Cardinal Instruments

[Sam Evans]

http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x202/samlauraizzy/IMG_0030.jpg
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x202/samlauraizzy/IMG_0025.jpg
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x202/samlauraizzy/IMG_0027.jpg
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x202/samlauraizzy/IMG_0026.jpg
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x202/samlauraizzy/IMG_0032.jpg

These prices are for guitars that we have in stock. Prices on future instruments will be higher. If you've ordered or have been quoted a price, I will happily honor that commitment. Sorry for any confusion.

Formica DeLuxe - $299 (SOLD) Thanks, v-verb!!
- serial # 0705
- 25.5" scale
- pine body
- oak neck / mesquite fretboard
- pups wound by me unpotted/low output
- quality hardware (CTS, Switchcraft etc..)


Cedar Fever - $349 (SOLD) Thanks, Mr. Cline!!
- serial #0703
- 25.5 scale
- juniper body
- walnut neck w/mesquite fretboard
- copper topped custom pups
- hardware as above

We use locally harvested and salvaged woods. Thin oil finishes. Superb playability and lovely Tele/ Dano tones. You can't go wrong with either of these.

Lots of Formica/Pine models ready to ship. Some fancier stuff on the way.

Add $25 for shipping in the US of A.

[murkat]

Why do i like the white one......... some back and side shots please... :)

[muddy]

website? these are kool-0, mate!


ml

[EunosFD]

Man, there's something about the shape that I really, really dig.

+1 for more pics too. :)

What are the necks like? Chunky, thin, other? Nut width?

[Sam Evans]

Website soon. Domain name is registered, and I'm getting quotes/ideas from different site designers (that means you, hansoloist!).

More pics tomorrow at the latest.

I carve all the necks by hand, and I tend to the chunky side. .88" to .92" at the 1st fret and .90" to .94" at the 12th. I can vary to taste to a certain degree. All are a standard C-carve.

The pine and the cedar (actually a local juniper species) bodies are air dried. +/- 18 months. Walnut neck is air dried. Oak and mesquite were kiln dried.

WARNING!!! If the wood has cosmetic flaws, I will still use it. Dings, worm holes etc. NOTHING major, just good old character. I do have some pristine pine and mesquite bodies in the works.

I use tung oil finishes. It looks good wears well, the customer can do finish touch-ups his/herself. And I don't have to breathe VOCs. It's not fancy, but it works well.

[Crazyquilt]

I want one.

But I want to know more about the oak & mesquite instruments.

[whoismarykelly]

Any photos of the backs? It looks like the e strings are really close to the edges of the neck. can you take some better photos of the string spacing?

[einstein]

I didnt like the mesquite with the chicken, but i loved the hickory with the steak.

[Sam Evans]

I want one.

But I want to know more about the oak & mesquite instruments.

Watcha wanna know, bro?

String spacing in the pics is deceiving. The guitars are tilted and it makes it appear that the high E is on the edge of the neck. It's not.

Bedtime. I'll post more pics tomorrow.

[whoismarykelly]

Can you describe your pickups or perhaps provide some clips?

[John Hurtt]

I might have missed this, but I'm assuming these are bolt on's? Can we get a look at the back?

[michael.e]

Man, there's something about the shape that I really, really dig.

+1 for more pics too. :)

What are the necks like? Chunky, thin, other? Nut width?

They look like these.

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y175/M_E113123/modelt.jpg

Did you take inspiration from the construcion techniques?
Would you consider putting a Fendery wanky bar on one?
Your pine guitar looks very cool! GREAT prices! I would love to hear them also. Killer headstock design! I will be looking in to these.
Emee

[Sam Evans]

They look like these.

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y175/M_E113123/modelt.jpg

Did you take inspiration from the construcion techniques?
Would you consider putting a Fendery wanky bar on one?
Your pine guitar looks very cool! GREAT prices! I would love to hear them also. Killer headstock design! I will be looking in to these.
Emee
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x202/samlauraizzy/IMG_0031.jpg
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x202/samlauraizzy/IMG_0033.jpg

Mesquite above is SOLD! Thanks, Bob.

I started with the Turner, but took more from the Kay Kraft that inspired Rick. Mine are bolt-ons as well.

I have a local player who wants a Jazzmaster vibrato. I'll do a one-off, but it'll be an upcharge. No plans at the moment for a Strat style.

Color is white. I did a run of eight. Other colors will be available, but we are a month out on those. Powder blue, red, yellow, black, orange and a few I've forgotten.

Pickups are a hot lipstick style. It sounds like a Tele/lipstick cross. Neck is 4.5k - 5.5k. Bridge is around 6k.

Thanks for all the great feedback. We've put in a tremendous amount of thought, work and R&D. I hope it shows.

If any of you are in the Austin area, feel free to come by the shop.

I'll post a few more pics soon.

[LVC]

can you post a back shot picture of Cedar Fever?

Also what is the up-charge for a tone control and vibrato?

Great price --- these make great Christmas gifts.

Laz

[LVC]

got your Cedar pictures -- put me down for one (still need info on tone control and vibrato).

Can you get one to me before Christmas?

thanks

[EunosFD]

Yes, that Turner is what I was thinking of. I actually prefer the shape of these to the Turner (I think it's the lower cutaway shape that does it for me). Very cool indeed & I may very well have to finagle some gear around & pony up for one.

What nut width do you use? Any chance of doing one with a slightly wider (say 1 3/4" or maybe slightly wider) neck?

[Sam Evans]

Yes, that Turner is what I was thinking of. I actually prefer the shape of these to the Turner (I think it's the lower cutaway shape that does it for me). Very cool indeed & I may very well have to finagle some gear around & pony up for one.

What nut width do you use? Any chance of doing one with a slightly wider (say 1 3/4" or maybe slightly wider) neck?

Thank you, sir. 1-11/16" nut width. Sorry, other widths not available at this time.

I LOVE the Model-T!! I changed the lower bout as to not step on Rick's toes.

[whoismarykelly]

http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x202/samlauraizzy/IMG_0031.jpg
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x202/samlauraizzy/IMG_0033.jpg

I started with the Turner, but took more from the Kay Kraft that inspired Rick. Mine are bolt-ons as well.

I have a local player who wants a Jazzmaster vibrato. I'll do a one-off, but it'll be an upcharge. No plans at the moment for a Strat style.

Color is white. I did a run of eight. Other colors will be available, but we are a month out on those. Powder blue, red, yellow, black, orange and a few I've forgotten.

Pickups are a hot lipstick style. It sounds like a Tele/lipstick cross. Neck is 4.5k - 5.5k. Bridge is around 6k.

Thanks for all the great feedback. We've put in a tremendous amount of thought, work and R&D. I hope it shows.

If any of you are in the Austin area, you can check Cardinals out at Austin Vintage Guitars. www.austinvintageguitars.com (http://www.austinvintageguitars.com) Ask for Steve.

I'll post a few more pics soon.

How much for that exact dark wood guitar in the photo? What wood is it? If its available Id like to buy it.

You can email me at davidtylergill@gmail.com if you like.

[clemduolian]

and I feel FINE!:D

Hey Y'all, these guitars are the real deal (in every sense of those words). Sam is a great guy, with a cool concept and I am proud to now own #3 (and the first Cedar Fever). The pickups are great single coils with their own voice and VERY little noise. Everything else is the perfect combination of form, funky and function. A volume knob, a 3 way switch, nice neck (meaty but not too...)...What else do you need!?!?!

I'm fixin' to play it all night. More detailed report to follow.

[LVC]

and I feel FINE!:D

Hey Y'all, these guitars are the real deal (in every sense of those words). Sam is a great guy, with a cool concept and I am proud to now own #3 (and the first Cedar Fever). The pickups are great single coils with their own voice and VERY little noise. Everything else is the perfect combination of form, funky and function. A volume knob, a 3 way switch, nice neck (meaty but not too...)...What else do you need!?!?!

I'm fixin' to play it all night. More detailed report to follow.

That was suppose to be my guitar!!!!!! OK so now i will have to wait a couple of weeks.

It is earmarked for my son --- but I will probably end up keeping it.

[Crazyquilt]

Just placed an order myself. Can't wait!

[abergdahl]

I have placed and order - for a BLUE one, of course :D

[bobe]

Great shape! Wish I could hear a clip. Still, I really like the dark wood one on the work table. What wood is that? How much for one of those and how long is the wait? I understand that one is spoken for.

Any chance you would be willing to make me one with a built in Ghost MIDI pick up system? Would need to have two switches and another blend pot added. You've got me dreaming...

Bob E. from CT

[Sam Evans]

http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x202/samlauraizzy/IMG_0037.jpg

Thanks, Robapov!!!!

[clemduolian]

Not quite up to Matte's quality, but it is "Cedar Fever" in its native environment...the Hill Country
http://www.troutstudios.com/cedar.jpg

Its a beautiful day in the neighborhood...see the Cardinal in the treetops?
Clem

[onehandfretting]

Diggin that shape.

BTW Sam, you've got mail!

-Bobby

[EunosFD]

That looks fantastic Clem. Congrats!

[Sam Evans]

Not quite up to Matte's quality, but it is "Cedar Fever" in its native environment...the Hill Country
http://www.troutstudios.com/cedar.jpg

Its a beautiful day in the neighborhood...see the Cardinal in the treetops?
Clem
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x202/samlauraizzy/IMG_0560.jpg
Some very old and dry Texas ebony for a later project. Beauty eh?

Thanks for the great pic, clem.

I've had a few requests for different color Formica. Powder blue and red to be exact. Any one else interested in these colors? It'd be a month or so before we started a run.

