Northfield

It hasn’t been easy to hold off on the post about the bridge that went on #0101. After having this idea bouncing around in my head for a number of years, dialing in the final design for the last two and finally being tested through 10+ iconic amps in the last couple of weeks to make sure it lived up to my expectations…..I could not have been happier with the results…. Based on Hamer/Jol’s brilliant string through the body of the “Sustain Block”, “Working Man” bridge has two major differences….. each saddle has its own base that can move/swing independently from the others, letting each string’s vibration/sustain/sound travel without having to go through the whole base of the bridge, resulting in a fuller, clearer sound and sustain as each string retains its own individuality… the “secret” material used to make it is just ( or perhaps even more ) as important as the design of the bridge. The long search and research for it led me to the only place I can get it from… Recess for the intonation springs in the “back wall”, as well as the intonation screw holes drilled following the radius of the fingerboard are just a couple of smaller details. Many thanks to Rodi ( who’d be more than happy to answer any questions ) for spending hours of testing on his many kick ass amps and to all of my friends for their support and encouragement! I would also like to thank my good old, genius friend Keith who’s engineering and machinist’s talents helped me bring my idea to life… Everybody involved could only describe this bridge as….. “BAD ASS”!!!

Always tricky to carve a flame maple neck, especially when it’s this mind blowing crazy…

Part 2

New prescription glasses, a custom made scraper from a decade, or so, ago and a very stady hand is a must for this operation….. part 1

It has been more than seven years since my new chapter in my life began and it was started here. Shishkov guitars was created. I could not have wished for a better, more informed and dedicated group of followers that share same appreciation for good old craftsmanship and uniqueness that I’m trying to bring to life in every instrument that I create. I feel that I need to let the rest of you guys in on what just only a very few people know already. For the last three and a half years, or so, I’ve had a shadow of a potentially very serious health issue following me. “Potentially”, because till this day doctors with all the numerous tests and scans cannot find the cause. With the right medication it’s somewhat under control but resulted in falling behind on my custom orders and having to temporarily put on hold my new projects. So, In concentrating on getting caught up with my orders I haven’t been able to regularly post updates here. But there are a few cool things on the way and just around the corner! I would like to thank all of my current and future customers for being so patient and understanding. Would also like to thank Chris Matthes for all of his help. And, of course, ALL OF YOU!!! In a virtual world this is my home

Just a little bit of fretting going on...

Quite a few belly cuts in this batch...

Not a helluva lot of room on the upper horn to play with, but after a few minor adjustments, success .....

Put the last one back in the rack last night, and figured it was a good time for a couple of group shots

I’ve spent some time blending a few heels this week. This is shaping up to be another very cool batch! 🎸

It has a gold nut to match the rest of the hardware, but no binding.

Some Sunday sculpting...

There’s a lot going on in this group...

Here’s something blue, kinda 😎