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We make covers for any
type of guitar including, PRS (Paul Reed Smith), Gibson, Ovation, Taylor,
Gretsch, Jackson, ESP, Ibenez and more.
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Custom Inlaid Truss Rod Covers |
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Here is a quick, easy, and inexpensive
way to really dress up your guitar. A custom Truss Rod Cover can add that
personal touch that will make your instrument stand out from the crowd. Below
are some examples of other custom t-covers I've done.
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| YES!!! We do
custom covers. Below is a is a photo (left) I was sent by Lauren Melton of
Greensboro, NC who wanted to purchase a special gift for her boyfriend, Nathan
Griffin. He loves his PRS guitar and his loyal dalmation, so she wanted to
combine those into the perfect gift. Using a combination of MOP, Red Abalone
and a bit of black paint, we created this. Here is what Lauren had to say,
"OMG!!! I am in tears right now! It looks absolutely
AMAZING!!!! I LOVE it!!! I would love for you to sign the back! It is such an
amazing piece of artwork!!! Thank you SOOOOOO very much! I absolutely adore
it!!! I couldn't have asked for anything better!!! (still in happy tears)!!
Thank you again for your dedication and hardwork that you put into this piece.
I cant wait to see his [boyfiend's] reaction!!!!" Lauren sure does
love exclamation points!!! |
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I think this is my record for the most number of pieces in a
truss rod cover - 23! That's a crazy number of pieces in something so small.
The eyes are about 1/16" in length. But that why it is sooooo cool. This piece
takes a while to build, but is worth it. It's made with Brushed Nickel Steel
for the helmet, White and Black Mother of Pearl for the horns, 50 thousand year
old Fossilized Mamoth Ivory for the face, Yellow Cedar for the hair and beard,
and Sparkle Paua for the eyes. |
| What makes a custom tcover GREAT! Well, take a look at this
tiger head cover. You don't see covers like this often. 22 pieces of White
Mother of Pearl, Paua, and Bloody Jasper on Ebony. There is no etching, paint,
fillers, or coloring used on this cover (like most of my covers). Everything
you see is shell, stone, and wood. Check out the design, the detail, the fit of
the pieces, the way the pieces are inlaid into the wood. Everything is perfect.
Not too many inlay artists will show you their work three times normal size.
Sure a lot of people make custom t-covers, but compare their covers to this
one. The lucky owner of this work of art is Michael Onofrietti from Honolulu,
Hawaii. Micheal wrote me this, "The cover is
absolutely unreal!! I just got the cover in the mail today, and it is
absolutely spectacular! The detail is unreal, and it is going to look great on
my jet white guitar." |
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PRS Eagles !!! |
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| Ever Watchful |
Eagle Strike |
Eagle Battle |
Flying Eagle |
Hunting Eagle |
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Yes, believe it or not, this is a truss rod cover. I think we
have to give these sorts of things a different name. If you look carefully for
the two screw holes, you will see how it attaches to the headstock. However,
unlike a normal t-cover, this one is going to take over a good chunk of the
headstock. This is designed to fit on a Taylor head stock. I'll post pictures
of it on the guitar once I have them. I'm really looking forward to seeing that
myself. This was order by Michael Reed of Plainfield, IL the same owl fan that
had me create the Owl Family cover shown below. He always likes to give me a
challenge and I'm glad he does, because just look at it!!! |
| A Great White Shark on a Gibson Bell Cover made for Stephen
Long of Dallas Texas. This was made with only two materials, White MOP and
Paua. |
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Another oversized Taylor cover with 3 doves. This piece was
commitioned by Sam Lee of Mukilteo, WA. This made of White and Gold Mother of
Pearl, Red Abalone, and Paua on Ebony. This piece takes up a good chunk of the
headstock and is officially the biggest T-Cover I have ever made. |
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"Ever Watchful Over America"
Based on a combination of cover designs (Ever Watchful and
Eagle Mountain #20 - both pictured below), this cover is the latest in the
Limited Edition series. This cover is made from Bloody Jasper, Clear Lapis,
White/Gold/Black Mother of Pearl, Red Abalone, and Brass (for the flag staff).
"Ever Watchful Over America" replaces the long time favorite Tiger Head (shown
below) in the harolded first position on this page. Currently, this cover is
only available on PRS guitars. This proto-type (#1) is the property of Craig C.
of South Huntington New York. Craig had this to say about his new piece of art,
"The piece is ROCKIN!!!!!! You do impecable
work! Kudos to you! Couldn't be happier." |
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Yes, this is a truss rod cover. It's for a Taylor guitar. The
customer, Michael Reed of Plainfield, IL, wanted an entire owl family. My first
reaction was, "Yeah right, a tcover is an inch tall." But then Michael ask me
to be creative and so I was. The screw hole is just over the Mommy owl's head.