SE

[Sam Evans]

I have three Pinemicas left. Necks have not been carved or given a radius (12" or 9.5"). One is faux-marble, it's hideous and I love it. Pics on request.

Lots more stuff coming after x-mas. To those waiting: everything is on schedule so hang in there.

SE

[EunosFD]

Man Sam that persimmon is some sweet looking wood with the really dark heartwood and light sapwood. Ironically just a few weeks ago I was thinking about how persimmon and dogwood would work for a guitar. I get catalogs from a golf company called Louisville Golf who makes old school persimmon and dogwood clubs and looking through the catalog got my mind wandering. :) Is that wood slated to become guitar bodies?

[Sam Evans]

Man Sam that persimmon is some sweet looking wood with the really dark heartwood and light sapwood. Ironically just a few weeks ago I was thinking about how persimmon and dogwood would work for a guitar. I get catalogs from a golf company called Louisville Golf who makes old school persimmon and dogwood clubs and looking through the catalog got my mind wandering. :) Is that wood slated to become guitar bodies?

It's slated for fret boards at the moment, but I have some wider stuff for tops stashed away. It's super dense, small pored and a pretty high specific gravity. I've got a source for dogwood. I'll let ya know...

More importantly I've found a great supply of Bois d'Arc. This is super cool stuff.

SE

[Sam Evans]

http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x202/samlauraizzy/IMG_0102.jpg
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x202/samlauraizzy/IMG_0100.jpg

EDIT - The proto is not for sale at this time. It's still a mule that needs to see the hands of a few local players to finalize some of the specs (p/ups, neck dimensions, fret size blah blah blah...).

Here are a couple of pics of a copper top prototype we've been fine tuning. At least two production models will be available sometime late January.

Body and neck are salvaged mahogany. Body is two piece with no funk (chips, gouges, worm holes etc...). Sorry about the "no funk" part, 'cause I knows ya likes the funk. Cu top is about the thickness of a playing card. Hipshot bridge and Gotoh tuners. CTS and Switchcraft round out the hardware. 25.5" scale, jumbo frets, 12" radius and a neck carve around .88/.90 to .92 to .95. Price is TBD.

Hope you dig it, 'cause we sure do.

SE

[Crazyquilt]

I may have to change my order from a cedar to one of those copper tops. Wow.

How's that neck pickup differ from your regular pickups? (Not, you know, that I've heard those yet...)

[EunosFD]

Yeow, that copper top is killer. I just love different, unusual finishes & materials like that. :dude I'm not usually one to be susceptible to GAS, but these are definitely doing it. :D

[wichita]

I played one of these guitars the other day and have to say that it was a killer instrument. Sam is doing a great job on these.

[dennyman]

Sam, how bout a 3-pup copper top?

[wichita]

I want a copper top Sam!

[Sam Evans]

I want a copper top Sam!

You can try the proto Thursday, if you like, wichita. We've been tweaking it for a few months now.

I PM'd you, dennyman.

SE

[wichita]

Cool,
Call me up.

[Sam Evans]

I may have to change my order from a cedar to one of those copper tops. Wow.

How's that neck pickup differ from your regular pickups? (Not, you know, that I've heard those yet...)

It's a Charlie Christian look for sure. It's the same as our other winds, but using a different flatwork for the bobbin. I may use this look for a new p/up with an alnico bar magnet and different gauge wire.


I'll call you tomorrow, wichita.

SE

[whoismarykelly]

Are you doing anything with 3 pickups?

[Sam Evans]

Are you doing anything with 3 pickups?

It's an option.

Prices for the guitars shown are for a production run of 15 guitars. Prices will increase for the next run. Sorry for any confusion. We have three white formica/pine and a horrendous, hideous and awesome faux marble formica/pine. These four are the last available at $299.

SE

[Neill]

dayum. any trem equipped models? if so sign me up for one!!!!!

[redgold]

It's an option.

Prices for the guitars shown are for a production run of 15 guitars. Prices will increase for the next run. Sorry for any confusion. We have three white formica/pine and a horrendous, hideous and awesome faux marble formica/pine. These four are the last available at $299.

SE

Hi Sam, Is my white formica ready to ship? PM sent.

Thanks, Ray

[Sam Evans]

I have a Pinemica in white and Farble remaining at $299 plus shipping. I'll have pics of the farble up on Sunday.

SE
Cardinal Instruments

[phatster]

Give me the details to order that cooper top.S W E E T!!!

[Sam Evans]

http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x202/samlauraizzy/IMG_0137.jpg
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x202/samlauraizzy/IMG_0138.jpg
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x202/samlauraizzy/IMG_0141.jpg

FARBLE IS SOLD! Thanks, Maculan. You're a brave soul who will be justly rewarded. HAIL FARRRRRRRRRRBLE!!!!

http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x202/samlauraizzy/IMG_0143.jpg Coming soon.



SE

[Sam Evans]

Ha! That's what I thought. Can't handle the Farble, huh? For extra Farble impact, I can cover the p/ups with Farble as well.

SE

[Crazyquilt]

I have to admit, I find the farble strangely alluring. Perhaps it's just the word 'farble,' which (to this parent of a one year old) sounds like a Dr. Seuss critter.

And all I can think is, "Formica can be painted over." :eek:

But I'll keep waiting for cedary goodness. No doubt that's the right choice.

But psychedelic petroglyphs, or something Seussian, would be sooo cool...

[EunosFD]

The Farble looks killer and it's great to see something different and unusual. Can't wait to see the finished product! What's the board/neck made out of on that one? Freakin' GAS attack is kicking my butt yet I keep opening this thread over and over again. :D

[Sam Evans]

I have to admit, I find the farble strangely alluring. Perhaps it's just the word 'farble,' which (to this parent of a one year old) sounds like a Dr. Seuss critter.

And all I can think is, "Formica can be painted over." :eek:

But I'll keep waiting for cedary goodness. No doubt that's the right choice.

But psychedelic petroglyphs, or something Seussian, would be sooo cool...

Your Cedar Fever body has been routed and sanded. I'll start finish on it tonight and the other CFs.

Eunos- FARBLE GOOOOOD!!! Look at that figuring on the Farble. FARBLE FARBLE FARBLE FARBLE FARBLE
Neck is oak and mesquite board. FARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRBLE!!!!

[Maculan]

Ha! That's what I thought. Can't handle the Farble, huh? For extra Farble impact, I can cover the p/ups with Farble as well.

SE

Can never have too much farble - I'm down if its still available - pm'ed you.

[RickC]

I've started a thread for these over in the Small Company Luthiers forum. Interested in hearing more about experiences from people who've got one.

/rick

[jiml]

Any clips of these?

[the_Chris]

Put me down for one of your last white ones if they aren't all accounted for. :)

I've been contemplating getting a Danelectro-esque lipstick guitar for a while, and I like the design that's going on (plus hot lipstick pickups are exactly what I'm looking for :BEER )

[Sam Evans]

The first production run has sold out. Thanks to all that purchased a Cardinal the first time around. Every thing is on schedule and moving along smoothly.

We're in the process of picking a few Formica colors for the next run and finalizing some design changes. They should come in around $649 w/one p/up, Formica on one side, natural backs and some neck wood changes. Lots more details soon.

Cedar Fevers will be available as well and in the $799 range w /two p/ups and other such funky goodness (weirdness?).

Cu Tops are still prototyping (I haven't forgotten you, wichita) and moving along swimmingly. More p/up options will be available including a super secret design that involves TWO (yes,2!) coils that are reverse wound and wired together. I may call it a humbucker (get it?), but we're still in the development stages. DON'T TELL ANYONE ABOUT IT! Probably in the $1799 range.

I thinks that is all for now. And remember, I was the first person to play your Cardinal!

SE
Cardinal Instruments

http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x202/samlauraizzy/IMG_0149.jpg

Here's a pic of serial #0712. Enjoy it, Mark.

EDIT: No clips yet. Website pretty soon, I swear.

[Crazyquilt]

I'm glad I got my order in early, but those prices are still great imo.

I'm still hotly anticipating my CF...

[Sam Evans]

Formica / Wilsonart color suggestions needed. Powder blue is already going to happen, and I'd like to do red and orange as well. Black? Blue? Purple?

SE

[Crazyquilt]

Are you only doing solid colors? :D

You should do a verdigris like color to complement the copper. That'd be tight.

[Sam Evans]

We're not limited to solid colors. Verdigris is a great idea. Decoupaged one-offs are also on the works. See the stamp example above.

SE

[murkat]

I like the strange character hand drawings on the benchboard. :)

[Sam Evans]

I like the strange character hand drawings on the benchboard. :)

They will be appearing on a few guitars in the near future.


SE

[wichita]

Sam can I try that Gold Leaf thing?

[Sam Evans]

Sam can I try that Gold Leaf thing?

Sorry for the delay, buddy. We're swamped, but you can come over to the shop or I can drop it off tomorrow around noon or one. I WILL make time tomorrow either way. I've dropped the ball on this one, but I'll fix it my friend.

SE

[Red Jumpsuit]

I like the strange character hand drawings on the benchboard. :)

I was peeking at that as well :dude

[Ogre]

I had the privelege of roadtesting a couple of these yesterday. Well done Sam!

[whoismarykelly]

How was the neck?

[Sam Evans]

http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x202/samlauraizzy/IMG_0154.jpg

http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x202/samlauraizzy/IMG_0153.jpg

bobe, your guitar is nearly finished.

Thanks for coming over, Bill.

