King of Sea Dragons.
Dave Nalewajek had this to say about the King of Dragons, "The Dragon arrived today. WOW! Nothing more that I could
say." |
King of Earth
Dragons |
King of Fire Dragons.
This uses a new materials called Red Fossel Bone. The owner, Bob Schulte
commented, "Your work is amazing, top notch. I will be
back for more. It looks awesome on my PRS. THANK YOU!!!" |
Design modification with
flames coming up from the bottom of the cover. |
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Taylor
version of the Ever Watchful with etching. Here are some comments from
owners"That's got some scary 3-D effects. That
will look real good on my PRS. Your stuff just blows the competition out of the
water. "
"I received the TRC it is awesome just an awesome
piece of art work. You do some truly great work."
"It arrived yesterday and your right,
as good as the photos were, they did not do it justice. It looks fantastic on
the guitar. I am happy I stumbled on your work, the quality and attention to
detail is awsome. "
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| The Stray Cats on a
Gretsch, but of course. This was custom made for Gerlof Haagsma of the
Netherlands. Gerlof had this to say, "In one
word............WOW! It looks amazing." |
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Captain
America the early years, made with Bloody Jasper, Dark Lapis and Mother of
Pearl on Ebony. A very patriotic piece. This was commissioned by John Feltz of
Watertown, New York. |
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This cover
is made for an Ovation guitar and it made of all woods. These are three of the
wood found around that sound hole of the Adamas model. |
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This is the
Brazilian Soccer team for logo, commissioned by Bruno Lima-Campos of Oakton,
VA. This is made with yellow agate, dark azirite, oriental jade, and Mother of
Pearl on ebony. |
| Now Available as a
PRS Cover too.Orca. Land, sky, and now the
sea. This powerful creature and hurl it's three ton body out of the water 30
feet. Well that's impressive and so is this cover. Billy Maykrantz of Sterling
Virgina stated, "I just got the Orca on koa truss rod
cover for my Taylor guitar. Wow! I am very pleased. This adds so much to my
guitar. My Taylor has always sounded great and this custom inlay really makes
it stand out. I think it may actually look as good as it sounds now! I could
not be happier. Beautiful!! Thanks!!" The first of the PRS versions
of this was sold to David Nalewajek, David added, "ORCA arrived today. UNBELIEVABLE!! I now have too many
favorites. If only I could afford more guitars :-)" |
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| Snowy Owl for a Taylor
Guitar. This is done in White and Gold MOP, Silver Fantail and Red Abalone on
Rosewood. This cover was build for Micheal Reed of Plainsfield, IL. This cover
is being released as a standard design. Mike wrote me this, "The owl's actual colors are many times more lifelike than
the picture shows on the website. Its features blend perfectly with the Cindy
on the 915, and yet the owl is three-dimensional--really flying. I'm in my
sixties, and I can't stop staring at the little bugger. I don't suppose it's
going to make my fingers go any faster, but I'm extremely proud of this tiny
piece of art. I've got some other guitars that I'm suddenly ambitious to adorn
with your work. Thank you again for making it soar. " |
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| Sea Turtle for Taylor
Guitars. |
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"SKULL GOD"
for ESP guitar. Does this simple SCREAM shreader for what? This puppy is three
inches tall and takes up a good chunk of the headstock. Custom made for Russell
Sweet of Jacksonville Florida. He performs with his band
Neurotic
Butterfly |
The Pack is on the hunt.
"Wolf Pack" is a new addition to theLimited
Edition Covers program.. This cover is made up of 12 pieces. Now available
as a single wolf . |
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"Dragon
Strike" This is the follow up to the popular Dragon Mountain covers. This
dragon is on the hunt and has found his prey. Perfect for the agressive
guitarist in us all. This is another in the Limited Edition Covers program. These cover are
only sold by auction. To get updated on when these auction become availableemail me. |
| "Eagle Mountain" #20.
The last one of the series. This one was made very special in order to close
out a very seccessful run of t-cover. To see the rest of the eagle mountain
cover click here, "Limited Edition Covers".
