Ben, despite what everyone says, I love it! It clearly says "Ben made me!". Further, it is utterly unique and modern. The juxtaposition of the "classic" vine inlay on the 'board with the "modern, minimalist" headstock is a touch of genius! Well done Mr Crowe, you've certainly got my vote!! (see, you're not the only one who calls you "Mr. Crowe")
@@moisttowelette5353I'll grant you it looked more like a penis in the earlier drawings, but as he started to refine it, the shape developed. Far from impractical, once complete, it will be capable of avoiding neck dive while keeping the whole guitar light and "streamlined". As I said before, it also has that "Ben Crowe-ness" about it - particularly if he is able to suspend a logo in the gap!
@@boleslawszemplinski2549 That’s the problem - the minute you knock it, rest it against something, snag it on something, play it slightly too vigorously - it’ll spoil the free loop of binding. Aesthetically it’s fine, but even Ben said it isn’t structural, which makes it a puzzling choice. Whoever ends up buying this would need to handle it very carefully - it seems more of a display piece to me than a workhorse instrument.
@@scwebb I don't think Ben cares about building workhorse instruments. It's style over substance really. Shred was ANYTHING but a shredder's guitar either. And there's nothing wrong with that approach, hell, I don't think most of the GGBO guitars are going to be workhorse instruments either. It's all about the builders indulging themselves.
@Graham That’s sad. I get the idea of a guitar as a work of art, but it should still be something you can take out and play without fear that you might spoil it.
The early “genitalia” headstock design had me a bit worried tbh. I rarely disagree with your aesthetic choices but I’m not seeing what you are this time… I look forward to your proving me wrong. Thanks for sharing.
Why did you leave a gap between the outside binding and the binding on the inside ? It honestly looks unintentional with that gap like you just had some left over binding that wasnt long enough
Different is hard, sometimes it takes a while to get past the "that's not right" phase. My problem is the seemingly random binding endpoints along the top and inside curve - they feel very unfinished. This is where I think a channel would have helped. Need to let it sit for a bit, look at it again later.
At some point it stops looking like binding and starts looking like scrap plastic strips glued to a Yamaha SGV headstock. What's the opposite of a synergy -- where the sum is actually *less* than the constituent parts? Not a fan.
I saw all these comments from people who don't like the headstock and after watching the video until the end, I have to agree with the people saying that it doesn't look finished, that it looks like you quickly added a piece of binding that you had lying around... I have to say, though, that I saw what you had done to a guitar and didn't like it at all but then, in the following video, you kept working on it and I thought "Oh, OK, that's what you had in mind all along!" and I ended up liking it. I hope you have something in mind for this headstock.
It looks weird as hell. THIS IS WHY WE LOVE BEN AND THE REASON WE’RE ALL HERE! Even when the finished articles “aren’t exactly my thing” I enjoy the process.
@@y007p3 yes that cut work too but i would be a bit concerned about the heat of the curing prosses melting the binding so any resin used would need to be room temperature curing but yes nice point
Ben you are so utterly talented its incredible. I think your biggest challenge is getting out of your own head. You do great work and have patience like no other builder I've seen. Krack on your doing a great job
Thinking: how long will that binding last? A weak construction. Not just the outside loop but will the inlay weaken the headstock? Also in the 1950's plastic was new, cool and fantastic. Now it is just looking cheap.
One thing can be said, Innovation and change comes about by pushing boundaries. So far, I love it! I'd rather create something unique which is loved or despised, rather than something safe and forgettable!
This body has the most elegant shape I’ve ever seen. A solution to a different path, double cut etc out the window. Just started watching the headstock video. I’ll be back. To Ben from Dan.
You were feeling your coffee and the stimulation is wonderful to see. My thoughts on the headstock are - it’s purely “You”, and that’s a great thing in my book.
I definitely wouldn’t keep coming back episode on episode to watch you repeat tried, tested solutions and designs, I love this it’s nuts and it’s impractical and it’s Art...