SE

[bobe]

Good God, that is incredible! I want that one! Sam, that looks fantastic! I have never seen anything like it. This may be one of the best decisions I ever made [looks furtively over shoulder as wife walks past PC].

Wow, I'm really excited to plug her in and rip. Did I mention my birthday is January 2nd? [Disclosure plan and deadline for informing wife of gift to self]

1. Is that knob volume only? No tone control?

As I see the pictures, the chrome looks pretty good--sort or balances the dark wood tones.

2. What do you think? Do you want to get fartsy with the pick up covers or hardware?

Speaking of fartsy, these pics are so good I can see the artsy drawings better than before.

3. Are we viewing the original pieces that generated your luthier catch-phrase??

Thanks a lot for the update. Looks really terrific. The body shape; curves of the headstock, overall personality of the instrument's shape is just kicked into overdrive with that wonderful grain popping out all over the place.

Bob E.

[Crazyquilt]

Good God, that is incredible!

[...]

Looks really terrific. The body shape; curves of the headstock, overall personality of the instrument's shape is just kicked into overdrive with that wonderful grain popping out all over the place.

+a whole lot.

That's an incredible piece of wood. If it sounds even a fraction of what it looks, then that'll be one ripping good guitar.

[Sam Evans]

Thanks, y'all!

bobe - Volume and 3-way only. This is an early body, and we were keeping with the simple is better approach.
- I like the chrome too. How about you give it the proper distress by playing the crap out of it. The neck p/up still has the protective plastic sheet on it, so it looks a little fuzzy in the pic.
- Unfortunately I can't take credit for my sig. It's a quote by Mr. Homer Simpson that he directed to Marge at the Springfield Chili Cook-off. It should be chanted as a mantra for maximum enlightening effect.

- And yes Crazyquilt, it sounds as good as it looks. If I may so humbly say. I am loving it.

bobe, you sure you want this thing? I mean, it's just hideous! I'd be glad to sit on for a decade or two for QC purposes.

http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x202/samlauraizzy/IMG_0165.jpg
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x202/samlauraizzy/IMG_0164.jpg

Here's another cool guit in the works. Three piece, air dried American Elm that I had milled from a felled tree around the corner. Walnut neck, mesquite board and tung oil finish.


SE
Cardinal Instruments

[bobe]

Sam,

Give it all the QC & TLC you want. You certainly deserve it. Nobody better that you to break it in. Plus, I'm sure you need some time to photograph it from every conceivable angle for sales/historical record keeping.

The only thing that worries me about this one is, since it is an early model, just how f__'n incredible are the next ones going to be??

I feel like a Wall Street investor who invested in a small start up company that turns out to be a Blue Chip player. Only in the movies until now...

Bob E.

[Sam Evans]

http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x202/samlauraizzy/IMG_0171.jpg
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x202/samlauraizzy/IMG_0172.jpg

Some outside pics of the elm. Walnut/mesquite neck not carved are radiused.

SE
Cardinal Instruments

[v-verb]

Sam,

You are an evil and crazy man - tempting us with those delicious unGibby and Fender creations!!!

[murkat]

And from the looks of it, His little ones are following in his footsteps.... ;)
Crazy drawings Man, crazy. your pinning them upjust for me ain't chya :)
Sam is slowly sucking me in like a good old warner Bro's cartoon... ;)

[Sam Evans]

I'm not evil, hoser.

And you're screwed, murkat. I predict a pine bodied decoupage of "the little ones" in your future. And I'll option it how I want, and you'll love it. And then you'll say, "How does someone with an IQ of less than 75 make a guitar like this?" Got it? Now paypal me!! How's that for subliminal advertising?! I'm kidding of course.

SE
CI

[tonedaddy]

Eunos- FARBLE GOOOOOD!!! Look at that figuring on the Farble. FARBLE FARBLE FARBLE FARBLE FARBLE

What's the upcharge for figured farble?
;)

Way cool guitars, Sam.
I like 'em all, but the Cu top is off the charts!

[whoismarykelly]

These all look so awesome. Its getting more and more difficult to wait with each new picture.

[Sam Evans]

http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x202/samlauraizzy/IMG_0175-3.jpg
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x202/samlauraizzy/IMG_0174.jpg

Almost ready, LVC. Few little niggles to take care of, but soon it'll be on its way to you. I mean...your son.

Figured Farble is currently extremely difficult to obtain. At least a $10K up-charge. At least, I say!! But if you're a member of my private stock-reserve-secret stash program, I will come down on the price.

Indeed the wait sucketh, but it'll be worth it. More pics today!! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH!

SE
CI

[LVC]

All I can say is ---- Sam is one of the most stand up guys I have dealt with in the gear business.

he made a promise ..... and he kept it!!!!!

My son is getting his guitar on time for Christmas.

thanks Sam!!!!

May the new year bring you all the success in the world. You deserve it.

Laz

[Crazyquilt]

That looks brilliant. Laz, your son is getting the same guitar I'm waiting on, so I'll be extra special curious to hear how you, I mean he, likes it. ;)

[bobe]

Can anyone verify Laz has a son? I had overlooked his occasional slip-ups about his, his SON'S guitar. Now, he claims the wife placated with a story about the cedar guitar being good at keeping moths away??? Bah! Rediculous! Clearly, no wife of a gas-a-holic guitarist would ever fall for that.

Laz is getting himself a great guitar and has never been married. Much more plausable scenario. He is just farbricating the entire holiday gift for talented son scenario so Sam will finish his guitar before mine. The lows that people will sink to just to get a Cardinal Instrument.....

Future Owner of Mesquite Masterpiece #1,

Bob E. from CT

[LVC]

Can anyone verify Laz has a son? I had overlooked his occasional slip-ups about his, his SON'S guitar. Now, he claims the wife placated with a story about the cedar guitar being good at keeping moths away??? Bah! Rediculous! Clearly, no wife of a gas-a-holic guitarist would ever fall for that.

Laz is getting himself a great guitar and has never been married. Much more plausable scenario. He is just farbricating the entire holiday gift for talented son scenario so Sam will finish his guitar before mine. The lows that people will sink to just to get a Cardinal Instrument.....

Future Owner of Mesquite Masterpiece #1,

Bob E. from CT


You got me ...... jeeez all this time I thought I was fooling ya all ---

The guitar is for me ---- I needed to get to the front of the line and the son/Christmas thing always works like a charm.

Lola can rest now -- knowing that my Gas has subsided.

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b378/lazcabanas/PC090062.jpg


Actually my son IS getting the guitar (and Lola really is my dog) --- my Gas has subsided because I am picking up this bad boy on Sat --- (Daddy has been good this year as well)

http://www.puresixtyfour.com/nitro.html

>
>
>

[dbx]

http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x202/samlauraizzy/IMG_0175-3.jpg
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x202/samlauraizzy/IMG_0174.jpg

SE
CI

Sam, what is the neck on that Tele? I was just speaking with someone recently about necks/scale lengths...

[bobe]

Sam,

That Cedar Fever looks great. Beautiful woodworking and highly complimentary pick up covers.

Bob E.

[murkat]

I'm not evil, hoser.

And you're screwed, murkat. I predict a pine bodied decoupage of "the little ones" in your future. And I'll option it how I want, and you'll love it. And then you'll say, "How does someone with an IQ of less than 75 make a guitar like this?" Got it? Now paypal me!! How's that for subliminal advertising?! I'm kidding of course.

SE
CI

I realize that on all counts! But who else has pointed out your true love, true artistic carnigual skaptotal demonjonal sketches just laying in the background like some kind of subliminal message of true origin of a master of his own making...? Yup, thats right pal... I know ;) I would honor such a gift bestowed upon me post receipt of :)
abt, happy holidays~
Jay

[Sam Evans]

It's my pleasure, Laz.

murkat - I'm watching you, and so are the little ones. Paypal! Now!!

bobe - patience. Week or so should do it. Yea, those p/ups look/sound pretty darn cool.

dbx- That's a fanned-fret Novax replacement neck. It's my number one. I sold all my other single-scale instruments. I'll build a Cardinal 7-string for myself at some point. Fanned frets of course.

Leave Laz alone, Crazyquilt. He's had a rough day!! Your's gets a neck shape this week and prolly frets.

MNore tomorrow....

SE
CI

[whoismarykelly]

It's my pleasure, Laz.

murkat - I'm watching you, and so are the little ones. Paypal! Now!!

bobe - patience. Week or so should do it. Yea, those p/ups look/sound pretty darn cool.

dbx- That's a fanned-fret Novax replacement neck. It's my number one. I sold all my other single-scale instruments. I'll a Cardinal 7-string for myself at some point. Fanned frets of course.

Leave Laz alone, Crazyquilt. He's had a rough day!! Your's gets a neck shape this week and prolly frets.

MNore tomorrow....

SE
CI

Surreal... I was just thinking about whether you could make a 7 string. Id be interested in a longer scale but probably not fanned unless it was something like a 23.5-26.5 for a CGCFADG tuning. That would be super sweet. It would need humbuckers prolly. So many ideas.

[Sam Evans]

http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x202/samlauraizzy/IMG_0178-1.jpg
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x202/samlauraizzy/IMG_0179-1.jpg
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x202/samlauraizzy/IMG_0181.jpg

Here are some construction pics of the first production CuTop. Salvaged mahogany body and neck. Rosewood board is from the 4 or 5 we bought for prototyping before switching to mesquite. Tung oil finish. 12" radius, 25-1/2" scale length and a beefy neck carve. Our pickups come standard, but mini hb's and P-90s may be an option. Hipshot bridge and Grovers. Bone nut. Dot inlays, and yes, side dots.