The Daddy owl extends over the screw into the headstock. It's more of a
headstock inlay that just happens to double as a truss rod cover. One of the
most interesting projects I've worked on this year. |
| Skull and Rose made with White and Gold Mother of Pearl and
Paua. Commissions by Chris Bell of LA. |
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This whimsical little gold fish is from a Gretsch guitar. This
was commission by John Dunne and was paid from with a Shark Inlay Gift
Certificate that his son gave him for Christmas. How cool is that, the prefect
made to order Christmas Gift. John had this to say about his new prize,
"I recieved the TRC today. It is beautiful, a
work of art, I am blown away! It looks three-dimensional. A job well done.
Thanks." |
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Evil man in shiney black helmet. This cover was designed for a
Gibson Les Paul and will eventually end up on Tom Fletcher's guitar from the
UK Rock Band,
McFly. |
This one is just too cool. The king of beasts. Commissioned by
Reagan Lee of New South Wales, Australia. It is going on an R-Taylor. Made of
White, Black, and Gold Mother of Pearl and etched. Check it out on the
headstock by clicking the picture below.
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Bomb Guy made of White, Gold, and Black Mother of Pearl and Red
Abalone one Flame Maple which was then really flamed with a torch to give it
that burnt look. This cover was made for James Lee of California. James had
this to say, " It looks AMAZING! You took my scribble
of a drawing and turned it into a work of art!! It really puts a personal touch
on my PRS and I couldn't be happier. Thanks a bunch. You can bet I'll be coming
back to you for future inlay projects. Bravo!" |
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Commissioned by Sean Keim of Stanford, IL. I know, I would have
thought he lived in Denver too. :-) Sean had this to say,"I got mine yesterday! As hard as it is to believe it looks
even BETTER in person! I honestly don't know how you get something this small
to look THAT detailed. Amazing! Thank you again!" |
| The brand new "KING OF
DRAGON" cover is complete with 10,000 year old Mamoth Horns. It's interesting
to see what huge difference a change of materials can make. |
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| King of Sea Dragons.
Dave Nalewajek had this to say about the King of Dragons, "The Dragon arrived today. WOW! Nothing more that I could
say." |
King of Earth
Dragons |
King of Fire Dragons.
This uses a new materials called Red Fossel Bone. The owner, Bob Schulte
commented, "Your work is amazing, top notch. I will be
back for more. It looks awesome on my PRS. THANK YOU!!!" |
Design modification with
flames coming up from the bottom of the cover. |
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Taylor version of the Ever Watchful with etching. Here are some
comments from owners"That's got some scary 3-D
effects. That will look real good on my PRS. Your stuff just blows the
competition out of the water. "
"I received the TRC
it is awesome just an awesome piece of art work. You do some truly great
work."
"It
arrived yesterday and your right, as good as the photos were, they did not do
it justice. It looks fantastic on the guitar. I am happy I stumbled on your
work, the quality and attention to detail is awsome.
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| The Stray
Cats on a Gretsch, but of course. This was custom made for Gerlof Haagsma of
the Netherlands. Gerlof had this to say, "In
one word............WOW! It looks amazing." |
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This cover is made for an Ovation guitar and it made of all
woods. These are three of the wood found around that sound hole of the Adamas
model. |
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Available as a PRS Cover too.Orca. Land, sky,
and now the sea. This powerful creature and hurl it's three ton body out of the
water 30 feet. Well that's impressive and so is this cover. Billy Maykrantz of
Sterling Virgina stated, "I just got the Orca on koa
truss rod cover for my Taylor guitar. Wow! I am very pleased. This adds so much
to my guitar. My Taylor has always sounded great and this custom inlay really
makes it stand out. I think it may actually look as good as it sounds now! I
could not be happier. Beautiful!! Thanks!!" The first of the PRS
versions of this was sold to David Nalewajek, David added,
"ORCA arrived today. UNBELIEVABLE!! I now have too
many favorites. If only I could afford more guitars :-)"
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| Snowy Owl
for a Taylor Guitar. This is done in White and Gold MOP, Silver Fantail and Red
Abalone on Rosewood. This cover was build for Micheal Reed of Plainsfield, IL.
This cover is being released as a standard design. Mike wrote me this,
"The owl's actual colors are many times more
lifelike than the picture shows on the website. Its features blend perfectly
with the Cindy on the 915, and yet the owl is three-dimensional--really flying.
