After carving wood for over 40 years, sculptor and woodcarver Doug
Rowell claims that he “can carve anything, out of anything.” He proves
his point with an astounding collection of hand-carved guitars, some
which he salvages from old broken-down axes no one thought would ever
see the light of day again.

Case in point, the hand-carved guitar below, which he calls “Golden
Girl Telecaster,” a 1973 Fender Telecaster that was left for dead after
being run over by a car. Rowell carves guitars for the stars, and
dozens of fine art examples are now serious collector’s items. If you
think about it, electric guitars are essentially made of wood, so
carving them up in an eye-catching way is a natural. Amazing.

Commissioned
by David George of Toms River, NJ.

A Firebrand Gibson 335 S – Dave wanted a damsel threatened by a dragon.
Since His last name is George, I started calling it the "St. George".
This inspired Dave to add the sword & sheild with a monogram of his
father’s initials, WLG, in a garland of art nouveau. Clear lacquer over
Danish oil.

Commissioned
by David George of Toms River, NJ.
This is the second guitar I carved for Dave. He wanted a Phoenix rising
from the ashes… no… flames… and breathing fire! YEAH!!!! THe
finish is airbrushed tinted clear lacquers.

Commissioned
by David Ledogar of Massapequa, NY.
Started out as a white 1975 Gibson SG Standard – David wanted his SG to
represent the Goth style. He wanted Skulls, tombstones, crosses and a
big scary tree. We sent designs back & forth by email until we came
up with the "Chiller". Dave sent along the cool skull pot knobs. Nice
touch! The finish is a dark walnut oil stain.

This
beautiful walnut rear control cavity Strat styled guitar body was built
by Larry Davis of Gallery Hardwoods, Eugene, Oregon. He sent it to me and
I carved it and shipped out to England for Cy to assemble

Cy
was very precise about how he wanted his guitar. He chose the wood, the
design, the neck, pick-ups, bridge etc. And I must say he has excellent
taste.

* Commissioned by *
Marvin Plank – Muscatine,Iowa
who also owns the
RODEO STRAT

More here.