Merry Christams,

SE
CI

[clemduolian]

Side dots?!? And a tone pot on Cedar Fever II?!? Is Rod Serling working in the shop now?!?!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS SAM/CI. Still in the hills sawin' on them strings.

Clem

[Sam Evans]

Side dots?!? And a tone pot on Cedar Fever II?!? Is Rod Serling working in the shop now?!?!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS SAM/CI. Still in the hills sawin' on them strings.

Clem

Swing by when you get a chance. I'z workin' on sumtin fuya.

SE
CI

[NawlinzVoodoo]

Only Someone like me would notice the Mardi Gras cups in the back. LMAO! :dude :jo If ya need some new ones, let me know, Mardi Gras is fast approaching and I have a couple thousand in the attic!!!!! :eek:

http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x202/samlauraizzy/IMG_0154.jpg

http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x202/samlauraizzy/IMG_0153.jpg

bobe, your guitar is nearly finished.

Thanks for coming over, Bill.

SE

[EunosFD]

Ugh, I definitely didn't need to open this thread yet again to see that Cu top. :o





:drool :D

[Sam Evans]

Glenn- You can add them to the thousands you and I caught over the years!! Did you get the V pic I sent you?

Eunos- Thos CuTop pics are especially for you and Mr. murkat!!!

SE
CI

[NawlinzVoodoo]

Yeah I'm checking it out. Thanks.
:BEER

[LVC]

Hi Sam,

I was finally able to take the guitar out of the box and play it (son is at a friend's house).

Holy Mother of God!!!!! (No Christmas pun intended).

I had no idea the guitar was going to be that good and the workmanship so top notch.

thank you for a very fine instrument ....

OK now I want one for myself.

I have a set of old Seths (with coil taps) that I pulled from an early Gene Baker Robben ford Guitar --- I also have a couple of Bumble Bee Caps from a 59 Lester --- not from a reissue --- but the real deal.

what kind of wood can we wrap around these goodies?

Laz

[soulohio]

how does i get upon ze liste?

[LVC]

how does i get upon ze liste?

After me :D

Seriously -- I would snag a couple of these babies up --- the guitar I just received is completely off the charts.

the workmanship is really superb.

the pickups are fabulous -- everything about it is top notch.

My son's guitar is a major score.

I need one for my personal collection. I would love to show up at one of my local gigs or rehersal with that guitar.

As a matter of fact I will be borrowing that guitar from my son until Sam can get around to building me one.

We did some last minute switching (and Sam was extremely accommodating -- again thank you Sam)

This is the official "Son" Guitar

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b378/lazcabanas/IMG_0102.jpg

[Sam Evans]

Thanks, Laz! If the guitar needs anything down the road, let me know. I think your son will be quite pleased. Call me / email after the holidays.

soulohio - pm sent

[wichita]

Yeah I loved that guitar. I got to check it out before it shipped and I agree.
Sam is doing some great work.

[LVC]

Thanks, Laz! If the guitar needs anything down the road, let me know. I think your son will be quite pleased.

Thanks!!!!!

Hope you still have a slot left open for your next batch -- no hurry on this one.... well it would be nice to get it for my birthday ... Jan 2 ---- Only kidding.

Laz

[LVC]

Yeah I loved that guitar. I got to check it out before it shipped and I agree.
Sam is doing some great work.

then you know my son scored big with that guitar.

I am going to visit Mark J at Pure 64 tomorrow to pickup my Nitro -- would love to take the guitar along to show Mark. I am sure Mark would have flipped out over it.

But my son is coming with me so the guitar needs to stay under wraps.

>
>
>

[Sam Evans]

Thanks again, y'all! It means a lot, but lets not forget that it's "we" at Cardinal Instruments. My father (Ron) and I started this, and Ron has has mean wood working chops. He's a retired NASA engineer, and has been invaluable to me in my pursuits of sonic absurdity. He's the engineer, and I'm the player-repairman-biologist with the sickening amount of uselfull (useless?) knowledge of cellulose and lignan at the macro and micro level.

wichita - sketches after the holidays.
LVC - we'll chat soon.
murkat - I'm sending you subliminal Cardinal messages.
Euros - even more subliminal messages.
v-verb - loonies suck.
clemduolian - stop by
v-verb - twonies suck too.

SE
CI

FARBLE!FARBLE!FARBLE!FARBLE!FARBLE!FARBLE!

[whoismarykelly]

Im gonna have one of these soon enough!

[bobe]

LVC,

I've had a Pure 64 combo since April 2007. Killer, awsome amp. Mark is passionate and skilled. He really knows what he is doing and it shows in every aspect of his amps.

So, we've never met but we both will be playing Cardinal Instruments through Pure 64's.

You, sir, have very good taste IMHO...

Bob E. from CT

[clemduolian]

Cedar Fever rocked the Hill Country last light. Wind blowin' 35+ (with cedar pollen on high), doves on the grill (its a Hill Country holiday thing), '64 Princeton w/a Tone Tubby and the assembled pickers were mighty impressed. Said one "I can't believe that much twang comes out of that kind of wood." Of course, as we all know, its in the fingers...and the Cardinal bridge pickup:BEER.

Will you be around after Xmas, mid-late week? Or should we wait 'til '08. Call me or email

Sam & Ron--Thanks for making this Festivus one to remember.

Playing Cedar Fever, with no sniffling, burny eyes or hacking cough, I remain,

Clem

[Sam Evans]

Clem -

Doves on the grill. Bacon wrapped with jalapenos? Cedar Fever is upon me, and not in the good way.

Send them pickers my way, and I'll fix one up just for them.

I'll be here thru the holidays. Pop and mom will be for x-mas day, and I'll be back to work the 26th. Call, email or just show up. Who knows what'll be on my grill?

512-297-3859

SE
CI

[clemduolian]

Clem -

Doves on the grill. Bacon wrapped with jalapenos?

Yup...with a bit of Monterey Jack, marinated in Italian dressing. Dang!!

See ya next week. Merry merry.

[Crazyquilt]

Every email from Sam gets me more & more excited. And every Cardinal I see completed gets me more & more jealous. :D

[LVC]

Was able to sneak guitar out and bring it with me to pick up MY Christmas Gift --- a Pure 64 Nitro :dude

Sam's creation is the real deal. the pickups are fabulous.

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b378/lazcabanas/PC230006.jpg

[JackButler]

One of these would make a killer slide guitar I bet!

[southpawmax]

How do you feel about doing lefty models?

[Sam Evans]

One of these would make a killer slide guitar I bet!

I agree. I have set one up for slide with great sounding results.

We're working on a design that is even more slide-friendly for wichita. If we can all agree on its sonic,aesthetic and design parameters, it'll see production.

southpawmax - I feel you need a Cardinal Lefty! We can make it happen.

SE
CI

[Crazyquilt]

I agree. I have set one up for slide with great sounding results.

We're working on a design that is even more slide-friendly for wichita. If we can all agree on its sonic,aesthetic and design parameters, it'll see production.

Excellent.

I've pretty much had the Cardinal pegged as my DADGAD/slide ride. I'm very interested to hear what you're doing to make it even more slide friendly (and I hope still easily fret-able.)

Coincidentally, right around the time I first heard of Cardinal, I picked up one of the Eastwood Airline H44 guitars. It's got some vibe, but it doesn't have any serious funk (if you know what I mean.) And candy orange is NOT copper! Now, a guy like Sam, I reckon he'd understand the importance of both vibe & funk in a slide guitar. Big neck, small, highly resonant body, cool pickups...hrm...

[Sam Evans]

http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x202/samlauraizzy/IMG_0201-1.jpg
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x202/samlauraizzy/IMG_0199-1.jpg
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x202/samlauraizzy/IMG_0198-1.jpg

Here are a few pics of a Pinemica demo with a quarter-sawn pecan neck. Dig the reverse headstock. Its shape is a little different than production. I got the guitar back last night. I'll clean it up today and take it to friend tonight.

Pecan is ON HOLD as a neck option at the moment. The last three we did "exploded!" Well, sorta....it's a long story.

Crazyquilt - let us know how the Cardinal does in slide mode.


SE
CI

[Sam Evans]

http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x202/samlauraizzy/IMG_0212-1.jpg

http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x202/samlauraizzy/IMG_0213-1.jpg
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x202/samlauraizzy/IMG_0216-1.jpg

PROJECT X has begun. LOTS left to do, but we felt an announcement/warning was needed. Oh, Clem. Where are you?

SE
CI

[clemduolian]

Mr. Cardinal:

PM sent.

Clem

[Sam Evans]

http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x202/samlauraizzy/IMG_0217-1.jpg
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x202/samlauraizzy/IMG_0218-1.jpg
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x202/samlauraizzy/IMG_0222.jpg

bobe, your guitar ships Monday. Last pic is w/flash, but it's not that red.

clem, PROJECT X!!!!!!!

SE
CI

[whoismarykelly]

Every day Im closer to cardinal glory.

[Robapov]

Every day Im closer to cardinal glory.
and i am positive the guitar will work for you and your setup...i have used/use a lot of the same effects you have and my cardinal LOVES pedals :^) especially my medusa chorus :dude

[Crazyquilt]

Every day Im closer to cardinal glory.

We seem to have very similar mantras. :AOK

PS Sam: As soon as possible after I get my Cardinal, I'll record clips. Slide, definitely.

[Sam Evans]

No pics, just a production update-

Put the fret press thru a workout today, shop clean-up and organization, tung oil was flyin', went on a wood hunt and copper topped some p/ups. God I love this stuff.

Got a line on some SWEEEET antique doug fir. Super clean and feather weight. Can't check it out till Wednesday. Bois d'Arc too (this stuff sounds great).

