Steve--

It looks great! You should be pleased. I do have a question, though. Have you tried getting to the same shade by using multiple coats of Garnet shellac? I'm working on a QS white oak guitar right now, and while I didn't go as dark as your fumed oak, the Garnet did give me some color. Interesting wood to work with. Pore filling was a bit of a challenge. I had to apply several more coats of epoxy than I normally do. But it turned out great, and I am excited to get the finishing over with so I can string it up.

Thanks for your comments Don. I’d like to see yours! The thing that surprised me and I like so much about mine is the difference in the reaction between the sapwood and the heartwood. The sapwood did not darken at all from the ammonia. It would not be quite the same contrast if I only used some kind of finish I would guess. Definitely going to get some garnet though and try it. Cheers.

I'd love to hear more about the fuming-with-ammonia technique. Like what to do when and how, and when in the build process?

Thanks!

I fumed the body for a black locust guitar I recently finished.

Black locust is rather plain / bland otherwise. Fuming brings out the character.
I read of others fuming guitars when I was researching fuming, so you and I are by no means the first.
Good looking guitar. I’ve got a red oak dread I’m very fond of.

I'd love to hear more about the fuming-with-ammonia technique. Like what to do when and how, and when in the build process?

Thanks!

Looks really nice! I am working on one as well and plan to fume once the box is closed so am glad to hear of your process and success. What top did you use, and did you notice any coloration change to it from the ammonia? With mine I'm using red spruce with an oak rosette--fingers crossed for it to have a nice contrast.

Thanks for sharing,
Doc

Steve, that guitar looks great! Thanks for posting, I've been looking for guitar specific information on this process and there's a ton of good info in this thread.

I'm about to start a 13 fret Nick Lucas with Sycamore back, sides, and neck. I stumbled across this European veneer supplier in my search for more information on the process and I knew I needed to try it out on this guitar...the fumed Sycamore looks almost like photo negative Snakewood!

I love the results. Osage Orange responds very well to fuming as well.

Thanks for the additional comments. As for not mixing wood from unrelated billets, that makes sense but for purchased b/s sets, unless the vendor (cutter?) states that the wood is all from the same billet, and charges for it, I'm guessing that the sides aren't related to the back.