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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
@@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
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...
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.
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’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.
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 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
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.
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.
Figuratively and literally outside of the box which I like. How do you feel about the durability? Will it survive a smack? Love the look, definitely a keeper.
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 :)
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
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.
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.
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 TH-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 was really looking forward to seeing a headstock that would follow the soft contours of the body. A 4/2 layout with soft curves would have made this guitar a must-have. With your first stroke of the pencil, I saw the Parker Fly headstock, and screamed, "No!" Everything went downhill from there. This is honestly the first build that I cannot get behind.
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.
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
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.
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
You should fill the binding on the headstock with acrylic and have the logo floating in it.
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.
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.
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.
"We will have something I think has not been done before"
Now, there might possibly be a reason for that...
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.
Would be great to see a floating logo... Maybe on a acrylic sheet or maybe strings holding the logo...
I think it's one of the coolest things I've ever seen! Rock on Ben!
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.
This is the coolest and most unique headstocks that I have ever seen. I love it!
@@pallecla No. I really like it.
I can't recall ever seeing a worse headstock...the binding looks as though it was something knocked up by Blue Peter...truly dreadful
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
I love the minamalist approach you have taken with this entire build so far. It feels like an almost, organic, build honestly. Beautiful.
After that beautiful inlay, this headstock is just 😭😩. Sorry Ben, it just looks bad.
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!
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 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!
That is beyond normal creativity ben. Nice job! Can't wait to see it all come together.
Amazed at your creativity and craftsmanship. Never question the mind of a madman with sharp tools at his disposal.
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!!
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
I'm afraid that I'm not feeling that headstock, either.
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...
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.
This is the first Ben Crowe I haven't immediately liked. And I still don't. I feel like a traitor.
I need moooooore asap... addicted to Crimson Custom Guitars videos...
It all...just...works. Really liking it so far Ben
It's the year 2022 and Mr. Crowe finally got it together and built an entire guitar out of binding
At first i wasnt sure about this one but now it looks like a weapon handle and i dig it.
The headstock looks good but I think you could do better. The exposed binding is impractical, isn't it?
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.
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’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'm so glad you listened when I muttered "glasses" at 23:24
The edit on this video was really fun!
I'm really excited to see this finished
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.
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 like it and I really like the bevel on the backside of the headstock!
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!).
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
Tchiks dans LA liste, on est bien d'accord. Félicitation !! ^^
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 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.
Very coll body and headstock. Curios to see what will be the painting, the hardware (tuners and knobs) and pickups.
could have narrowed the binding for the inlaid section instead of chiselling a groove halfway through the headstock!
As always Ben, your enthusiasm is inspiring and your work is exceptional.
I like the headstock and would be interested to see the Crimson logo floating in the space provided by the binding, nice work Ben.
Is that a cement mixer outside your window?
I bet it's going to look beautiful with the strings and tuners on it.
Absolutely STUNNING Ben!
Did I miss the final episodes for the Nebula 2 build? When are they coming out?
Needs some more thought on this one.
21:42 what's that thing turning around? 😱
Reminds me of a lever action on a old Winchester. I like it.
Thank you for the education...... and beautiful work
I love the design ❤️. Absolutely loved it. It is like nothing I've seen before...
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 was hoping you'd have done on the headstock, a flower in keeping the the neck inlay.
Figuratively and literally outside of the box which I like. How do you feel about the durability? Will it survive a smack? Love the look, definitely a keeper.
The music during the binding! Is like, Go for-it! Solid!
I think a piece of toughened glass in the headstock with the crimson logo etched on it would finish it off nicely.
I LIKE IT!! Great design!!! Fun design!!
I like the way this is shaping up! Look forward to seeing the next stages!
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 honestly really like the shape. Maybe you could use the negative space to add something that ties together the inlay and the headstock.
Ben, what is the tool you used to smash down the binding after melting it?
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 have a feeling the next episode will be doing over a unique headstock gone wrong! 🤣
I love watching this evolve in front of our eyes!
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 still want one.
Ben I love your work but I'm sorry I can't get on board with this headstock. But I trust you will make it look good in the end
Good idea Ben! Growing on me by the minute 😊
are the machine heads going to clear the binding...?
Ben, will cutting into the headstock to insert the circular binding not weaken the headstock under string tension?
One day Ben is going to design a guitar that maximizes player comfort. But not today.
If you do put it into production you might consider making up that headstock binding from layers of contrasting metal just for durability.
ooouh...or put the crimson logo in acrylic between the binding and headstock, and backlight it. be weird.
Yes this I like
Can the binding be made tough enough to use it for the nut to bring it together?
At the moment I'm not feeling it, but Ben has changed my mind in the past.
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.
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.
Fill the negative space of the headstock with acrylic and have an LED bulb lighting it up ??
Loved the music at the end!
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 TH-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*.
Is that loop on the headstock for hanging up the guitar?
That's one crazy headstock. Its gonna be cool when the strings are on.
Nice play with negative space. made me think of the Yamaha silent guitar. Cool
Everything looks wonderful......not that binding though! take it off and you still have a great headstock
Loving this build! Would make a great thinline semi with a couple of collections in it.
I was really looking forward to seeing a headstock that would follow the soft contours of the body. A 4/2 layout with soft curves would have made this guitar a must-have.
With your first stroke of the pencil, I saw the Parker Fly headstock, and screamed, "No!" Everything went downhill from there. This is honestly the first build that I cannot get behind.
Hi Ben,
I would have prefer the binding inlayed in a channel for the headstock.
Thanks for your videos ;)