Pick-up Formica tomorrow (hear that, anders?). Red, powder blue and black so far.

PROJECT X is moving along thanks to clemduolian. It's gonna be cool, and clem is a treat to work with.

Lotsa website stuff being worked on at the moment. Shouldn't be too long.

SE
CI

[whoismarykelly]

Hey Sam -

- Do you think the Tom Anderson M series pickups would fit in the stock routes for your pickups? Im wondering what the options would be if I ever wanted to go the mini humbucker route down the road.

[Sam Evans]

Hey Sam -

- Do you think the Tom Anderson M series pickups would fit in the stock routes for your pickups? Im wondering what the options would be if I ever wanted to go the mini humbucker route down the road.

I'm not sure about the TA p/ups, but I know the route will accommodate a SD mini humbucker and a P-90. P/up rings and additional hardware would be needed. We wanted folks to have at least a few options for after-market p/ups. We'd work with anyone who needed help with p/up swapping, of course.

I do have some preliminary designs for an HB and more P-90ish ( i said ish!) p/ups. Different magnets and all that stuff. And truly bizarre stuff.

SE
CI

[whoismarykelly]

That sounds good. I want to work with the singles for a while no doubt but If I end up needing a splittable mini bucker I think it will fit.

[LVC]

Sam,

The smile on my son face when he saw the guitar stretched from coast to coast.

Thanks for making his Christmas extra special.

Laz

[Sam Evans]

Sam,

The smile on my son face when he saw the guitar stretched from coast to coast.

Thanks for making his Christmas extra special.

Laz

It was our pleasure, Laz. I hope the guitar lives up to your expectations and the burgeoning musical abilities of your son.

SE
CI

[abergdahl]

No pics, just a production update-

Put the fret press thru a workout today, shop clean-up and organization, tung oil was flyin', went on a wood hunt and copper topped some p/ups. God I love this stuff.

Got a line on some SWEEEET antique doug fir. Super clean and feather weight. Can't check it out till Wednesday. Bois d'Arc too (this stuff sounds great).

Pick-up Formica tomorrow (hear that, anders?). Red, powder blue and black so far.

PROJECT X is moving along thanks to clemduolian. It's gonna be cool, and clem is a treat to work with.

Lotsa website stuff being worked on at the moment. Shouldn't be too long.

SE
CI
I hear :D

[Sam Evans]

http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x202/samlauraizzy/IMG_0223.jpg

Pickups awaiting wire. Note the FARBLE covered p/ups. I just laid them in the p/up cavities to give y'all an idea on what you missed out on.

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CI

[whoismarykelly]

The Mesquite is definitely more my flavor than the farble.

[whoismarykelly]

BTW - pun absolutely intended.

[Maculan]

The Mesquite is definitely more my flavor than the farble.


Well, all I can say is "Mmmmm...Farble!" :cool:

Lookin good Sam.

[Sam Evans]

BTW - pun absolutely intended.

Pun understood!! Farble good!!

SE
CI

[whoismarykelly]

The farble ups the funk factor by a power of 10. Instead of a neck pickup, can I get a tiny kitchen sink?

[Sam Evans]

can I get a tiny kitchen sink?

How about a Hot Wheel?

EDIT- I'm serious. A Hot Wheel.

SE
CI

[whoismarykelly]

Barbie head?

[EunosFD]

Sweet, more Farble! :D

[bobe]

Oh, my God. My Mesquite Madness just arrived at work. What a beautiful instrument. The shape, the balance, the quality woodwork, the neck! The neck! Looks and feels terrific. Unf___ing believable woodgrain everywhere. I'll be plugging it in later tonight at home. For now, I'm showing it off around the office. Everybody is impressed by the wood work and appearance of it. Winning praises from everybody here. Everyone thinks it is a very good and worthy birthday present I've given myself.

I wonder how it will sound through my PURE 64 and Emery Sound Superbaby? Don't you?

Bob E. from CT

[Sam Evans]

Thanks, Bob. I own a Superbaby and a Microbaby, and the MM sounded fantastic through both. I had a 12AT7 in the Sb and a 5751 in the Mb. In boost mode the guitar would SCREAM as I cranked the amp, and get super chimey after turning the Guitar's volume down. I miss it already. I clean mode the amp/guitar seemed the intertwine and become one. How's that for a bunch of qualitative mumbo-jumbo?!

SE
CI

[Sam Evans]

http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x202/samlauraizzy/IMG_0258-1.jpg
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x202/samlauraizzy/IMG_0259-1.jpg

FARBLE IS ALIVE!!!!!!

Lots-o-stuff shipping in the next week to ten days. Prepare your plectrums.

SE
CI

[whoismarykelly]

Classy as usual. Did you end up moving the volume knob farther from the bridge on mine?

[Sam Evans]

Classy as usual. Did you end up moving the volume knob farther from the bridge on mine?

Yeah, low class! Yep, your volume knob has been moved.

SE
CI

[Crazyquilt]

Lots-o-stuff shipping in the next week to ten days. Prepare your plectrums.

*crosses fingers*

I just decided to spring for some agate picks. So my plectrums (plectra?) will be ready, willing, and SHINY.

[whoismarykelly]

My drummer breaks a lot of cymbals so Ive been making a lot of bronze picks with a file, hacksaw, and sandpaper lately.

[wichita]

I love Sam's guitars!

[Sam Evans]

http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x202/samlauraizzy/IMG_0261-1.jpg

http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x202/samlauraizzy/IMG_0260-1.jpg

John D. - Your guitar is done. Dig the new artwork in the background.

wichita- I think we are supposed to get together today? Tomorrow and Sunday are cool too.

SE
CI

[NawlinzVoodoo]

Sam, I'm goin to be sending you out that neck. I just need your addy. Call me or pm me. I went and did it, your not gonna believe it!!! :Devil

[murkat]

Dig the new artwork in the background.
SE
CI

OMG, its the rectum splerter collection! :)

sam, you are truly one of my favorite people, and I dont even know you..................






.....yet! ;)

[Sam Evans]

Thanks, murkat!! That's nice of you. Have you been getting my subliminal messages concerning your next Cardinal purchase? Can you sense it? I feel that you can.

Merps - email sent. Send the whole guitar.

Love for all, and all for love,

SE
CI

[bigdaddyj]

Sam that guitar looks sweet...I'll give it a luvin' home.

Are you getting enough fibre in your diet? Your pegboard art suggests someone is on the verge of a gaseous prolapse.

[Sam Evans]

Who has serial #070? It would have shipped from Austin Vintage Guitars here in Austin. If you could email or PM me, I'd appreciate it.

Project-X update - The Harmony pickup is dated Dec. 1 1954. I have the pot, knob, jack, and jack plate from Clem's salvaged Harmony. I'm going to use a prototype bridge that I designed on it too. This is gonna be cool. Pics soon.

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[Sam Evans]

Made ya look.

[whoismarykelly]

I was hoping for pictures of MY precious this time around :(






















:)

[Sam Evans]

[quote=whoismarykelly;3504418]I was hoping for pictures of MY precious this time around :(

Hang in there, buddy. It's closer than you think.


SE
CI

[Sam Evans]

http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x202/samlauraizzy/100_0370.jpg
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x202/samlauraizzy/100_0373.jpg
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x202/samlauraizzy/100_0374.jpg

Top is American Elm (Ulmus americana)
Bottom two pics are of whoismarykelly's mesquite (Prosopis glandulosa) body

Enjoy.

[Crazyquilt]

Sam -- that's incredible looking. Which wood is that?

Whoismarykelly -- if that's yours: :dude

[Maction]

is that the single piece pine body you were talking about earlier?

:drool

edited to add: shows what us urban-ites know about identifying wood.

[Crazyquilt]

(I was guessing mesquite, but we'll wait for His Cardinality to give us the goods.)

[Sam Evans]

[quote=Maction;3512931]is that the single piece pine body you were talking about earlier?

It's not pine. Elm it is. Air dried for a year from a 60+ year old tree that was cut down around the corner from my house. It's amazing stuff, and I think it sounds great.

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[murkat]

Lookin at that slab of Elm............ Oh man, I feel that hook in my mouth Sam.........

[Sam Evans]

Lookin at that slab of Elm............ Oh man, I feel that hook in my mouth Sam.........

At least it's a barbless hook.

Sent lotsa of emails today. We're moving fast and furiously towards completion on a gaggle of guitars. Taking pics for the website in the next week.

We've got a book matched, semi-hollow mesquite topped-elm backed-pecan necked beauty in the works, and it looks amazing. Pics after I start shipping some more guitars.

SE
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[Sam Evans]

http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x202/samlauraizzy/IMG_0268.jpg
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x202/samlauraizzy/IMG_0270-1.jpg

Pinemica ships early next week.

Project-X is gonna be great. Dig the Harmony p/up in the neck position.

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[Sam Evans]

A quick update for all you Cardinalphiles -

Two Cedar Fevers will be completed by week's end or early next week. These are gonna be nice, to say the least. One will be photographed for the website.

A shout-out for clemduolian. He brought Cedar Fever #1 over to the shop for a funky jack fix, and we got to hang for a while. What a great guy and all around great player. You're welcome anytime, GC. And CF #1 KICKS ASS!!!

whoismarykelly - Precious' is neck is complete. Final assembly and photo's for the website will occur this weekend. You're gonna freak.

Project-X will be making an appearance on wichita's guitar25 website along side some other mesquite goodness from Red Iron Amps. Photos as early as this week possibly.

First production Cu Top is near completion. Very near. Photos here and on the website soon. This one is lighter than the prototype that LVC has.

