Here is part 2 of my photo essay on the Blueberry guitars workshop tour. Please allow sometime for the high res. pics to load!

Asian crafted guitars are no longer associated with poor workmanship, sub optimal tone and dismal playability. In fact, instruments from the Pacific Rim are beginning to make an impact on the higher end of the flattop scene. Blueberry Guitars are the latest player on the scene. A partnership between Canadian Based Businessman Danny Fonfeder, Balinese Craftsman Wayan Tuges and Vermont based Luthier educator George Morris, this brand carries the unique marriage of Balinese relief carving, American School Lutherie, modern international marketing and sales.

I was very lucky to be given a tour of the workshop by Wayan himself and I present for your appproval, a photo essay of the tour. Please click on the images for a larger, high res version. Do check out the singular masterpiece at the very end- although the aesthetics may not be everyone’s cup of tea, it’s certainly a work of art.

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Options and features….

Other top woods include an Acacia found in Bali- if it looks like Koa- well because it’s very very closely related- taxonamically, tonally and structurally.

Just a few close ups of the really very very fine work they are doing at Blueberry with inlays, engraving and coloring.

Soundport- revealing the transverse brace in all it’s glory. What’s with the hole? For truss rod adjustment access of course.

The Groove is a new feature for Blueberry guitars. It was developed in an attempt to lighten the top and achieve greater volume. You can see the geometric pattern the grooves create on the top. This top also features a relief carved Balinese dancer motif on the top.

Wayan’s been experimenting with different variations of the Groove concept. Including adding color for greater visual impact.

A Nautical themed guitar- the fanned frets allow the bridge to placed at an angle hence become the “Sail for the ship”. An Armrest bevel as well as a rib rest bevel are also options…..

Ukelele….

Wayan’s first uke- in Acacia and with grooves. It wasn’t setup yet- rats!

Singular Masterpiece

The singular masterpiece is the crowning glory of the workshop with a very limited output. This one features an Alaskan Spruce top, Sonokeling back and sides. It was a Celtic inspired theme with custom purfling, full length fretboard “Know of life”,  Soundboard coloured Celtic horse and matching headstock inlay. And much like the uber expensive Martins also has an extensively inlaid back also in a Celtic inspired motif.

And there’s the very proud Mr Wayan Tuges presenting his Singular Masterpiece for our readers to view in all it’s glory!

Resources: See more Dreadnoughts:
Inside look at Blueberry guitars
Blueberry guitars workshop tour- Part 1 of photo essay
Blueberry Guitars Website

©2009 Terence Tan. terence@guitarbench.com

The author and Guitarbench.com wish to thank Danny, Wayan and the team at Blueberry guitars for the opportunity to tour the workshop.

Disclaimer: No part of the trip was financed by Blueberry guitars or their associates. The author received no gifts or incentives other than honest hospitality received at the workshop to produce the article above. The author does not own or represent or otherwise vests interest in Blueberry guitars at the time of writing.

Errors are unintentional although we try very hard not to make them- corrections or feedback are always welcome! Guitars are property of individual owners.

Any infringement of copyright is entirely unintentional. Any copyright issues should be address to: writers@guitarbench.com. We will attempt to resolve these issues quickly. Guitars remain property of respective owners.