I'm in my sixties, and I can't stop staring at the little bugger. I don't
suppose it's going to make my fingers go any faster, but I'm extremely proud of
this tiny piece of art. I've got some other guitars that I'm suddenly ambitious
to adorn with your work. Thank you again for making it soar. " |
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| Sea Turtle
for Taylor Guitars. |
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"SKULL GOD" for ESP guitar. Does this simple SCREAM shreader for what? This
puppy is three inches tall and takes up a good chunk of the headstock. Custom
made for Russell Sweet of Jacksonville Florida. He performs with his band
Neurotic
Butterfly |
The Pack is
on the hunt. "Wolf Pack" is a new addition to theLimited Edition Covers program.. This cover is
made up of 12 pieces. Now available as a single wolf . |
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"Dragon Strike" This is the follow up to the popular Dragon
Mountain covers. This dragon is on the hunt and has found his prey. Perfect for
the agressive guitarist in us all. This is another in the
Limited Edition Covers program. These cover
are only sold by auction. To get updated on when these auction become
availableemail me. |
| "Eagle
Mountain" #20. The last one of the series. This one was made very special in
order to close out a very seccessful run of t-cover. To see the rest of the
eagle mountain cover click here, "Limited Edition
Covers". This cover had to be double inlaid, a time consumming and
difficult process. To see how this was done, click here. If you would like to get on a noticification list
about when the auctions start email
me. |
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"Pit Viper" Lastest in the "Limited Edition Covers" series. This is a deadly
snake patterned aftrer the American, Diamond Backed Rattle Snake. |
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"Starman" made for Roger Thurman of Il. This fits on aWarmoth
Guitar and is quite a bit larger than the original tcover. It's made of
White/Gold/Black Mother of Pearl and Paua on Ebony. |
| This is
guitar jewerly. Thought up by Ken Brock of Visalia, CA as a graduation gift for
his daughter, this piece will be a stunning addition to her guitar. A personal,
one of a kind gift that will be cherished for ever. It's made of Wedded
Turquoise and Pink Heart Shell on ebony. It's for an ovation 12-string. I love
the sound of a 12 string. Ken added,"Everyone
here is so happy with your work. Kylee performed four songs on the
pregraduation parent appreciation night the day after your art arrived and was
installed on her graduation gift, a 12 string black legend. the next day she
performed an original on the guitar and one on the piano. she rocked! the
audience kept coming up commenting on your artwork and the songs which was a
highlight. So many guests commented on how vibrant and nice that was. Thank
you." |
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Here is a coat of arms sort of them done with ebony, red
abalone, and mother of pearl on maple. It was going on a Warmoth
guitar. |
| "THE
PHOENIX" "Limited Edition Covers" series.
Used extensively by the American Indians of the Southwest, the Phonix firebird
rises from the ashes. It is a symbol of wealth.. Dave Nalewajek of West Seneca
NY, had this to say, "Phoenix #2 arrived today. Each
time that I get one of these, I keep asking myself how can you possibly do any
better that the previous one. Each time you exceed my expectations. #2 is
spectacular, and once again you have exceeded my expectations. Keep up the
great designs!" |
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"THE GARGOYLE" Limited Edition
Covers series. This is a good luck symbol used to ward off evil sprits or
your Mother-in-Law. . The owner of this cover (Rich Augustin) shared this with
me, "It looks amazing, even better than in any of the
pics. The best part of it is that the colour of the gargoyle's body is a
perfect match to my guitar's body, so all this does is make my guitar look even
better. Wonderfull. I'd definetly look into buying another one in the future.
Great job. " |
| "Eagle
Mountain" This is the second of a series of "Limited Addition" t-covers. This was the
standard design in the "Eagle Mountain" covers. Although the series is now
closed, these will be remembered fondly by us and treasured by their owners for
a long time to come. email me. George
Vlassis of California, the owner for Eagle Mountain #3, shared this with
me,"I just wanted to let you know about the #3
truss rod cover i bought from you on ebay. The workmanship is awesome ! I had
purchased an eagle truss rod cover from another maker on ebay but compared to
your eagle art piece , that thing looked like a 4 year old made it! I am sold
on your inlay work and am looking forward to purchasing more items from
you...thanks" |
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"Dragon Mountain" This is the latest of a series of "Limited Addition" t-covers. Over the next year,
20 of these will be made and auctioned off on eBay. That's it 20, no more. When
they are gone, they're gone. If you would like to get on a noticification list
about when the auctions start email
me. |
| This one is
sooooo cool. I was sent a photo of this dog and this is the resulting t-cover.
I like it!!! It is made of white and black Mother of Pearl and Obsidian (a
stone) on ebony. This cool cover was ordered up by Steve McEvilly of Concord
CA. Here is what Steve had to say about it:"You
are a master artist, the trc is a masterpiece and I couldn't be happier. You
have a client for life here. You had to pick my jaw up off of the ground."
