Custom Handmade Cloud Guitar Special Mahogany Maple!!!!

I'm the owner/operator of www.ergoinstruments.com- Maker of handmade Electric Upright Basses... But though the electric upright is 'my' instrument- both in terms of my musical 'voice', and that their manufacture is my 'bread and butter' (most medium sized towns have at least one luthier trying to make a living building handmade custom electric guitars, so it's just not a niche I care to participate in- the field's a bit crowded!) I have to admit that my 'roots' are in electric guitar design (an adolescence spent noodling at pictures of guitars rather than schoolwork..), and it only occurred to me relatively recently that 'spark' may have been kindled by the movie Purple Rain when it came out.. I already knew that movie was the catalyst for my path as a musician, but a recent observation was such that I began to identify what would later be my favorite players by their custom instruments- From Brian May to Bootsey Collins, these player's main axes are sononymous with their musicality, and identity as artists.. I've built this authentic cloud replica in tribute to The Great Purple One!

   Obviously, it's not an 'exact' replica, in that it's not painted an opaque, solid color as most other Cloud guitars I've seen over the years- exposed woodgrain with a satin finish is generally preferred- and I'm a sucker for 'burst' finishes-, but also that I favored some vintagey sounding passive Wilkinson P-90 single coils over the original EMG active pickups (though Our Hero generally exploited the Cloud guitar for a hellified, rocked out solo, I wanted this guitar to be a bit FUNKIER, and sonically in tune with the music that was being made with the Revolution- Wendy Melvoin tended to favor vintage instruments during this period, and most of the rhythm guitar tracks reflect these sounds.), a 25.5" scale length (I believe the original featured a 24.75" scale), as well as black hardware rather than gold.. The cream (pun intended) 'flower' motif was added as another 'stamp' that I feel is complimentary to the original design without compromising the established vibe of the instrument... but with obvious 'twists'... In sillouette, I believe this Cloud would be indistinguisheable from any in His Royal Badness' arsenal; Turn on some lights, and a different, more 'vintage' picture emerges!   I'm really feeling that there's a funk/R&B guitarist out there who will put this axe to good use, and give it a good, loving home- It was crafted for such!

   Made from two pieces of beautiful Honduran Mahogany, the body has been painstakingly hand carved to capture the vibe, and contours of the original- down to the 'curly cue' spiral carved around the output jack.. The heeless set rock maple neck with jumbo frets has a very 'Fender' feel to it, and shares similar dimensions- I generally prefer a huge neck, but recognize that's not most player's cup of tea, so this one features a rather standard 'Strat' C shape and thickness/depth. 

   I can't iterate what a labor of love building this has been- I've had some rather dibilitating health issues over the last several months (I wouldn't wish kidney stones on ANYONE!), and seeing this axe come together during this period has been a wonderful experience allowing me to be a bit nostalgic while affording me the opportunity to put my own twists on such an iconic instrument, and would now like to see it go to a good home where it will be appreciated as such.. I'd REALLY love it if I were able to get myself an old Ranger pickup truck when this sells- I'll always know how it was paid for when I drive it!

   Though I haven't put my logo anywhere on the instrument (one of the more interesting aspects of Rude Boy's mystique has always been that he doesn't endorse gear, and with the exception of his Hohner Tele copies, and a few sightings with Stratocasters and vintage Gibsons recently, none of his custom axes have had manufacturer's logos on them), I offer this with a Standard Limited Lifetime Warranty just as I do my Electric Uprights to the original purchaser.. The axe will be professionally packaged, and insured.  Winning bid to pay $35 shipping in the Continental US (outside, please inquire), and while I'd happily accept paper currency, Ebay doesn't offer this, so Paypal will definately be preferred.. Please ask any questions before bidding, Serious Bidders Only, Please!