This cover had to be double inlaid, a time consumming and difficult process. To
see how this was done, click here. If you
would like to get on a noticification list about when the auctions start
email me. |
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"Pit Viper"
Lastest in the "Limited Edition Covers"
series. This is a deadly snake patterned aftrer the American, Diamond Backed
Rattle Snake. |
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"Starman"
made for Roger Thurman of Il. This fits on aWarmoth Guitar and is quite a bit
larger than the original tcover. It's made of White/Gold/Black Mother of Pearl
and Paua on Ebony. |
| This is guitar jewerly.
Thought up by Ken Brock of Visalia, CA as a graduation gift for his daughter,
this piece will be a stunning addition to her guitar. A personal, one of a kind
gift that will be cherished for ever. It's made of Wedded Turquoise and Pink
Heart Shell on ebony. It's for an ovation 12-string. I love the sound of a 12
string. Ken added,"Everyone here is so happy
with your work. Kylee performed four songs on the pregraduation parent
appreciation night the day after your art arrived and was installed on her
graduation gift, a 12 string black legend. the next day she performed an
original on the guitar and one on the piano. she rocked! the audience kept
coming up commenting on your artwork and the songs which was a highlight. So
many guests commented on how vibrant and nice that was. Thank
you." |
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Here is a
coat of arms sort of them done with ebony, red abalone, and mother of pearl on
maple. It was going on a Warmoth guitar. |
| "THE PHOENIX" "Limited Edition Covers" series. Used extensively
by the American Indians of the Southwest, the Phonix firebird rises from the
ashes. It is a symbol of wealth.. Dave Nalewajek of West Seneca NY, had this to
say, "Phoenix #2 arrived today. Each time that I get
one of these, I keep asking myself how can you possibly do any better that the
previous one. Each time you exceed my expectations. #2 is spectacular, and once
again you have exceeded my expectations. Keep up the great
designs!" |
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"THE
GARGOYLE" Limited Edition Covers series. This
is a good luck symbol used to ward off evil sprits or your Mother-in-Law. . The
owner of this cover (Rich Augustin) shared this with me, "It looks amazing, even better than in any of the pics. The
best part of it is that the colour of the gargoyle's body is a perfect match to
my guitar's body, so all this does is make my guitar look even better.
Wonderfull. I'd definetly look into buying another one in the future. Great
job. " |
| "Eagle Mountain" This is
the second of a series of "Limited Addition"
t-covers. This was the standard design in the "Eagle Mountain" covers. Although
the series is now closed, these will be remembered fondly by us and treasured
by their owners for a long time to come. email me. George Vlassis of California,
the owner for Eagle Mountain #3, shared this with me,"I just wanted to let you know about the #3 truss rod cover
i bought from you on ebay. The workmanship is awesome ! I had purchased an
eagle truss rod cover from another maker on ebay but compared to your eagle art
piece , that thing looked like a 4 year old made it! I am sold on your inlay
work and am looking forward to purchasing more items from
you...thanks" |
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"Dragon
Mountain" This is the latest of a series of "Limited Addition" t-covers. Over the next year,
20 of these will be made and auctioned off on eBay. That's it 20, no more. When
they are gone, they're gone. If you would like to get on a noticification list
about when the auctions start email
me. |
| This one is sooooo cool.
I was sent a photo of this dog and this is the resulting t-cover. I like it!!!
It is made of white and black Mother of Pearl and Obsidian (a stone) on ebony.
This cool cover was ordered up by Steve McEvilly of Concord CA. Here is what
Steve had to say about it:"You are a master
artist, the trc is a masterpiece and I couldn't be happier. You have a client
for life here. You had to pick my jaw up off of the ground."
Betsy, "Ch. Sierra's Arctic Sunrise" has won multiple
"National Specialty" shows beating out hundreds of American Staffordshire
Terriers. She won an award at the age of 9 months, "best bred by" at a National
Specialty in Hollywood. |
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Emotalized
Kitty. This piece was commission by John Heng of Singapore. It was to honor his
beloved cat that had pass on. |
| More pets. This one was
commissioned by John Dunne of New York. John emailed me this comment,
"Got it - its great, I couldn't have wanted a more
beautiful work of art. You are very talented. My only problem now is getting it
straight in my head what I want you to inlay next." |
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This is the
new, "Official", BAM (Birds
and Moons.COM) tcover. If you purchase one of these covers, a 25% donation
will be made to Birds and Moons in order to offset the costs of keeping this
valuable and entertaining forum running. This cover is available in Ebony,
Rosewood, and Bocote wood. To order one or more of these covers
click here.Just wanted to let you know that my TRC arrived this morning
- a real beauty just as I expected, well, maybe even more than I expected.