Really interested to see how this turns out. My instant reaction is that I don't like it but this would not be the first time I have not been keen on something you have done only for it to look amazing at the end. I think it is because only you have the vision for the guitar in your head so you can see where it is going, we are just passengers. That said, I am a little worried about the fragility of the binding - I would have expected it to be set in a channel at least for protective purposes. Then again I am not a luthier so what do I know. Really interested to see where this one goes!
I do really like it (really really), but also realise it's not quite finished yet and hope there's a couple more opportunities to echo the body (or make the body echo some of the shapes of this headstock). Empty space can be so striking and graceful, and this is already in that direction - can't wait to see how you keep making it all feel intentional (that's my favourite stage of all of your more hectic builds that don't work until they absolutely do!).
Ben, all I say is with the utmost respect. Your work inspires me to try different things when I am building. Admittedly, I am not nearly as creative as you but I do try to think a bit out of the box due to your influence. That said, I like the idea of the Binding but my preference would be that is was fully in a channel. Short of that, I think I would take the chamfers on the back of the headstock right up to the edge of the binding. Keep up the great work brother! Thanks again for all you teach us. - Brett
You're designs are whimsical and playful. I enjoy the fact, very much, the you love what you do and it comes through, even in video. Fantastic, truly, each of your guitars are so unique from the other, that's the fun!
I’m back. If you want to be different you need to take risks. Change seems to be difficult for many, as seen in the comments. I like it. There are thousands of headstocks, gotta get crazy.
Unique, un, one, one of a kind. I like the flow. If it holds tune and minimizes neck dive then bravo. Someone will select it at auction and show/display/play it with pride.
One of the many things I love about this channel is your willingness to experiment and push the envelope on a design. Also, the use of negative space to suggest form is highly aesthetically pleasing, though I do tend to agree with you that having a single black binding in the center would be preferable :)
Hi dear Ben, you´d probably need to support the free floating binding with a metal structure - hence the string forces are high in the peak of the headstock.
Suspended logo... YES!!! Maybe a crystal perspex insert to fill the negative space in the headstock with the logo CNC router cut into it? I dunno. This is your vision Mr Crowe, I'm just enjoying watching it evolve
I like what you've done with the head stock !! It would be absolutely amazing to see you suspend the logo in the opening in the binding !! Please do ?! Awesome job , Ben !!
That headstock (before you put on the binding) looks like a stylized version of Parker Guitar's. FYI, I had never seen either until today (just watched another video about guitar trademarks, etc., and Parker was mentioned as having a distinctive look, so of course I had to look them up). I'm looking forward to the finished product, especially the body design, and wondering if it'll have the rigidity to keep from imploding.. Thanks for opening up a whole new source of entertainment with the GGBO for this guitar noodler and armchair luthier.
I actually like it Ben! Some ideas to make it appeal to more people: - Fill in the open space with some (frosted) acrylic to make it stronger and look more tied together but still “open”. Or put a bent piece of wood in it to reflect the body. - Shape the free hanging binding bit to be a bit more traditional headstock style and a bit slimmer. The curve it has right now makes it look a little fat and bulky.
Once again I'm in the position of seeing a job half done and fighting the mental temptation to dislike it. Hoping Ben plays his usual master stroke of pulling a banquet out of the dogs breakfast. I have faith.
Overall theme, I see it the vine inlays can work with the headstock I think some can see it, some obviously need it finished to see it. Good job, new ideas work when it fits with overall theme.
It's your baby, and I can't wait to see what you do with it--so this is just a mental note, not a suggestion. I was thinking that, if it were me, I would attempt suspend a 3-D carved logo in resin in the empty space. I can see numerous ways it might fail spectacularly, but if done right, it might look pretty cool with the logo visible front-and-back.
The body was confusing at the start and then it really came together, so the headstock will too. Brass or aluminum (or layers of both?) would look great as binding for this if you ever make another one.