We've had an inquiry into a fretless and we will oblige. Persimmon board and too much coolness for words.

Anders - Light blue is SOON! I'll send you some pics as soon as I have them. I may upgrade your neck to walnut if that's cool.

Second run begins soon. We've got most of the billets, but I've yet to go pick up the antique pine. I will as soon as time permits.

The cedar/white formica guitar pictured above is still for sale. It's around 6 lbs with hardware and what not. The buyer who saw the pic opted to wait for another guitar down the road.

Now is as good a time as any to mention the following -

I received a phone call from a friend stating that he had the wood for my next guitar. It's tough for me to turn down free mesquite, and upon inspection, the stump in question is spectacular and will yield a fine guitar or possibly two. Now here's the fun part. With the scrap mesquite left over form the stump, Cardinal will smoke an 8-10 lb, grass fed beef brisket in our smoker and ship it with the guitar. The entire process, from chainsawing the stump, to guitar construction, to brisket smoking will be photo documented. All photos will accompany the guitar. Obviously the guitar will take the utmost priority, but what's wrong with a little beef with your guitar? Oh and, the brisket WILL NOT SUCK!!!! I'll email pics of the stump in question to those that are interested. One billet has already been milled, with the obligatory smoker and empty beers in the background.

I can't thank all those who have jumped on board with us so far. It's been great fun, and we love it!! I've got a few guitars coming back for tweaks and mods that'll make things even more fun.

ORDER A GUITAR, MURKAT!!! OR I'LL CHARGE YOU DOUBLE!!!

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[Crazyquilt]

With the scrap mesquite left over form the stump, Cardinal will smoke an 8-10 lb, grass fed beef brisket in our smoker and ship it with the guitar. The entire process, from chainsawing the stump, to guitar construction, to brisket smoking will be photo documented. All photos will accompany the guitar. Obviously the guitar will take the utmost priority, but what's wrong with a little beef with your guitar? Oh and, the brisket WILL NOT SUCK!!!! I'll email pics of the stump in question to those that are interested. One billet has already been milled, with the obligatory smoker and empty beers in the background.

You know, the only thing that's harder to get in southeastern Ohio, where I live, than fine, handmade guitars is great -- or even good -- Q. And my wife, the chef, has a soft spot in her heart for brisket.

I wonder if she'd like to buy some beefy goodness...a little pricey, perhaps, but the six-string side dish would ROCK. :D

[Sam Evans]

You know, the only thing that's harder to get in southeastern Ohio, where I live, than fine, handmade guitars is great -- or even good -- Q. And my wife, the chef, has a soft spot in her heart for brisket.

I wonder if she'd like to buy some beefy goodness...a little pricey, perhaps, but the six-string side dish would ROCK. :D

As cool as the guitar will be, the brisket will be equally delish. She can't lose!!

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[pedalfreek]

Hey Sam....

Geoff up here in NY (cedar/pine builds)....been lurkin around this thread.....but, the mention of BBQ brisket has my mouth watering!!!

Will there be enough to send up this way!? :D

[abergdahl]

A quick update for all you Cardinalphiles -
Anders - Light blue is SOON! I'll send you some pics as soon as I have them. I may upgrade your neck to walnut if that's cool.

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Great news, I have NO problems with an upgrade ;)

[Sam Evans]

Hey Sam....

Geoff up here in NY (cedar/pine builds)....been lurkin around this thread.....but, the mention of BBQ brisket has my mouth watering!!!

Will there be enough to send up this way!? :D

Buy the guitar (we'll call it the "Bovine") and you'll have at least 8lbs all to your self!!

I don't want the beef outshining the guitar. The brisket is just a fun thing to do during or after construction of a kick-ass guitar.

I've got beveling and crowning to do.

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[Sam Evans]

http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x202/samlauraizzy/IMG_0284.jpg

The latest of two Cedar Fevers that will be shipping shortly.

Matt L. - Yours ships manana.

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[Sam Evans]

http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x202/samlauraizzy/IMG_0297.jpg
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x202/samlauraizzy/IMG_0295-1.jpg

This is for our very own whoismarykelly. It'll have black hardware in the next few days, but I just had to post a pic today. It's gorgeous.

http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x202/samlauraizzy/cardinalheadstock.jpg

Here's a headstock pic that'll be used as the homepage for the website.

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[whoismarykelly]

Beautiful. I really need a single coil guitar and this should hit the spot.

[Sam Evans]

http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x202/samlauraizzy/IMG_0303.jpg

http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x202/samlauraizzy/IMG_0302.jpg

Both of these boards are from a 100+ year old longleaf pine support beam. One guitar from this is sold. We'll get at least one more, and it'll have plenty of gnarly character. We obtained some air dried Bois d'Arc for a neck and a couple of fret boards. When we run it through the planer, we'll post a pic.

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[Sam Evans]

http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x202/samlauraizzy/_MG_1523W.jpg

Cu rules.

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[clemduolian]

Shields up. Set phasers on "STUNNING"!

[Robapov]

:messedup O YES!

[Sam Evans]

http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x202/samlauraizzy/IMG_0304.jpg

http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x202/samlauraizzy/IMG_0305-1.jpg

Oh, crazyquilt. I have something for you. I'll set the string spacing and intonate it in the morning. Cedar Fever (the allergy) is kicking my ass this week.

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[Crazyquilt]

:BOUNCE:BOUNCE:BOUNCE:BOUNCE:BOUNCE
:rotflmao

Did I mention I was excited?

Sam tells me the pickups are smokin' hot...my Clark Beaufort is already warming up for the onslaught.

Now where'd I put those slides.....?

[Sam Evans]

http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x202/samlauraizzy/IMG_0560.jpg


This is not persimmon. This is Texas ebony. It's in the legume family, same as mesquite. It's as hard or harder than mesquite, and it certainly has smaller pores and a much tighter grain. It is as dimensionally stable as well. Mesquite is generally 2.5 times more stable than red oak. We have a mesquite neck with the TX ebony as a fretboard. WOW!!

To add to the confusion, persimmon (Diospyros virginiana) is in the ebony family, hell it's in the same genus as the ebony used for guitars. I can get this in dimensional lumber same as the Texas ebony. I'll post pics after I rip and run it through the planer. There's also a Texas persimmon, but it's generally too small for lumber use, but I've seen trees in my neighborhood that would be plenty wide enough for fretboards. In fact, I think one the trees threw one of its persimmons at me due to the "evil chainsaw look" in my eye!

Sorry for any confusion, but my lumber guy was a little confusing in his representation of the wood.

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[Crazyquilt]

http://tigersandstrawberries.com/images/cedarfever.jpg

Sam is a terrible tease. And I mean that in the best possible way. Whatever that is. :D

I love the way the 2 dots at the 12th fret echo the two knobs (which have white dots in them, like the other fret markers.) Just too cool.

[Sam Evans]

http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x202/samlauraizzy/100_0387.jpg

This will be available during SXSW at a local shop here in Austin. There will be four or five others as well.

Solid mesquite body, mesquite neck with a Texas ebony fretboard.

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[Crazyquilt]

Stop, Sam. Please. That's awesome.

[whoismarykelly]

Those radiused edges look really nice!

[Sam Evans]

Zak - I will not stop. I love it too much. Even when I screw up.

David - Pop does too. He thunked of it, and I enthusiastically agreed.

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[Sam Evans]

http://tigersandstrawberries.com/images/cedarfever.jpg

Sam is a terrible tease. And I mean that in the best possible way. Whatever that is. :D

I love the way the 2 dots at the 12th fret echo the two knobs (which have white dots in them, like the other fret markers.) Just too cool.

It's on the way, Crazyquilt. Check your email. You're gonna freak, and you've been warned.

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[Crazyquilt]

Got it, Sam.

Come Thursday, I think I'm going to have a fever...

[Sam Evans]

Got it, Sam.

Come Thursday, I think I'm going to have a fever...

You will, and to worsen your febrile state, here's some spalted pecan from the Brazos river area. Wait till it sees the business end of the planer.

http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x202/samlauraizzy/100_0390.jpg

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[wichita]

Great work Sam

[bobe]

Just want to say I have owned Sam's Mesquite (Madness) prototype for about a month now. None of the pictures of it in this thread do it justice.

Yes, Sam's photos are very good and certainly accurate. However, the camara didn't convey the finest details of color, patterns, wood-working and finishing artistry that I've been admiring since she came to me. The mesquite wood grain, body shape, neck, and headstock are perfect together. The balance and feel of the instrument are excellent. The neck and string action is perhaps the best of all my guitars--and I try to buy the best I can afford/find at the time. (Doh--, don't you?)

When Sam and I exchanged emails about the pending purchase and ongoing creation of MM (Mesquite Madness), there was no formal name for it. From the photos I had been leaning toward a masculine name based on the strong character of the guitar's design and wood character. As I've had time to become more familiar with her, I've realized that MM is a she. But, not a pretty painted doll face she or a Jessica Simpson she, not that there is anything wrong with that!

