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Elban4 |
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The original sketch drawn up to the specifications supplied by the customer, based on previous designs which proved a comfortable, well balanced shape. Double cutaways were added to improve upper fret access. The original brief called for a midi pick-up system, this was based on a modified Roland GK2A . This was to be incorporated into a custom bridge unit.
The choice of woods used again is largely dictated by the customer. In this case bubinga was used for the body and neck, with a rosewood fingerboard. The finished article was to be given an oiled finish.
CONSTRUCTION
The highly organised! workshop space housed in the old school building ...
Two shots of the body after carving and routing
Work on the neck in progress ... fitting the side dots and fifth string peg
Prior to fitting the electrics, the neck was fitted and strung up to test the intonation, action and overall feel. Shaller geared tuners were fitted.
The gold scratch plate being reverse sprayed in a state of the art spray-booth ... as the amount of spray painting done is minimal this Kellogg's sponsored unit seems to cope with demand ...
ELECTRICS
Tom doing the electrics. By this time it had been decided to incorporate a humbucker into the circuit as well as the midi pick-up. This was built to order by Kent Armstrong Pickups, and with an added coil tap the associated midi circuit board, switches and cables were coaxed into place. Thumbs up as the circuit is tested!
THE FINISHED ARTICLE ...
Trying it out!!
Complete with custom fitted case.
A close up of the body. The midi pickup is housed in the specially made unit, with a floating compensated bridge, height adjustable by the usual thumb wheels The tail piece cover features an abalone inlaid "ET" logo.
Fretless Mandolin, Elban4 and Electric Tenor Banjo.
Index
Custom Carved - Licentiate Series - Charlie Jones Series - Custom Shop - Other Instruments
All designs and pictures ©2000-2004 Dick Levens. Site ©2003-2004 Tom Levens.