If I were a newbie to this channel, I would be saying "Oh Ben, what are you doing - it looks awful', but I know better now. I am sure that you will, once again, show me why you are building amazing guitars and I am merely watching on UA-cam. That said, I can see potential beauty in this headstock and its visual connection with the body, which I really like. Talking of really like, I complimented you on your lovely Speedmaster in the last video, and in this one is an equally lovely Submariner. *Doffs cap*.
I definitely think I need more time with it to form an opinion, but one thing that came to mind was how cool it would be to do something like this where the vine inlay becomes a 3D vine going around that hanging piece of binding. Probably would be extremely difficult to pull off though.
Ben, despite what everyone says, I love it!
It clearly says "Ben made me!". Further, it is utterly unique and modern.
The juxtaposition of the "classic" vine inlay on the 'board with the "modern, minimalist" headstock is a touch of genius!
Well done Mr Crowe, you've certainly got my vote!! (see, you're not the only one who calls you "Mr. Crowe")
It looks like a penis and it's impractical.
@@moisttowelette5353 I guess you see what you like. 🤪
@@47kb8 There’s nothing wrong with liking peen, my friend. You can’t deny that shape is phallic.
Well, at least that's one vote, it might be the only one judging by the comments.
@@moisttowelette5353I'll grant you it looked more like a penis in the earlier drawings, but as he started to refine it, the shape developed.
Far from impractical, once complete, it will be capable of avoiding neck dive while keeping the whole guitar light and "streamlined".
As I said before, it also has that "Ben Crowe-ness" about it - particularly if he is able to suspend a logo in the gap!
I don’t love the headstock, but I love that you did it. Let creativity run free Ben.
My overwhelming thought looking at that headstock is “that binding won’t last long.”
Yes, mine as well.
Certainly not in my clumsy a$$ hands
@@boleslawszemplinski2549 That’s the problem - the minute you knock it, rest it against something, snag it on something, play it slightly too vigorously - it’ll spoil the free loop of binding. Aesthetically it’s fine, but even Ben said it isn’t structural, which makes it a puzzling choice. Whoever ends up buying this would need to handle it very carefully - it seems more of a display piece to me than a workhorse instrument.
@@scwebb I don't think Ben cares about building workhorse instruments. It's style over substance really. Shred was ANYTHING but a shredder's guitar either. And there's nothing wrong with that approach, hell, I don't think most of the GGBO guitars are going to be workhorse instruments either. It's all about the builders indulging themselves.
@Graham That’s sad. I get the idea of a guitar as a work of art, but it should still be something you can take out and play without fear that you might spoil it.
The early “genitalia” headstock design had me a bit worried tbh.
I rarely disagree with your aesthetic choices but I’m not seeing what you are this time…
I look forward to your proving me wrong.
Thanks for sharing.
Yep, I came here for this comment.
@@doug5568 same
Would be great to see a floating logo... Maybe on a acrylic sheet or maybe strings holding the logo...
I would add a wood strip around the headstock under the binding so it looks like the binding isn't just glued to the outside.
Why did you leave a gap between the outside binding and the binding on the inside ? It honestly looks unintentional with that gap like you just had some left over binding that wasnt long enough
Different is hard, sometimes it takes a while to get past the "that's not right" phase. My problem is the seemingly random binding endpoints along the top and inside curve - they feel very unfinished. This is where I think a channel would have helped. Need to let it sit for a bit, look at it again later.
Open worldwide, grab your chance to win this guitar - gearshot.uk/shop
I feel the same way. Having a channel would look more intensional and planned out.
At some point it stops looking like binding and starts looking like scrap plastic strips glued to a Yamaha SGV headstock. What's the opposite of a synergy -- where the sum is actually *less* than the constituent parts? Not a fan.
You should fill the binding on the headstock with acrylic and have the logo floating in it.
