Corvus Guitar Works - builds, paint, mods/servicing, Cambs

Corvus · November 2019

Hi all,
As per this thread I'm now solo, so time to do an intro.. Corvus Guitar Works is me. Located close to Cambridge.

I made my first guitar around 88-89; in a touring band, couldn't afford a superstrat and ended up building one, through-neck and the body from church doors (it weighs a bit). Have made & modded guitars a while, and done paint and service/repair for people just by word of mouth without pushing it on. But I quit my job so this is me from now on in.

I learnt to paint via cars & bikes so 2k/urethane/'poly' is available as well as nitro. I've got a dedicated spraying room with pressure-fed breathing etc.
I've painted cars & motorbikes and sent paintwork to like Cornwall, Scotland, East Anglia (could've thrown it from here probably). A couple of bikes I coloured in have won show prizes for their paint.

The website is quick & basic and needs loads adding but it's up at least, corvusguitarworks.com
Instagram @corvusguitarworks

Here's some things, you might've seen already, or not, because threads need pics

http://corvusguitarworks.com/wp49/wp-content/uploads/BUILD_GALLERY1__1.jpg
http://corvusguitarworks.com/wp49/wp-content/uploads/BUILD_GALLERY1__15.jpg
http://corvusguitarworks.com/wp49/wp-content/uploads/BUILD_GALLERY1__11.jpg
http://corvusguitarworks.com/wp49/wp-content/uploads/BUILD_GALLERY1__6.jpg
http://alleykat.co.uk/images/stuff/exbird/ex16.jpg

Corvus · November 2019

There's one build underway (Firebird-ish) and about to start another - except I'm not really sure what it will be.

There's a stack of wood:

http://corvusguitarworks.com/images/misc/next_stack.jpg

Walnut, loads of bookmatched maple tops need using. Mojo P90s. Maybe a flat-top hollow LP shape? Would that appeal to people or is a flat top not good.
Bound Strat shape?

Starting anyway with the walnut:

http://corvusguitarworks.com/images/misc/jointed_walnut1.jpg

Winny_Pooh · November 2019

Good start on the site. As most initial traffic will probably be around refinishing I'd suggest you make it it's own page and then list prices.

It'd be useful to have a standard model IMO, and also list ballpark prices for certain types of builds.

guitartango · November 2019

Nice pictures @Corvus ;

Corvus · November 2019

Thanks @Winny_Pooh I do need to add a load to it, need to get onto that, good tip on the refin page thanks.
@guitartango hey Mike cheers, hope the LP is good.

guitartango · November 2019

Corvus said:

Thanks @Winny_Pooh I do need to add a load to it, need to get onto that, good tip on the refin page thanks.
@guitartango hey Mike cheers, hope the LP is good.

Thanks for doing the setup on my Gibson, plays like butter

jmcustomguitars · November 2019

Great a luthier near me

MtB · November 2019

Thanks for sorting my telepartsacaster Bill - little tweaks can make all the difference. I've not played any other guitar since I got the tele back from you.

Corvus · November 2019

Hi Mike, I'm glad to hear it, it's a fine looking thing, cheers.

Corvus · November 2019

Also got a refret done for guitarmangler, big 6000-size Evo gold, without needing fretboard refin
http://corvusguitarworks.com/images/misc/gm_refret3.jpg

Just got the walnut LP-ish build underway alongside the Firebird -
http://corvusguitarworks.com/images/misc/walnut_blank.jpg

Talking wood, this was dug up locally and is 5,200 years old... bog oak, it's on the new Firebird
http://corvusguitarworks.com/images/misc/oak_raw.jpg

rexter · December 2019

A fellow East Anglian! Knew you have been putting out great stuff for a long while and great to see you making it full time. Finishes look great, love the sparkle tele

Corvus · December 2019

Howdy neighbour! Didn't realise you're so close, I'll have to drop in one time. Glad you like the Tele, nice praise coming from you, cheers

rexter · December 2019

Corvus said:

Howdy neighbour! Didn't realise you're so close, I'll have to drop in one time. Glad you like the Tele, nice praise coming from you, cheers

Definitely Bill, you're welcome any time! Always nice to see the occasional human being in this otherwise pretty solitary pursuit! Only an hours drive and I like to come over to Cambridge now and again. Sure you can teach me a few things about painting with 2k too as I've been delving into that on some jobs by request.

Do love a red sparkle tele, on my to do list for ages have been some top bound sparkle bodies with natural mahogany back and sides and filtertrons. Big Gretsch fan obviously...

Corvus · December 2019

Likewise, do pop in if you're over this way. Agreed, being solo and not seeing people is definitely a thing.. always great to talk shop with people as well.
Love bound Teles, and trons, sounds a nice combo

AlexC · December 2019

Just to say @Corvus that I greatly admire folk with your skills and craftsmanship. I’m delighted with myself if I change a set of machine heads without scratching the headstock to buggery! Haha. Puts it all in perspective. Great work!

