The Reso-Electro Cigar Box Guitar Project - Pt. 3: Create This Pearloid Headstock

I found myself making cool, creative choices 'on the fly' as I built this cigar box guitar. From the body layout down to the string and tuning choices, this axe was just a thrill to build.

(Click here for Part 2)

Perhaps the coolest creative detail is the headstock. I decided to give the Reso-Electro a "pearloid" headstock face, also known as "mother-of-toilet-seat" to vintage guitar collectors! LOL. This is an easy detail that uses CBGitty.com's Lap Steel Guitar Fretboard Underlay ($3.49) as a veneer, glued to the headstock with some spray adhesive.

The video shows the process. I've added a few extra photos below it, too.

Additional photos:

The photo above shows the headstock after I cut the shape with a coping saw and cleaned up the edges with my belt sander and spindle sander.

I sprayed the face of the headstock and backside of the pearloid underlay with Gorilla Glue Spray Adhesive. Note: I made sure to cover the sides and fretboard with masking tape to keep any overspray from the glue away from the rest of the neck. I then attached the pearloid to the wood, allowed it to dry and then trimmed any excess that hung over the edge of the headstock.

A simple paint pen with a fine tip allowed me to add my own signature to the pearloid. I practiced on a scrap piece before freehanding the final version.

And here's the final look at the headstock, after I installed Shane Speal Signature Tuners and Arkansas Electric Guitar Strings.

Click here for Part 4: Final Assembly (coming soon)

22nd Mar 2021

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