I saw all these comments from people who don't like the headstock and after watching the video until the end, I have to agree with the people saying that it doesn't look finished, that it looks like you quickly added a piece of binding that you had lying around...
I have to say, though, that I saw what you had done to a guitar and didn't like it at all but then, in the following video, you kept working on it and I thought "Oh, OK, that's what you had in mind all along!" and I ended up liking it. I hope you have something in mind for this headstock.
It looks weird as hell.
THIS IS WHY WE LOVE BEN AND THE REASON WE’RE ALL HERE!
Even when the finished articles “aren’t exactly my thing” I enjoy the process.
This is the coolest and most unique headstocks that I have ever seen. I love it!
@@pallecla No. I really like it.
I love the minamalist approach you have taken with this entire build so far. It feels like an almost, organic, build honestly. Beautiful.
I think it's one of the coolest things I've ever seen! Rock on Ben!
some colour transparent perspex sheet in the gap will give you a place to add the logo, a bit like stain glass work, nicely done
Or it could be filled with a translucent epoxy
@@y007p3 yes that cut work too but i would be a bit concerned about the heat of the curing prosses melting the binding so any resin used would need to be room temperature curing but yes nice point
Ben you are so utterly talented its incredible. I think your biggest challenge is getting out of your own head. You do great work and have patience like no other builder I've seen. Krack on your doing a great job
Amazed at your creativity and craftsmanship. Never question the mind of a madman with sharp tools at his disposal.
I still think a shorty 4x2 - offset headstock would've matched the body a bit better
Well. You might get a letter from Music Man if you do that.
Apparently they got the 4+2 trademarked. Warmoth won't touch making a 4+2 headstock.
@@MrFengen I've heard.. but in the one-off sense.
Thinking: how long will that binding last? A weak construction. Not just the outside loop but will the inlay weaken the headstock?
Also in the 1950's plastic was new, cool and fantastic. Now it is just looking cheap.
A Fender style headstock with Gibson qualities, if you know what I mean ;-)
@@netcatfulful Snap!
One thing can be said, Innovation and change comes about by pushing boundaries. So far, I love it! I'd rather create something unique which is loved or despised, rather than something safe and forgettable!
This body has the most elegant shape I’ve ever seen. A solution to a different path, double cut etc out the window. Just started watching the headstock video. I’ll be back. To Ben from Dan.
You were feeling your coffee and the stimulation is wonderful to see.
My thoughts on the headstock are - it’s purely “You”, and that’s a great thing in my book.
10 minutes in and hope Ben changes his mind
He wont. Just look at the thumbnail.
one would hope, it seems a bit of cabin fever has taken over!!
"We will have something I think has not been done before"
Now, there might possibly be a reason for that...
That is beyond normal creativity ben. Nice job! Can't wait to see it all come together.
I definitely wouldn’t keep coming back episode on episode to watch you repeat tried, tested solutions and designs, I love this it’s nuts and it’s impractical and it’s Art...
i was hoping you'd have done on the headstock, a flower in keeping the the neck inlay.
Really interested to see how this turns out. My instant reaction is that I don't like it but this would not be the first time I have not been keen on something you have done only for it to look amazing at the end. I think it is because only you have the vision for the guitar in your head so you can see where it is going, we are just passengers. That said, I am a little worried about the fragility of the binding - I would have expected it to be set in a channel at least for protective purposes. Then again I am not a luthier so what do I know. Really interested to see where this one goes!
At first i wasnt sure about this one but now it looks like a weapon handle and i dig it.
I do really like it (really really), but also realise it's not quite finished yet and hope there's a couple more opportunities to echo the body (or make the body echo some of the shapes of this headstock). Empty space can be so striking and graceful, and this is already in that direction - can't wait to see how you keep making it all feel intentional (that's my favourite stage of all of your more hectic builds that don't work until they absolutely do!).
It all...just...works. Really liking it so far Ben
I think a piece of toughened glass in the headstock with the crimson logo etched on it would finish it off nicely.
