Rusch Guitars Custom Build Thread - "Wolf"-ish content.

[kralltime]

So, I've had a few Garcia style instruments - including a Moriarty Wolf - but I've always felt a tad bit weird about the exact replica thing…
I'm totally impressed with the custom guitar Stu Allen contracted from Matt Moriarty - I must say it's the most beautiful instrument I've ever seen. It's the wolf shape with a few twists.

Anyway, I connected with a custom builder out of the Buffalo, New York area who was excited to build a variant of his own Garcia replicas - Robert Rusch of Rusch Guitars http://ruschguitars.com/jerry_garcia_tributes.
What I'm going for is a scaled back wolf (no frills, but the whole electronics package) with a piano black top finish (like Stu's).

As fate would have it, I got to see Stu's guitar live last week - right as Robert commences the build of my instrument:


It was an awesome show out at Terrapin Crossroads - Stu lit it up!

So, we begin with the detailed drawing of my spec'd instrument (only change is a 7 piece neck):


And the woods ready for carving and glueing:



I'll update as things start to take shape.

 

[derekd]

Another cool build!

I'm in.

 

[Kid Tele]

Subscribed!

I was present at that gig and was very impressed with Stu's performance. Being the guitar geek that I am, I wondered about that guitar and am glad to have now learned who built it. If I were looking for that type of sound I would definately be knocking on Rusch's door.

 

[Jon Silberman]

Nice! (I myself went with a Scarlet Fire Wolf 2.1 - whatever I'm feeling about the exact replica thing, weirdness it ain't , but to each his own.)

 

[kralltime]

Terrapin Crossroads is definitely the mecca for us ole dead heads - I felt like I was in heaven!
I can't even imagine how much dough would go into the guitar Stu had built if an average Joe was spec'ing it - it is very ornate.

 

[Route234]

Sounds very cool! Looking forward to seeing it.

 

[kralltime]

Forgot to mention that I'm going with three humbuckers - I've got a new set of Sheptone Blue Sky's for the neck and bridge and an early 80's "vintage" Super II for the middle.

Rough cut over night:

 

[flywheel]

Always had a thing for wolf over all the other orphan's.
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[gollumxcore]

Forgot to mention that I'm going with three humbuckers - I've got a new set of Sheptone Blue Sky's for the neck and bridge and an early 80's "vintage" Super II for the middle.

Rough cut over night:

Can't wait to see the progress! Subscribed

 

[kralltime]

We are glued up!
Control placement layout check.

 

[joethepainter]

Subscribed.

 

[kralltime]

More progress…
We have a carved neck, frets, sweet nickel pickup mount plate, pickup mount mockup…
I can feel a body carve coming!

 

[Route234]

Looks great!

 

[ElectricMojo]

Wow, really nice.

 

[kralltime]

I zoomed in on the nickel PU plate - it looks really sweet!

 

[Route234]

Yea I like the nickel hardware better than the brass, looks wise.

 

[kralltime]

Body carve underway - Eagle inlay installed!! Rear panel cover fabricated.

 

[kralltime]

Since I'm likely in the minority regarding wolf replica preferences… I'll share a photo of another wolf build commencing along side mine - beauty!

 

[kralltime]

First looks at the black top (pre-clear coat):


And the back… WOW!!!


We're getting real close now...

 

[BBHollowbody]

Beautiful guitar, thanks for sharing. I have always liked that guitar of Stu's. A couple of my bandmates do gigs with Stu when he comes home for christmas. Looking forward to seeing the finished product!

Brandon