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Artisan Deluxe  # 083

Body: 1-pc. Black Limba
Neck: Black Limba with subtle flame
Fretboard: BRW
Pickups: 2x Rio Grande P-90s (for the growl)
Thorn 1-pc. Tremolo
Purfling on body top only
Firesun Inlays
Color: Rootbeer

Back plate inlay. This is the topic of the "proud son" thread. All hand cut by my Dad, not CNC anywhere near this one. The butterfly is gold & black mother of pearl, abalone, silver and a single piece of paua.
The hummingbird is pale red abalone, gold MoP, paua, a sliver or two of green abalone, and a brown-lip MoP beak.
The rosebuds are gold MoP, the stems paua, and the petals are red abalone.
The ribbon is sterling silver and brass. My only contribution was engraving the "Mom"...I had to horn in there somewhere didn't I?:b

Initial tone report:
Do I really have to? C'mon, we all know this combo is the cat's meow, no surprises here :D !

Enjoy Kevin and thank you my friend!

Ron and Pops 8o & 0]

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Just wanted to say a little more about this inlay, and how it came to be. Shortly before the 2004 Thorn event my Mom passed away. Some of you will remember I had Ron add a hummingbird to the backplate of #68 along with the Puma. (another stunning inlay BTW) Hummingbirds were very special to Mom as she loved to sit on our deck and watch them. So hummer's have become a constant reminder of Mom. Colleen had a hummer added to her Tattoo around her ankle in memory of Mom. So one late night Ron and I were E-mailing back and forth with ideas for another inlay. Again I wanted to incorperate a Hummer in some way. After a few Exchanges Ron shoots me a drawing of this Idea. I just about fell out of my chair. Here's why:
About 9 years ago Colleen's Mom passed way. Her Mom was into Butterflies. Colleen soon got her first Tattoo on her ankle... a swallowtail butterfly! The hummer is now linked to it on the same ankle! Here's the scary cool part. Ron knew nothing about this butterfly link and I hadn't even thought of it! So when he sent me this picture with the hummer AND the butterfly Colleen and I both were blown away. Also the two roses and the banner were Ron's idea as well.
Weird how it came together. Unbelievable. You can see now why this inlay is so special, besides the phenomenal work of two very special people.

I sent the link to Colleen who is at work right now. Her response:

" I'm crying..... It's beyond words"


my feelings exactly

Kevin