The most stunning attribute of the new SG Carved Top–Autumn Burst (and there are many) is its highly figured maple top that rises unexpectedly from the traditional – yet still radical – dual-horned SG mahogany body shape, which is then given a gloss Autumn Burst nitrocellulose finish to bring out the full depth of its stunning grain. It is without question the finest wood ever applied to the SG in its 49-year history, and it makes this Limited Run Series guitar a must for any Gibson aficionado.

Now that is a great looking guitar.

I was honoured when, almost a year ago, Gordon asked me to contribute to the planned exhibition. I thought I’d make something special for it, and at the time I was receiving a lot of press for building the UK’s first nine string bass. Few luthiers in the UK are making “ERBs” or Extended Range Basses, so I decided to build a second nine string, with a relatively modest 24 frets.  My first nine string had 36!

I began with this large chunk of Californian Redwood, which I bought from a guy on the side of the road during a road trip through Humboldt County in northern California.  It became the top of the through neck bass, and the back of the wings.

I also had some pieces of buckeye left over from a previous build.  I used these to make the pickup cover, rear headcap and the chevrons on the rear of the centre block.

In total, I glued 145 pieces of wood together to make this bass.  The species included bubinga, wenge, buckeye, redwood, zebrano and mahogany. It has had good feedback from those who have seen it, which is pleasing.

This is how it looks in the exhibition:

Gordon Giltrap describes the exhibited guitars as “works of art as well as beautiful things to play”, and on opening night I understood what he meant. My fellow exhibitors, who include Andy Manson, Martyn Booth and Roger Bucknall, are all fine craftsmen. Standing in the middle of the large white gallery, looking at the beautifully-worked instruments that line the walls, gave me goosebumps.