Smolder
I'm not going to lie, I set this build on fire while cutting the f-holes with my laser - it's the first time one of my artistic projects has (unintentionally) caught fire. My best guess is that I hit a hidden pocket of wood resin and it ignited. Instead of abandoning the project I got out my torch and rolled with it - the result is a punchy little three string I've called "Smolder".
After the fire I sanded the box down to the bare wood and got to work. The box is spanish cedar and the original back panel has been replaced with walnut - all the wood is flame-scorched and finished with deep coats of orange oil and tung oil. This guitar's name and serial is laser engraved on the inside which has also been treated with a torch. The hard maple neck has had a similar treatment - it has been darkened and aged and then kissed with a torch and oiled. Even the cherry wood truss rod cover has been under the flame.
This cigar box guitar has been fitted with black and brass hardware throughout with a single volume control and three-pole single coil delta pickup in the neck position and all the electrics stuffed in the lid. It has been strung with Ernie Ball slinkies and tuned to DAD. The net result is a bright, responsive tone with growly grit and a touch of twang - if you know your music it's not so much Hank Williams as much as it is Tantric.
Serial number 2407019, hand crafted in Las Cruces, New Mexico. Online price includes shipping.