Corvus · December 2019

You're very kind @AlexC cheers!

Corvus · December 2019

Slow progress here with sad events at home and lots of goings on out of that, but getting on with things bit by bit.

The 'schizo flat-top LP not-Junior' neck is scarfed, maple top was looking ropey but planning revealed something OK. The body weighs a bit under 4lbs now before tenon, pickups & control cavity is routed out.
I like that from most angles you can't see the walnut is 2-piece

http://corvusguitarworks.com/images/misc/lp-ish_top1.jpg

Corvus · April 2020

Well overdue an update, though the lockdown came at just the wrong time.

I've done some work for several chaps off tFB, for which thanks and hope you're all doing OK. And some local things including fixing the worst fretjob I think I ever saw, it literally sliced my fingers running a hand along the neck. Short frets, long frets, ends sticking up. Horrible thing!

I was called to go talk to someone who has a load of guitars but the lockdown happened just as that was due.

Been thinking about making bodies to order since that's pretty simple and easily shippable. Perhaps more exotic interesting woods than the alder Strat or whatever.

Corvus · April 2020

Got two builds wrapped up and and there's three underway:

http://www.corvusguitarworks.com/images/fb2/2.jpg

http://www.corvusguitarworks.com/images/fb2/7.jpg

http://www.corvusguitarworks.com/images/esquire_n/2.jpg

http://www.corvusguitarworks.com/images/esquire_n/head5.jpg

http://www.corvusguitarworks.com/images/lph/23-top.jpg

http://www.corvusguitarworks.com/images/lph/22-back-tint.jpg

Corvus · April 2020

And our @guitarmangler has had his Kiesel delivered for refret & surgery - giving that a coat of looking at tomorrow -
http://www.corvusguitarworks.com/images/tf/kiesel.jpg

Teyeplayer · April 2020

Corvus said:

Got two builds wrapped up and and there's three underway:

http://www.corvusguitarworks.com/images/fb2/2.jpg
http://www.corvusguitarworks.com/images/fb2/7.jpg

http://www.corvusguitarworks.com/images/esquire_n/2.jpg
http://www.corvusguitarworks.com/images/esquire_n/head5.jpg

http://www.corvusguitarworks.com/images/lph/23-top.jpg
http://www.corvusguitarworks.com/images/lph/22-back-tint.jpg

All three look cracking builds, particularly like that burst and I’m a sucker for a firebird.

Onpar · April 2020

Corvus did a great job setting up my Epi Les Paul Custom. Plays like a dream now. Highly recommended.

Corvus · April 2020

Thanks a lot chaps!

Corvus · May 2020

Guitarmangler's Kiesel refretted, Evo Gold in 6000 size. The action ended up below 1mm at the high E, and unexpectedly it changed tonally - I thought the bass strings were kind of deadish in response and the pickups average, but it's clearer, sounds good. GM says more sustain and acoustic volume too.
The board was quite lightish but darkened up a treat

Image: http://corvusguitarworks.com/images/misc/gm_kiesel1.jpg

One of the old frets for size ref : ) Btw the ends are nipped not yet rounded!

Corvus · July 2020

A quick update, not least to say thanks to @digitalscream for the name change, I know these things are a PITA so cheers Lee.

So far things have been quite slow build-wise, but should have funds soon to do some good wood & hardware shopping. Also should be putting 4-5 up for sale in the nearish future.

Words are dull so have some pics. First, my boy was stuck 200 miles away for his 21st, we just got him down here and I gave him my Hofner. I've had it since the late 80s, it was already 41 yrs old when he was born. Just had a neck reset, should last him a while yet I hope! It's been all over the place sand somehow isn't too battered.

Image: http://corvusguitarworks.com/images/misc/n21hofner.jpg

Random pics just for colour -

Image: http://corvusguitarworks.com/images/misc/backlund.jpg

Image: http://www.corvusguitarworks.com/images/lph/30-front2.jpg

webrthomson · July 2020

Corvus said:

^ that is just superb!

Corvus · July 2020

Thanks!

Corvus · February 2021

Blimey it's been a while updating this. Mainly though RIP Melvyn Hiscock. His book and a mate's badgering got me started and doubtless loads of others.

Corvus · February 2021

And some pics for lightening up

Image: http://www.corvusguitarworks.com/images/3x_teles/34-necks.jpg

Image: http://www.corvusguitarworks.com/images/3x_teles/33-esq-blu.jpg

Another one of these ...

Image: http://corvusguitarworks.com/images/t_mod/32-detail.jpg

... is underway
Might leave the top natural, it's just in thin sealer coat here but with wet coat on it looks pretty nice I think. Hard to fight off the temptation to colour it though

Image: http://www.corvusguitarworks.com/images/3x_teles/40-v2_sealer.jpg

TheMarlin · February 2021

Beautiful work Bill!!

Roland · February 2021

Corvus said:

Might leave the top natural, ... Hard to fight off the temptation to colour it though

Natural is good

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