The winning shape for the head stock is ...

Like I said, Ignoring the directions was first on the agenda. Then it became obvious if I didn't want a neck that looked like a boat oar, it would have to be shaped.

The first idea was simple enough. A little curve with a drop and a notch cut in the end. From a woodworking stand point a piece of cake. From the bodacious outworld looking standpoint it wasn't quite complicated enough.

Oh, hey, that's better. Lots of points and reccesses to cut and sand. Mentioning the fact that I would have to stand on my head to make some of these cuts would be a futile gesture of wanting to really do the other design ...

Between me and myself the choice was made. What is not really obvious is that there is a color scheme attached to this shape that actually makes it make more sense. Off to the shop I went, simpleton that I am, not considering what would happen if I made a cutting mistake. You can't put it back after you take it off. Caution and Patience were the words of the day ...

Notice that I wrapped up the rest of the neck to keep it from being scratched on the saw or sander. Cutting was done slowly and from many different angles. With any curving cuts there are saw marks and when I was finally done cutting the saw marks that were left looked like the grand canyon. The sanding took much longer than the cutting. If you are going to try this just remember to keep the piece moving on the sander. Don't stop or put too much pressure on one spot. Moving sand paper can eat away wood at an alarming rate. Keep it moving with always light pressure.

Next will be figuring out paint and how to mask the areas that don't get painted. Quick and easy is what I'm hoping for ...