Sam has captured the American West Native American SHE. The oneness yet similtaneously vastness of nature/spirit I feel when I've been there. She is the answer to Cortez the Killer. She is Neil Young's Powderfinger in my hands. She can sing the soft tones of the infinite desert night sky and the gentle cool morning. She can do her chores effortlessly and without complaint. She can celebrate the noon day sun and step right into the shade when you just can't take the heat anymore. She can get up and go in an instant----from peaceful spirit to fearless screaming warrior as dictated by circumstance. She is both beautiful and hard. She can be anthing in between the extremes---again, like the West. It is the vast range of diversity and possibility that defines the West, not one climate or plant or rock. (says me)

Lest I be percieved of having fallen into the trap of giddy praise blinding me to critical (negative) evaluation, let me share the following observations. I cannot see the fret markers. Period. Even in good light (which I rarely have when I'm jamming) the dots are too small or too similar in color to the wood to stand out. I plan to have markers put on the side of the fretboard to correct this. When in the first position, where the neck becomes the headstock, there is a slight thickening that feels awkward to me. The way I fret strings and position my hand behind the neck means that there has been a need for me to make a slight adjustment when in the first position. I was surprised by this as I have never felt that (premature?) thickening of the neck to accomodate the headstock dimensions in any other guitar I've ever tried. Thankfully, this has become automatic and is now irrelavant to me. But, at first, it was odd and took a little while to become unnoticeable to me. Control placement locations are fine. But, the direction the switch moves seems odd. I tried spinning it around in the cavity as I have in other guitars, my Duo-Jet in particular, yet cannot change the direction of the switch travel. Obviously, not a big deal. Do you see how hard it is to find substanstive flaws with my Cardinal Instrument? O.K., here is an example. You decide if this is a positive or negative observation. The very first moment I attempted to put a guitar strap on it, the strap button screw simply snapped. The button went off somewhere on the floor and I was left wondering, and I quote, "What the Fu_k!!!!!" I had never broken a strap button! I was sure I didn't do anything wrong, or did I? I mean, how many thousand times have I slipped a strap on or off an instrument??? Never saw this before. Trying to get familiar with a new instrument in the seated only position is not for me. When I emailed Sam the news, he promptly, and I mean promptly, replied with supportive remarks. He assured me the screw must have been defective. He offered to pay for shipping both ways to fix it but I said I didn't want to give him one more chance to keep this guitar, 'cause it's that amazing looking. I described the damage that the sheared screw had done to the wood around the hole and the nice 1 inch scratch pointing in the direction of the lost button somewhere across the floor. He overnighted me a new strap button assembly, two drill bits, one screw remover bit, a wood dowel, steel wool, and tung oil. He wrote out step by step directions for removing the buried shaft, for filling the hole with the dowel and glue, for redrilling and installing the new button, and for removing the scratch with steel wool and tung oil. This was my first repair of this kind. Despite my decided lack of handy-man skills, it came out great. The new button covers the old space perfectly and has held strong the last 3-4 weeks. Not only did the scratch come out, I learned how to do two very useful repairs! I have enjoyed looking over my other guitars for similar scratches to repair using Sam's steel wool and tung oil!

I took a chance on Cardinal Instruments. My only experience with them is the thread in TGP. I saw that hunk of wood in one of those photos and was smitten. Buying sight unseen from a small non-local manufacturer via the internet was a big risk for me. I'm here to tell you it is true what they say; "You can't win if you don't play." I'm very, very happy with Sam of Cardinal Instruments and my Mesquite Madness.

Bob E from CT

[Sam Evans]

wichita - You're as honest as the day is long. Texas is lucky to have you.

bobe - Where do I start? When I read your latest posted, I was overcome with sense of joy. Not pride. Joy. Something pop and I created has led to another human being's delight. We could not be happier for you, sir.
We're putting larger, black dots on all mesquite board necks as of a few weeks ago. I couldn't see the pearl dots either, so you're not alone on that. We'll keep the pearl dots on the persimmon and Texas ebony, because they look great and can be seen against the dark background.
Ah, the neck. MM was going to be mine-all-mine, and the neck transition to the headstock was something I wanted. I'm not a "looker" when I play, and I like to feel the end of the neck approaching, if you know what I mean. I'm not a dot guy either (see previous paragraph). It is VERY easy to smooth out the transition and is done so on the subsequent necks.
When I got your email concerning the screw, I felt sick. The fault probably did not entirely fall on the screw. I'm sure I over torqued it. Sabotage? You decide. But now you see why we use a tung oil finish. Scratch your guitar? No worries, here's a fix-it kit that's nearly foolproof.
We prototyped a lot of ideas with MM, and loved the results. Technically she is a proto, but who cares? That's a lot of sweet sweetnes. She's rough in all the right spots, and smooth and precise where and when it counts. I will never forget MM, and we'll be hard pressed to find mesquite of that caliber again. And please, play the living crap out of it!!!!

I'll put side dots on her, if you'll send it to me!! :Devil

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EDIT - Where'd my freakin paragraphs go?!!

[Sam Evans]

http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x202/samlauraizzy/IMG_0314.jpg
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x202/samlauraizzy/IMG_0316-1.jpg

Here's a pecan prototype body with some artwork we're experimenting with. I love it, and may keep it for myself. I'll fan-fret it of course. The body is raw, but the finish will follow soon.

Mr. Gill- Precious will be ready Monday.

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[carson072]

kewl

[Crazyquilt]

Sam....this is bordering on the bizarre (for me.)

I've been thinking of having someone henna a guitar body for about a year now. I'd specifically begun to consider a Cardinal, and here you come.

http://www.crazyquiltarts.com/images/remote/cardinal01.jpg

Oh yeah. I got something today.

I've got a Fever, and the only cure is -- more Cardinal!

What you see above is the rig I used to create -- yes! -- a clip (http://www.crazyquiltarts.com/music/mp3/clips/Cardinal.mp3). Cedar Fever directly into Clark Beaufort w/Weber 12A125A speaker. Recorded into that little Edirol R-09.

Before I recorded, I slapped on some heavier strings (SOB Rock Mediums) & raised the action a bit. I was too lazy to clip out the little false start here, but here's a long, rambling, atmospheric desert bit, all of which I did on the bridge pickup. I just never got around to leaving there. But I did use that tone knob. A lot.

I'm going to have to possibly play about some more with recording. The middle position -- which is out of phase!!!! --- is remarkable. The neck's being a bit squeally, but I'll get it under control -- or not, and learn to use it!

Sorry for all the exclamation points. I'm excited.

[EunosFD]

Very cool Sam! Very refreshing to see someone willing to do something different. Kinda reminds me of a Killer Sitar or Budda (higher end Japanese builder). But cooler of course. :AOK

[Sam Evans]

Thanks, carson072 and EunosFD. It's greatly appreciated.

Crazyquilt - What a great clip!! OMG!!!! FYI - the bridge p/up in Crazyquilt's Cedar Fever #3 is around 8.5K, and it sounds almost EXACTLY like the clip. INCONTHIEVABLE! Can I use it for the website?

The henna has been in the works for a while, but there's still work to be done.

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[bobe]

Wow, Sam & Pop, I like the pecan with the artwork. A lot! You are a very dangerous man...

Bob E. from CT

[Sam Evans]

Dangerous indeed, Bob from CT.

[Sam Evans]

http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x202/samlauraizzy/IMG_0321.jpg
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x202/samlauraizzy/IMG_0322.jpg

A couple of pics of "Precious" to get you through the weekend. This is for whoismarykelly.

- solid mesquite body w/gloss tung oil finish
- walnut neck w/ a surplus rosewood board form earlier prototypes
- black hardware (duh)
- new p/up bobbin finish
- 25-1/2" scale
- about 7.8 lbs

It's freakishly resonant.

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[Sam Evans]

http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x202/samlauraizzy/IMG_0329-1.jpg
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x202/samlauraizzy/IMG_0327.jpg
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x202/samlauraizzy/100_0412.jpg

First - American Elm body, mesquite board, red oak neck. Cu topped
headstock. Shielded and ready for harware. This one will be ready
soon. Cu top p/ups of course.

Second- Book matched mesquite top, semi hollow, elm back, pecan neck
surplus rosewood board. I think we're down to two RW boards
from the prototype days. Black p/ups like "Precious."

Third - 3-piece antique pine (#3) from the billets pictured in an earlier post.
#1 is a beat to hell, 2- piece body. It's my fave. #2 is sold.
Thanks, Ryan!!!

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[brads]

Gorgeous stuff, Sam.

Is that copper-top headstock available as an option?

[clemduolian]

Gorgeous, shmorgeous:eek:!!! Where's the brisket??:drool

[Red Jumpsuit]

those rounded edges are absolutely amazing, I can't get over how good those actually look!

[Sam Evans]

Why thank you, gentlemen.

The radius is the s@#t. It serves as a forearm contour as well, and it works like a charm.

Brisket is going to happen, but it'll be a while. We're air drying the blanks and remaining pit fodder. Think Turkey Day 2008. Air drying rules.

Two words - Bois d'Arc. You have been warned.

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[BettyFjord]

http://www.mitzenmacher.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2006/10/Osage%20Orange_004.jpghttp://www.shannacompton.com/horseapple.png

I dare you to make a Bois d'Arc wood guitar in this colour, with this finish. In fact, I double dare you.

EDIT: with a working picture of a Bois d'Arc fruit.

[whoismarykelly]

lol. That wouldn't be outside the realm of cardinal based on some of the wild stuff in this thread.

[Sam Evans]

http://www.mitzenmacher.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2006/10/Osage%20Orange_004.jpg

I dare you to make a Bois d'Arc wood guitar in this colour, with this finish. In fact, I double dare you.

What colour? I no see nuttin.

[BettyFjord]

What colour? I no see nuttin.

http://www.shannacompton.com/horseapple.png

[Sam Evans]

http://www.shannacompton.com/horseapple.png

Bois d'Arc will need no color. Trust me. I looks unreal.

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[Sam Evans]

http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x202/samlauraizzy/100_0416.jpg

For Anders.

http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x202/samlauraizzy/IMG_0328.jpg

Back of super radius mesquite.

