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#MGS2Build - Oxidation!

This is an update I've been really excited to see and share with you. If you've been following the #MGS2Build updates, you'll remember that Florian and myself decided on an oxidized finish for the walnut body and neck. Oxidation you ask?! A more recognizable example of oxidation if you're not already familiar of course! is that of rusting. We're not here for a school lesson, so simply put, Iron combining with Oxygen, forming 'rust'. Wood oxidation is commonly used to give a worn, patina'd or old look, but it can also be used to greatly darken the grain colour, and can be achieved with a vinegar and steel wool mixture applied to the surface. We've seen this technique/finish used many times on Millimetric necks predominantly, but Florian was very keen on trying it on a matched body and neck and who was I to say otherwise when it looks this good?!

#MGS2Build

The last update saw the body shaped out, which leads to sanding and a hint at how this is going to look in the end. Here's a couple of photos Florian sent over showing the wet sanding process, raising the grain to flatten it for a beautiful finish. The walnut body looks stunning! This is going to be oxidized, so I cannot wait for that lovely walnut to turn black, it's going to have so much character.

#MGS2Build

The latest message from Florian has arrived! He has been hard at work on the latest batch of guitars, including the UK demo model MGS2 for us and it's looking better and better. The body has been carved out after it's rough cut. As well as with the initial neck carve noted on the last update things are really taking shape.

#MGS2Build

Things are moving nicely on the Home of Tone UK demonstrator Millimetric MGS2 build, and Florian has been posting teasers over on his Instagram page since my last blog update. On the first update you saw the body routed out, and the neck blank chosen. Well, then neck has now been roughed and carved and looking beautiful!

Millimetric Instruments at the Home of Tone - UK

There has been increasing interest in Millimetric Instruments in the UK. Florian's social media accounts are rife with insights into his work, and incredible final product photography that has a lot of people intrigued on how these instruments feel to play. I can speak first hand when I say I've never played an electric guitar that feels quite like Florian's designs, and I cannot wait to get them into the hands of more UK guitar players interested in finding this out for themselves. With their striking design and stunning build quality causing a stir among the community here already, physically having a demo model for you to try was a must have as far as myself and Florian were concerned and the time has come for that to happen. As announced a few months ago, we're the UK representative for Millimetric Instruments and for those keen to get their hands on what and see what the fuss is about, they will be happy to hear Florian has begun working on the UK demonstration model!

Last few 2018 Mind Charity fundraising shirts available!

I wanted to share a little more with you about the 2018 Mind Charity Fundraiser I'm currently running, and the limited edition shirt currently available!

In case this shirt is new to you and haven't spotted it on previous e-mails or the website yet, the 2018 design was again a collaboration with illustrator, Kevin Wilson. Taking off from our first shirt together, we wanted to show the famous little UFO now taking over your rigs at home, giving us the UFO Tone takeover 2018 shirt design!

My own first true custom build pt.1 - The journey begins

Even up until this point, this has been a long road for me. I'm going to delve into why, so forgive me if this rambles on too much, but I figured there might be aspects of this we all relate too. I've been increasingly disheartened with the electric guitar in terms of personal enjoyment for a while now. Although I have been surrounded by such beautiful instruments through my shop, I've really struggled (in my own head) to capture the excitement I once had and that's a slippery downward slope. One I'm sure we've all been on as self destructive, critical guitar players! I made a conscious effort a few months ago to change that.

The Fretboard Journal - Interview with Florian of Millimetric

I always enjoy reading interviews with luthiers, and it's always great to delve into their world especially when their work is offered here in my store. I've just read through this great interview with Florian of Millimetric, one of our latest brands to join the Home of Tone, with the brilliant Fretboard Journal!

Well worth a read. Check out the interview HERE

Holy Grail Show Feature - Millimetric Instruments

I think I can quite comfortably say, that the Holy Grail Guitar Show is the one true home to the boutique guitar world. Every one of the 130+ luthiers exhibiting over the course of the two sunny Spring days in Berlin were providing a masterclass in quality craftsmanship and innovative design. To me, one of those luthiers helping provide a fresh take on guitar design and building techniques, was Florian Schneider of Millimetric Instruments.
Back in March I interviewed Florian for my 'Meet the Maker' series and it only further deepened my intrigue into his work. To many, the guitars look like the hybrid of simplistic Scandinavian furniture, Travis Bean guitars and to some I've heard say, Danelectro too. But the natural instinct to 'pigeon hole' the aesthetic style of these instruments is almost overshadowed by Florian's incredibly well thought out design and attention to detail in every aspect of the build. We talked about his techniques and influences in the interview back in March, so perhaps now it's time to look more specifically at the instruments themselves, and after quite some time adoring these guitars online, it was finally my chance to hold one in my hands. What did I think? Well, let's get to the details and find out.

The most incredible guitar show around the world? Quite possibly...

I'll be putting together some more in depth coverage of my weekend spent at The Holy Grail Guitar Show held in Berlin, which was a mind opening experience. But in the mean time I couldn't help but post this photo which sums up the weekend for me...

Friends, mutual respect and admiration, energy and passion for the guitar and in particular, the craft of guitar making. That is what I've come away from this incredible show feeling, inspired by it all. There's nothing quite like it and it was pretty inspiring seeing such a vast collection of what makes me excited about the guitar some 20+ years on since first getting hooked.

The incredibly talented, Tom Sands Guitars hanging out at the Millimetric Instruments table, getting to know the insane Baritone version of their MGS3 model. The avid follower of my blog will note there have been 'Meet the Maker' interviews by myself on both of these luthiers, so it was great to all get together.

Stay tuned for my full coverage of the event, over on Instagram, Facebook and of course, here too!

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#MGS2Build - Oxidation!

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