Ken Loper Unveils Shark Inlay Signature Collector Guitar
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Neck Inlay
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July 11, 2003
Ken Loper Guitars has introduced the Shark Inlay Signature collector guitar. The "Unicorn" is the first collaboration between master luthier Ken Loper (www.kenloperguitars.com) and inlay artist Cliff Suttle of Shark Inlay (www.sharkinlay.com).
The Unicorn is a unique hollow body that honors the traditions of past builders while applying new and exciting methods of instrument construction. Unique woods, such as Palo Escrito and Claro Walnut, have been employed in this guitar to give the Unicorn a distinctive full tone with ample amounts of presence. The heart wood ash neck through design is extremely solid and gives the instrument incredible playability and sustain.
The neck inlay was designed to ensure that the "Unicorn" would be a playable instrument. Many inlay companies etch their fretboard inlays. This is a process where the pearl is scratched and then ink or paint is applied into the scratches. The problem with etching, is that if the instrument is played often, the ink will wear off leaving only the shell. The inlay will then look poor and have to be shipped back to the inlay artist to be re-etched. This may have to be done as often as once a year. Shark Inlay doesn't etch fretboards. Mr. Suttle uses a technique called "Cut Through," where the detail is cut into the shell with tiny saws by hand. Cut through is difficult and time consuming, but ensures a playable instrument for many years to come.
There are a total of eight distinct inlays on this guitar, including the Greek Goddess Diana which can only be seen by looking straight into the water spout shaped f-hole. The walnut back control plate also has an inlaid unicorn and gold Mother of Pearl serial number. Other inlays include full fretboard depicting two unicorns and Icarus from Greek mythology, a unicorn head between the pickups, the lower edge of the horn, the underneath the end pin, the headstock and the t-cover. For more pictures, go to www.sharkinlay.com and click on the Unicorn Guitar circle.
Twenty six-string and twenty twelve-string models will be produced and then the "Unicorn" will be discontinued forever. Other Shark Inlay Signature guitars will be offered in the future by Ken Loper Guitars, but this will be the one and only "Unicorn."
Features:
- Top Wood: Palo Escrito, matching peghead.
- Back and Side Wood: Figured Claro Walnut
- Bindings: Flamed Maple
- Inlay Materials: White, Gold, and Black Mother of Pearl, Blue Paua Shell (dark rim), Green
- Ripple Shell, Green Standard Shell, Pink Heart Shell, Angora Shell, 10000 year old Mammoth Ivory, Coral, Onxy, and Malachite.
- Neck: Ash heart wood, Ebony fretboard
- Scale: 22 Fret 25-1/2"
- Pickups: Bridge - Seymour Duncan SH4 JB -- Neck - Seymour Duncan STK S1
- Bridge: Tune-o-matic
- Finish: Top grade nitrocellious lacquer for a warm, alive sound.
- Other Features: Gold hardware, inlay inside the guitar viewable though the F-hole (water spout hole), custom ebony t-cover, inlaid back control access plate showing a unicorn and the serial number, bone nut, and more.
- Available in 6 or 12 string models.
- List Price: $10,000 U.S.
For more information the "Unicorn" or other fine Ken Loper guitars, visit there web-site at: www.kenloperguitars.com
For more information on Custom Inlays and to see more pictures of the "Unicorn", visit the Shark Inlay web-site at: www.sharkinlay.com
For more information, visit their web site at . |