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[BettyFjord]

http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x202/samlauraizzy/IMG_0328.jpg

Back of super radius mesquite.

That looks very nice indeed.

[andygio]

I love watching the evolution of the back cover plate...
Sweet guitars Sam!

[Sam Evans]

Thanks, Andy and Mrs. Fjord.

The new back plate is 100% Pop's design.

On the Pinemica and cedar, I like the plain old aluminum plate. Sometimes you just gotta dance with who brung ya (Dano and JJ).

SEPOP
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[Crazyquilt]

I'm still on my honeymoon period. I know this. But my Cedar Fever has really hit me where I live, musically. I'm going to do a longer report/review to post over on the Small Luthier's area, but I want to live with the guitar some more.

That middle, out of phase, position, is incredible. With the tone edged back and the volume open, through a tweed Deluxe, it's just magic. Of course, when I then switch to either bridge or neck, the output goes way up, and then microphoncs can get exciting.

The pups are very microphonic, and I'm still figuring out how to get a handle on that -- for the most part, it really adds to the instrument, but it can get out of control, esp. with overdrive and/or reverb.

At the same time, I wouldn't want to lose those really cool whistling overtones. Really sweet with slide.

[eric-d]

http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x202/samlauraizzy/_MG_1523W.jpg

Cu rules.

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HOLY CRAP!!! Sign me up!!! This is the shit right there! PM sent.

[abergdahl]

http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x202/samlauraizzy/100_0416.jpg

For Anders.

http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x202/samlauraizzy/IMG_0328.jpg

Back of super radius mesquite.

SEPOP
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:dude:)

[abergdahl]

http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x202/samlauraizzy/100_0416.jpg

For Anders.

http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x202/samlauraizzy/IMG_0328.jpg

Back of super radius mesquite.

SEPOP
CI
:dude:)

[Sam Evans]

http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x202/samlauraizzy/IMG_0341.jpg
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x202/samlauraizzy/IMG_0339-1.jpg

Texas ebony does not suck. Back to work.....

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[BettyFjord]

That is beautiful. The colour and figure is great. Love the knots too.

Is it lighter than the one you posted previously or just different light?

[pedalfreek]

Amazing....looks great!!!

[Sam Evans]

I think that's the same board, Mrs. Fjord.

Thanks, Gersh. Yours is very similar.

The one pictured is attached to the solid mesquite super radius for SXSW. The body has had the final finish coat applied and the neck will be finished up in the next day or so.

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[clemduolian]

http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x202/samlauraizzy/IMG_0341.jpg
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x202/samlauraizzy/IMG_0339-1.jpg

Texas ebony does not suck. Back to work.....

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Truer words were never spoke.
No go diggy die. Yep.

Clem

[whoismarykelly]

http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x202/samlauraizzy/IMG_0341.jpg
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x202/samlauraizzy/IMG_0339-1.jpg

Texas ebony does not suck. Back to work.....

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Holy shit. Note to self. Wait to order from new builders until all options are fleshed out.

[Sam Evans]

Fear not, wimk. Your "replacement" neck is was chosen very carefully. Did you get the update I sent via email?

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[whoismarykelly]

I did get the email. A chunk of my next paycheck appears to be headed your way ;)

[Ogre]

But Sam, will you still remember all the little people when you are stinko rich?

[Sam Evans]

But Sam, will you still remember all the little people when you are stinko rich?

Yeah right, Ogre!!:p I'll stick with happy. Seems to have worked for you, ya wise and happy ogre you.

[Sam Evans]

I know this isn't what you referred to but the Bois d'Arc is also known as Osage Orange and the wood is called, sure enough, Osage Orange. It grows here in North America and is cheap and plentiful. The sides of this guitar is made from it and it's tonal and structural properties are making it increasingly popular. I think it'd make for a badass solidbody!
http://img172.imageshack.us/img172/1521/osageclass2rx5.jpg
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x202/samlauraizzy/Bodark07-2_B_front_500.jpg

Yep, that's the plan. Cheap is relative. A lot of the boards around here look like this. Lotsa waste. And you're right; it's plentiful. Almost a pest in some areas. We love it.

[NawlinzVoodoo]

But Sam, will you still remember all the little people when you are stinko rich?

:crazyguyREALLY! :BEER

[EvilMose]

I used to think electric guitars were always some combination of ash, alder, mahogany, maple, and indian rosewood. Shame on me! I love the outside of the box thinking not only on the design of the guitar, but also the woods used to construct them. Heck, I barely knew of pine guitars until fairly recently, and now I have one on the way. Good on you, Sam.

[Sam Evans]

http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x202/samlauraizzy/IMG_0344.jpg

http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x202/samlauraizzy/IMG_0345.jpg
A pic of Cedar Fever #4. Sweet, no? Dig that Hipshot. I love the sound of the steel saddles.

Pepper- you are single handedly responsible for all this! In 1982 a certain pair of dipshit teenagers playing Stones/Pretenders/VH licks, remember? Where's the Charvel? How was carnival this year?

Mr. Mose - I adore all the woods you mention. Without them, where would we be? Can't throw a rock in Austin w/o hitting a White or Texas ash. Wish rosewood (s) grew in Texas!! But I love our stuff just as much. Did you see the three piece antique pine body?

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[cleansed leper]

Sam,
Can you give me a call? I'd like to see about making me a Mesquite guitar to match my amps/cabs for the Dallas Guitar Show (April).
Paul
wwww.redironamps.com

[Sam Evans]

Sam,
Can you give me a call? I'd like to see about making me a Mesquite guitar to match my amps/cabs for the Dallas Guitar Show (April).
Paul
wwww.redironamps.com

Sure! You want mesquite p/ups too? Here's a prototype for ProjecTex
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x202/samlauraizzy/IMG_0362-1.jpg

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[Crazyquilt]

Just out of curiosity, Sam, have you tried/considered an all walnut neck?

I love the Hipshot...looks a lot nicer than the Gotoh, and steel saddles would sound great on a Fever.

[Sam Evans]

Just out of curiosity, Sam, have you tried/considered an all walnut neck?

I love the Hipshot...looks a lot nicer than the Gotoh, and steel saddles would sound great on a Fever.

Not yet, but it's on the to-do list. We did put a walnut fretboard on a poplar neck , and it looks great. It's mated to a decoupaged western cedar prototype body. This one might weigh 5lbs when completed.

The Hipshot has a cool look, that's for sure. Steel adds a unique tone that I love. We like the Hipshot almost as much as our bridge!:D

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[NawlinzVoodoo]

Yeah we survived another one.:jo And yes I DO remember those days...OMG!!! :rolleyes: I'll call ya Monday evening. Give pops a smack on da butt for me, oh and a hug for mums! BTW, don't worry about that Charvel right now, your way to busy a man. We'll get to it down the road.

[Sam Evans]

http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x202/samlauraizzy/IMG_0364-1.jpg
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x202/samlauraizzy/IMG_0365-1.jpg

Almost ready for SXSW!!!! This one is polished and sophisticated. Not a rough spot to be found. Though I do like 'em rough and ready too!!

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[Kalalau Hiker]

that is exquisite!

I def want to get one of these at some point.

Do you ever use a Fender style selection switch to allow out of phase sounds?

[Sam Evans]

that is exquisite!

I def want to get one of these at some point.

Do you ever use a Fender style selection switch to allow out of phase sounds?

Many thanks for the compliment. It is not lost on us. I assure you.

I wind and wire the p/ups with OOP as an option.

Dig the latest gaggle of necks. L to R they include 4x pecan, walnut/bois d'arc, and a solid Texas ebony.

http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x202/samlauraizzy/100_0419.jpg

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[fyrwyr]

Too much man, too much!!!

[EvilMose]

That ebony neck looks fantastic. And the others aren't exactly chopped liver. Not that I expect anything less at this point!

I predict a strong showing at SXSW...

[Sam Evans]

That ebony neck looks fantastic. And the others aren't exactly chopped liver. Not that I expect anything less at this point!

I predict a strong showing at SXSW...

The tebony neck is from the same log that yielded all of our tebony fretboards. I'm going with your SXSW prediction!

http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x202/samlauraizzy/100_0417.jpg

A couple of air-dried pecan blanks.





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[guitarcrazy2004]

pm sent sam:D

[Sam Evans]

http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x202/samlauraizzy/100_0421.jpg

Spalted pecan body (SOLD), a mesquite and a pecan neck blank. Neck blanks not spalted obviously. Dig the grand canyon on the body!!!

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CI

[Crazyquilt]

Stop showing all this pecan, you nut. You're making me rethink my mesquite dreams... :D

[trisonic]

Sam,
It really is wonderful to see someone doing something so different from the usual suspects.
All the best, Pete.

[guitarcrazy2004]

Sam pm ..sent back:D

[Sam Evans]

Thanks, y'all. Much appreciated. Back to work I go....

Cq - email me about the pecan.

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CI

[fyrwyr]

I can't wait to play the CUtop one you are sending to our booth in NJ!!!

[Sam Evans]

http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x202/samlauraizzy/100_0423.jpg

This one is sold, but I can make more. One piece very spalted pecan body (specan, we call it!). TX ebony on mesquite. Wowza.

Anders and wimk are the last of the first batch to be completed. Better late than never, and I emphasize better.

DG - Precious will assemble this weekend. Finish is dry. Ships early next week.

Anders - Yours will ship shortly after. Ya had to have blue formica!:p;)

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CI

[whoismarykelly]

Exciting! Cant wait to play it and use it for my ambient recordings on the new record.

[fyrwyr]

Stunning!!!