I'm so glad you listened when I muttered "glasses" at 23:24
At first thought thsts bad, but now after watching I LOVE IT
Ben, all I say is with the utmost respect. Your work inspires me to try different things when I am building. Admittedly, I am not nearly as creative as you but I do try to think a bit out of the box due to your influence. That said, I like the idea of the Binding but my preference would be that is was fully in a channel. Short of that, I think I would take the chamfers on the back of the headstock right up to the edge of the binding. Keep up the great work brother! Thanks again for all you teach us. - Brett
You're designs are whimsical and playful. I enjoy the fact, very much, the you love what you do and it comes through, even in video. Fantastic, truly, each of your guitars are so unique from the other, that's the fun!
I’m back. If you want to be different you need to take risks. Change seems to be difficult for many, as seen in the comments. I like it. There are thousands of headstocks, gotta get crazy.
I need moooooore asap... addicted to Crimson Custom Guitars videos...
Reminds me of a lever action on a old Winchester. I like it.
Unique, un, one, one of a kind. I like the flow. If it holds tune and minimizes neck dive then bravo. Someone will select it at auction and show/display/play it with pride.
I think it looks frickin' rad. Especially when you make it light blue. Steady as she goes, I can't wait to see this thing complete!
I like the headstock and would be interested to see the Crimson logo floating in the space provided by the binding, nice work Ben.
After refreshing the comments for the hour since this video came out it is safe to say this is the Marmite of headstocks 5️⃣0️⃣/5️⃣0️⃣
I like it
One of the many things I love about this channel is your willingness to experiment and push the envelope on a design. Also, the use of negative space to suggest form is highly aesthetically pleasing, though I do tend to agree with you that having a single black binding in the center would be preferable :)
I have a feeling the next episode will be doing over a unique headstock gone wrong! 🤣
I'm really excited to see this finished
Chamfer the headstock binding on the inside edges or add a solid copper band around the inside to give strength and interest.
Hi dear Ben, you´d probably need to support the free floating binding with a metal structure - hence the string forces are high in the peak of the headstock.
Maybe some lettering... JESUS
I bet it's going to look beautiful with the strings and tuners on it.
Suspended logo...
YES!!! Maybe a crystal perspex insert to fill the negative space in the headstock with the logo CNC router cut into it?
I dunno. This is your vision Mr Crowe, I'm just enjoying watching it evolve
could have narrowed the binding for the inlaid section instead of chiselling a groove halfway through the headstock!
Very coll body and headstock. Curios to see what will be the painting, the hardware (tuners and knobs) and pickups.
The music during the binding! Is like, Go for-it! Solid!
i knew you would say that about the vine inlay, it practically disappears in some angles! that headstock is so phallic!
I honestly really like the shape. Maybe you could use the negative space to add something that ties together the inlay and the headstock.
I still want one.
If you do put it into production you might consider making up that headstock binding from layers of contrasting metal just for durability.
The edit on this video was really fun!
ooouh...or put the crimson logo in acrylic between the binding and headstock, and backlight it. be weird.
Yes this I like
About 04:12. Looked a bit phallus like... I can't unsee it! 😂
The end result also looks a bit like that.
I just typed the same! Definite helmet :)
As always Ben, your enthusiasm is inspiring and your work is exceptional.
I like what you've done with the head stock !! It would be absolutely amazing to see you suspend the logo in the opening in the binding !! Please do ?! Awesome job , Ben !!
Absolutely STUNNING Ben!
That headstock (before you put on the binding) looks like a stylized version of Parker Guitar's. FYI, I had never seen either until today (just watched another video about guitar trademarks, etc., and Parker was mentioned as having a distinctive look, so of course I had to look them up). I'm looking forward to the finished product, especially the body design, and wondering if it'll have the rigidity to keep from imploding.. Thanks for opening up a whole new source of entertainment with the GGBO for this guitar noodler and armchair luthier.
