Official Luthiers Forum!

Hi Folks!

I am currently building 2 guitars (L-00 and Jumbo PS) using African Mahogany B&S and all trim in Mad RW. I have not decided yet on purfling or rosette material. Any suggestions that might work, and where I may purchase said suggestion?

Thx for all your help!!

Glenn

Hi Glenn

There are, of course, countless possibilities for rosette/purfling ideas. One thing to keep in mind is the overall look and feel of the guitar. Is the rosette going to be a statement (sort of an art piece signature) or a more subtle aspect? If you search the archives, there was recently a thread (I think it's title was, "show me your rosettes"). There's great ideas on that one. Also, many of the builders have sites that show their work. If you pay attention to the details/close ups you'll get lots of ideas.

Worthy of mention is the new Zipflex that just came out. This is the bendable abalone purfling. Stuff is magic. Good luck with your guitars!

Thx Randolf,

I should have clarified better - I am looking more for purfling ideas rather than rosette. I have ideas for the rosette - I am looking for a simple purfling compliment to the Mad RW bindings/trim. I have simple bl/w/bl wood purfling, but am wondering if a more brown color would go better with the African Mahogany/Mad RW trim color scheme. any suggestions on wood combos for purfling, and where those combos may be available?

Thx!

Glenn, first thing to consider is a compliment to the rosette, not the binding. My feeling is that those elements must tie together.
So, for instance, if you are using black and white rings in your rosette, whatever your rosette is, incorporate those in your purflings.
Or if you are using wood tones in the rosette, then follow suit with your purflings. I like the way b&w makes a visual contrast to the wood, and accents it in a neutral way. (With no color competition.)
Now if you want more subtlety and earthiness, cut some veneer sheets into purfling strips. The color variety is endless.
You can Google "wood veneer". Or LMI carries several varieties of natural veneer sheets, and also premade strips (I think that last statement is correct).

Good luck on this,

Steve

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From Nacogdoches...the oldest town in Texas.

http://www.stephenkinnaird.com

If you want to do something different from the std blk/maple/blk with mahogany .. try blk/red/blk or blk/orange/blk as the purfling lines .... compliments the b&s quite nicely, and will sit great under the mad rw binding. If you are going this route, and want shell in the rosette, then red ab is your best bet.

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Tony Karol
www.karol-guitars.com
"let my passion .. fulfill yours"