Really great work!, Sandra Schulz. |
| This seems like a simple
cover, only four pieces, but it still has a lot of detail because of all the
cut lines. It's make of cocobolo and gold MOP on ebony. The cocobolo was
perfect for a fall leaf, which was the goal. Material choice can make all the
difference. This piece was commission by Jerad Bech of Alberta, Canada. |
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| Gold Mother of Pearl and
Paua Rose commissioned by Michael O'Neill of Sterling, VA |
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| The true "OM" symbol.
This symbol means peace and tranquility and is a favorite amoung guitar
players. Some guitar companies use what they call the "OM" symbol, but my
sources have imformed me this is the true symbol. This design is available in
any combination of materials, but this one is Paua, Green Ripple, and Gold
Mother of Pearl on Rosewood. This first one was custom order by Partho Ghosh of
Port Coquitlam, Canada. Next to that is the same cover only with different
materials, brass, gold MOP, and Green Fantail on Bloody Jasper. The cover on
the bottom is a smaller version where the OM fits completely on the
cover. |
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| "All you need is love" .
. . and a Shark Inlay t-cover. Or how about "Imagine you have a Shark Inlay
t-Cover . . . it isn't hard to do . . ." Ok, I'll stop that now. Oh, oh, one
more "We all live in a yellow Shark Inlay t-Cover . . ." This cover was
commissioned by Aldwyn Rodgers of Columbia, MD. Three more and he can complete
the set :-) |
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IT'S JIMI!!!
This t-cover was designed by Big Al Gunning from Linlithgow, Scotland. This
Jimi Hendrix shadow design is so cool and was a challenge to do, but isn't it
beautiful. I think Al said it the best,"F**kin hell!!!
'scuse my language, but that's absolutely amazing... you are a Jedi Knight of
the inlaying order!" |
| Elvis has left the shop.
After the success of the Jimi Hendrix cover, Mike Petrich of Concord, CA
contacted me about doing something similar, only Elvis. What do you think?
Pretty cool huh? It was fun to watch as Elvis' face came to life out of the
pearl. Another Elvis sighting and I don't even live in Kalamazoo. This cover
was, in Mike's words, "This is FLIPPING FANTABULOUS!!!
WAY WAY WAY Better than I expected! You are the Inlay Stud! Best regards, from
your newest lifelong customer!" |
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More Rock
Stars, Jeff Beck from the cover of he recent album cover. |
| How could I call my
company Shark Inlay without a Shark Inlay?!? So here it is, the brand new Shark
tcover based on our logo. |
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CALL IT . .
. HEAVY METAL!!! Created for a B.C.Rich owned by Anthony Lucchese of New York.
this is yet another example for thinking outside the box. A tcover does not
have to be shaped like half an egg. The outside of this one is black flame to
highlight the Paua flames inside. Pretty bitching . . . do they still say that?
I think I'm getting old. Anthony's comments:"You've definitely outdone yourself. I like the TRC you did
for my PRS. But this is just outstanding!" |
| The inlay is made of
white and gold MOP with brass leash and sits on Ebony. This t-cover, in my
opinion, is one of my top ten of all time. The little hair lines are done by
etching the pearl. This cover is a standard design that has been made before.
However, there are many design changes to the cover that are only possible
thanks to the CAM machine technology that I now employ. Note how cleanly all
the pieces fit and how the delicate leash surrounds the body. It's a beautiful
piece. This cover belongs to Mark Overfield from the U.K. |
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Made for Ric
Goleman for Houston TX, this cover will be going on a PRS Single Cut that was
purchased on a "Aid Kateria Victims" auction. Ric wanted some that would honor
the people and the city of New Orleans. This is Gold Mother of Pearl and Paua
on Ebony. Ric commented, "Cliff did an excellent job,
the contrast of the Paua and MOP jumps out at you, and the ebony black
background really sets the inlay off." |
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