Betsy, "Ch. Sierra's Arctic Sunrise" has won multiple
"National Specialty" shows beating out hundreds of American Staffordshire
Terriers. She won an award at the age of 9 months, "best bred by" at a National
Specialty in Hollywood. |
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Emotalized Kitty. This piece was commission by John Heng of
Singapore. It was to honor his beloved cat that had pass on. |
| More pets.
This one was commissioned by John Dunne of New York. John emailed me this
comment, "Got it - its great, I couldn't have wanted a
more beautiful work of art. You are very talented. My only problem now is
getting it straight in my head what I want you to inlay
next." |
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This is the new, "Official",
BAM (Birds and
Moons.COM) tcover. If you purchase one of these covers, a 25% donation will
be made to Birds and Moons in order to offset the costs of keeping this
valuable and entertaining forum running. This cover is available in Ebony,
Rosewood, and Bocote wood. To order one or more of these covers
click here.Just wanted to let you know that my TRC arrived this morning
- a real beauty just as I expected, well, maybe even more than I expected.
Really great work!, Sandra Schulz. |
| Gold Mother
of Pearl and Paua Rose commissioned by Michael O'Neill of Sterling, VA |
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| The true
"OM" symbol. This symbol means peace and tranquility and is a favorite amoung
guitar players. Some guitar companies use what they call the "OM" symbol, but
my sources have imformed me this is the true symbol. This design is available
in any combination of materials, but this one is Paua, Green Ripple, and Gold
Mother of Pearl on Rosewood. This first one was custom order by Partho Ghosh of
Port Coquitlam, Canada. Next to that is the same cover only with different
materials, brass, gold MOP, and Green Fantail on Bloody Jasper. The cover on
the bottom is a smaller version where the OM fits completely on the
cover. |
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| "All you
need is love" . . . and a Shark Inlay t-cover. Or how about "Imagine you have a
Shark Inlay t-Cover . . . it isn't hard to do . . ." Ok, I'll stop that now.
Oh, oh, one more "We all live in a yellow Shark Inlay t-Cover . . ." This cover
was commissioned by Aldwyn Rodgers of Columbia, MD. Three more and he can
complete the set :-) |
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IT'S JIMI!!! This t-cover was designed by Big Al Gunning from
Linlithgow, Scotland. This Jimi Hendrix shadow design is so cool and was a
challenge to do, but isn't it beautiful. I think Al said it the best,"F**kin hell!!! 'scuse my language, but that's absolutely
amazing... you are a Jedi Knight of the inlaying order!" |
| Elvis has
left the shop. After the success of the Jimi Hendrix cover, Mike Petrich of
Concord, CA contacted me about doing something similar, only Elvis. What do you
think? Pretty cool huh? It was fun to watch as Elvis' face came to life out of
the pearl. Another Elvis sighting and I don't even live in Kalamazoo. This
cover was, in Mike's words, "This is FLIPPING
FANTABULOUS!!! WAY WAY WAY Better than I expected! You are the Inlay Stud! Best
regards, from your newest lifelong customer!" |
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More Rock Stars, Jeff Beck from the cover of he recent album
cover. |
| How could I
call my company Shark Inlay without a Shark Inlay?!? So here it is, the brand
new Shark tcover based on our logo. |
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CALL IT . . . HEAVY METAL!!! Created for a B.C.Rich owned by
Anthony Lucchese of New York. this is yet another example for thinking outside
the box. A tcover does not have to be shaped like half an egg. The outside of
this one is black flame to highlight the Paua flames inside. Pretty bitching .
. . do they still say that? I think I'm getting old. Anthony's
comments:"You've definitely outdone yourself. I
like the TRC you did for my PRS. But this is just outstanding!"
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| The inlay is
made of white and gold MOP with brass leash and sits on Ebony. This t-cover, in
my opinion, is one of my top ten of all time. The little hair lines are done by
etching the pearl. This cover is a standard design that has been made before.
However, there are many design changes to the cover that are only possible
thanks to the CAM machine technology that I now employ. Note how cleanly all
the pieces fit and how the delicate leash surrounds the body. It's a beautiful
piece. This cover belongs to Mark Overfield from the U.K. |
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Made for Ric Goleman for Houston TX, this cover will be going
on a PRS Single Cut that was purchased on a "Aid Kateria Victims" auction. Ric
wanted some that would honor the people and the city of New Orleans. This is
Gold Mother of Pearl and Paua on Ebony. Ric commented, "Cliff did an excellent job, the contrast of the Paua and
MOP jumps out at you, and the ebony black background really sets the inlay
off." |
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