Here's the piece we selected for the core:

   And a closeup of the same:

   We'll be reviewing a new shipment of Maple cores by Friday. These dried billets are apparently some of the best he's prepared for us, so we're holding off the glue-up until we see what shows up.

Mica,  
Any update on the new shipment of maple cores and/or progress report?
Thank you,  
Erik

Here's a closeup of the neck pair:

  And another of the neck laminates all gluey:

Some more work on the neck:

  On the back with rough bandsaw cuts:

  What will be under the nut and fingerboard:

  Where the bookmatch to center is fitted:

  And the plate cutouts - truss rod cover, humcanceller cover, battery backplate, preamp backplate, harness backplate:

  Also the top bookmatch to center coming together:

looks encouraging, thank you!

... and the lollipop, would that be cherry?
 
We need to see more of that top, soon - looks very special.

The plates look pretty cool too!

Just entered the carving department:

 

 

 

awesome!!!
 
i assume the plate cutouts picture above is a good representation for the ultimate color?

Routed, carved and heading for spray:
 

 
When I'm back from vacation the week of August 7th, I'll add some more pictures of what happened while I was gone, which will be some sealer coats of spray. There's no way all the finish will be in place before I get back. So if you feel after seeing it you want a slight tint, there will be plenty of time to add that.

Sweet guitar!

I was delighted that your guitar got the first sealer coat last night so I could show you a photo right away:  

 

  It's not quite as dark as the backplates with stabilizer, but it sure is darker than raw. Let Valentino know if you want to add an all-over cognac tint.

Man that is awesome!

Erik,
Wow.  That is just absoloutely amazing!  Is that walnut in the neck?
 
I was admiring that back piece for a while in the wood bank, and actually called Val to see if I could have it for my top, but you had already snagged it.  I'm glad to see it has found such a stunningly beautiful place to live!

That's weird.  The top seems to have darkened nicely, and the back seems to have lightened nicely after first coat.  
 
This wood is so attractive, I never thought I'd consider anything but quilted maple but this has me wondering.  You lucky guy you!