The top and back with no sides is something Ken Parker produced as a prototype. You can see it in the background of some of his Archtopery videos.
Nice play with negative space. made me think of the Yamaha silent guitar. Cool
I like it and I really like the bevel on the backside of the headstock!
I actually like it Ben!
Some ideas to make it appeal to more people:
- Fill in the open space with some (frosted) acrylic to make it stronger and look more tied together but still “open”. Or put a bent piece of wood in it to reflect the body.
- Shape the free hanging binding bit to be a bit more traditional headstock style and a bit slimmer. The curve it has right now makes it look a little fat and bulky.
That's one crazy headstock. Its gonna be cool when the strings are on.
I love watching this evolve in front of our eyes!
The headstock looks good but I think you could do better. The exposed binding is impractical, isn't it?
Some copper inlay would be a lovely addition on the fretboard
Once again I'm in the position of seeing a job half done and fighting the mental temptation to dislike it. Hoping Ben plays his usual master stroke of pulling a banquet out of the dogs breakfast. I have faith.
Loving this build! Would make a great thinline semi with a couple of collections in it.
Hi Ben,
I would have prefer the binding inlayed in a channel for the headstock.
Thanks for your videos ;)
21:42 what's that thing turning around? 😱
Tchiks dans LA liste, on est bien d'accord. Félicitation !! ^^
Overall theme, I see it the vine inlays can work with the headstock I think some can see it, some obviously need it finished to see it. Good job, new ideas work when it fits with overall theme.
Oh, and it looks like the handle of a knife, so some mosaic Pins are a must!!!
Maybe you can make a matching plug for the truss rod whole that woud make it perfect
It's the year 2022 and Mr. Crowe finally got it together and built an entire guitar out of binding
I love the binding design! I think it would have looked better in a channel but the floating binding is really cool!
It's your baby, and I can't wait to see what you do with it--so this is just a mental note, not a suggestion. I was thinking that, if it were me, I would attempt suspend a 3-D carved logo in resin in the empty space. I can see numerous ways it might fail spectacularly, but if done right, it might look pretty cool with the logo visible front-and-back.
The body was confusing at the start and then it really came together, so the headstock will too. Brass or aluminum (or layers of both?) would look great as binding for this if you ever make another one.
If I were a newbie to this channel, I would be saying "Oh Ben, what are you doing - it looks awful', but I know better now. I am sure that you will, once again, show me why you are building amazing guitars and I am merely watching on UA-cam. That said, I can see potential beauty in this headstock and its visual connection with the body, which I really like.
Talking of really like, I complimented you on your lovely Speedmaster in the last video, and in this one is an equally lovely Submariner. *Doffs cap*.
Really like the design.... not sure about the gap between the binding on the lower part of the headstock and the wrap around piece...
the crimson logo should be binding "floating" in the binding hole, sorry if my english sucks
I like the way this is shaping up! Look forward to seeing the next stages!
for the inlay - maybe some of the Crimson inlay powder surrounding the stalks?
Hmm, a floating logo would look good.
More mother of pearl?
I’ve never been a big fan of binding, but I’m getting it now. How about your “BC” logo, in binding, inlayed in the headstock.
I love how new and weird this headstock is, looking forward to see how it goes with the body.
Everything looks wonderful......not that binding though! take it off and you still have a great headstock
I like it! The headstocked reminds me of a dragon that has reigns in its mouth.... Keep being you Ben!
I love the design ❤️. Absolutely loved it. It is like nothing I've seen before...
Maybe add wood under the binding, creating a channel. A piece of oak veneer on outside of arc. ? Adding an idea for a already compete mind idea.
About halfway and I am not sure how it going to work out. I like the negative space idea a lot.
I definitely think I need more time with it to form an opinion, but one thing that came to mind was how cool it would be to do something like this where the vine inlay becomes a 3D vine going around that hanging piece of binding. Probably would be extremely difficult to pull off though.
Back of the headstock is really nice