Carved Tops

[Tonart]

The recent PSF feature of Floyd Scholz’s work is an inspiration for a thread with a silly title.

 

[Guitpicky]

Obviously this is purely subjective and my own half retarded impression, but artistically it's a detraction and autistically it's a distraction

I love eagles and I love 10 tops on PRS guitars but this just doesn't do it for me. For one thing the eagle looks like it had its talons cut off leaving an impression of impotence. For me any depiction of "the mighty eagle" has to include those powerful grasping talons or it might as well be a parakeet. The other thing is I really love the natural beauty of highly figured wood and the eagle is obscuring rather than accentuating that.

It's a bit gaudy for my taste, but it's not my guitar

 

[Tonart]

Obviously this is purely subjective and my own half retarded impression, but artistically it's a detraction and autistically it's a distraction

I love eagles and I love 10 tops on PRS guitars but this just doesn't do it for me. For one thing the eagle looks like it had its talons cut off leaving an impression of impotence. For me any depiction of "the mighty eagle" has to include those powerful grasping talons or it might as well be a parakeet. The other thing is I really love the natural beauty of highly figured wood and the eagle is obscuring rather than accentuating that.

It's a bit gaudy for my taste, but it's not my guitar

Yes these ‘carved tops’ can be quite polarising. I’ve had comments ranging from wow to OMG to ugliest dead-bird-on-the-road thing ever.

 

[Tonart]

The other funny thing is this guitar started life with a Nightshade stain. It’s now a Trampas Green!

But the tone though. Real powerhouse. Rings out like a perpetual energy machine.

 

[László]

I like it. It’s different, it’s interesting, and it’s nicely done.

Very cool, if you ask me (and no one did).

 

[Tonart]

I like it. It’s different, it’s interesting, and it’s nicely done.

Very cool, if you ask me (and no one did).

Thank you. This belonged to a series of 10 guitars where a carving was made for each of the 10 birds in the 24 fret PRS fingerboard. So there was a hummingbird, a perched owl etc. On the fingerboard, the bird inlay corresponding to the carving would be etched gold while the rest were MOP. Cool concept huh?

This one is the 22nd fret ‘landing eagle’ - though in official PRS terminology it’s a hawk landing. They exercised creativity to change it to a bald eagle!

 

[Elliot]

I also have mixed feelings. They are thoroughly mixed, almost to the point of homogeneity. I like the carvings but also there is something I don't like about the carvings.

 

[dogrocketp]

Not my style.

 

[Collywobbles]

This belonged to a series of 10 guitars where a carving was made for each of the 10 birds in the 24 fret PRS fingerboard. So there was a hummingbird, a perched owl etc.

I like. I think it'd look great as a stage guitar - I bet you'd get loads of positive comments.

I also think you have some saving up to do - ten less one means you've got another nine to go...

 

[Alnus Rubra]

I can appreciate the skill involved doing this, it’s not my thing.

Maybe it’s the combination of the stain and the carving, just not sure!

Does anyone know, are these carved into the top or are they attached after the guitar has been carved?

 

[Tonart]

I can appreciate the skill involved doing this, it’s not my thing.

Maybe it’s the combination of the stain and the carving, just not sure!

Does anyone know, are these carved into the top or are they attached after the guitar has been carved?

These are carved into the top, for sure.

 

[Alnus Rubra]

These are carved into the top, for sure.

Thanks I wasn’t sure! That’s some steady hand then, no mistakes allowed here!

 

[Tonart]

This is the ultimate of course..

 

[bodia]

I also have mixed feelings. They are thoroughly mixed, almost to the point of homogeneity. I like the carvings but also there is something I don't like about the carvings.

I'm with Elliot on this one. Regardless if it is my cup of tea, or not, I certainly respect the artistry, and skill that goes into creating it.

 

[JimmyDee]

This is the ultimate of course..

Yes... this one is more impressive than the; 'Bald Eagle with Declawed Kitten Paws'
The eyeball on that owl is so realistic, it's almost creepy...

Incredible talent and artistry that goes into these... but not something that I'd rush-out to buy.

 

[Alnus Rubra]

Yes... this one is more impressive than the; 'Bald Eagle with Declawed Kitten Paws'
The eyeball on that owl is so realistic, it's almost creepy...

Incredible talent and artistry that goes into these... but not something that I'd rush-out to buy.

I saw a video and the eye follows you around the room!

 

[László]

Thank you. This belonged to a series of 10 guitars where a carving was made for each of the 10 birds in the 24 fret PRS fingerboard. So there was a hummingbird, a perched owl etc. On the fingerboard, the bird inlay corresponding to the carving would be etched gold while the rest were MOP. Cool concept huh?

This one is the 22nd fret ‘landing eagle’ - though in official PRS terminology it’s a hawk landing. They exercised creativity to change it to a bald eagle!

Very cool concept. And also a cool piece of PRS history.

 

[Tonart]

Yes... this one is more impressive than the; 'Bald Eagle with Declawed Kitten Paws'

LOL looks like we have concensus the claws are very important. I see little claws, only they are not yet unfurled fully. Possible explanations:
It’s a noob.
Just drank out of someone’s coffee cup.
Last prey was a porcupine.

 

[László]

LOL looks like we have concensus the claws are very important. I see little claws, only they are not yet unfurled fully. Possible explanations:
It’s a noob.
Just drank out of someone’s coffee cup.
Last prey was a porcupine.

If you take a look at eagle photographs, in flight with wings up similar to the carving, the talons are not outstretched until they’re ready to grasp prey.

I think you’re safe, and the one dude who has Opinions, well, it’s just, like, his opinion, man.

 

[Tonart]

If you take a look at eagle photographs, in flight with wings up similar to the carving, the talons are not outstretched until they’re ready to grasp prey.

Thanks..Yup I’m aware of that but was just having a bit of fun. That’s exactly how the Artist (Floyd Scholz) conceptualised it and he’s a bird expert as much as a master carver.