P40 Warhawk Flying Tiger: 1st in a Series of Learn Guitars.

[Matt_B]

What blows my mind is how clear and defined the panel bevels and rivets are. Top notch work indeed. Can't wait to work with you on another guitar Mike. The next one will be crazier than the previous.

[Hellbat]

Might I suggest something inspired by the man below for a paintjob...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hans-Ulrich_Rudel

He was rightly one of the highest awarded flyers of WW2 and most people aren't familiar with him because what he did wasn't a glamorous role. Plus the Ju87 was a cool looking plane hehe.

[Learn Guitars]

Might I suggest something inspired by the man below for a paintjob...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hans-Ulrich_Rudel

He was rightly one of the highest awarded flyers of WW2 and most people aren't familiar with him because what he did wasn't a glamorous role. Plus the Ju87 was a cool looking plane hehe.

Thanks for that. Love that plane too!!

[Snoogans]

I will also be selling masking kits for these designs for those who choose to do their own paint work. They are being marketed as AXEMASKS. Say that 3 times to yourself.

Now that's a damn good idea. Looking forward to seeing those!

[Johnnyryche]

Killer graphic, Mike! Can't wait to see the others.

[nhspike]

That's some serious painting skill on display right there.
Never seen better!
A+

[Ben...]

I like the concept of the wraparound graphic. The flame maple used for that neck is no slouch either. Top quality looking guitar. The rivets look real.

[fuel0707]

Very nice graphic, Mike. I really like the theme, too. It shows that you've researched the planes in order to do the paintjobs. I really have disliked quite a lot of "warbird" paintjobs that look like they were done by someone with no clue about the heritage.

Please do post more pics.

[Blazer]

That looks BAD ASS! Great job!

I'm sure that General Chennault would've loved having you on his squadron.

The ironic thing is that the P40 wasn't really that good of a warplane, it wasn't as fast as a Messerschmitt, it didn't have the dependable Merlin engine that powered the Spitfire and the Mustang and due to the problems that plagued the Allison engine it's full potetial was never reached.

Nevertheless, it's the pilot that makes the aircraft fly in the first place, so the legend of the Warhawk was due because of the pilots that flew them. Add to that fact that a Warhawk was a sturdy airplane and could survive incredible punishment and come back for more.

[nhspike]

The graphic helped make that plane stand out methinks.
Kinda cool.

[SEEGERMANY]

The graphic alone would scare the Bejeebus out of me!

[nhspike]

[Learn Guitars]

Killer photo of that Warhawk. I went with the warhawk on this one because as a kid I started off airbrushing and painting on model planes, tanks, and cars. I was drawn to the Flying Tiger's P-40s. There was alot of great art on these planes. I hope to do them justice and give them the proper rememberance they deserve.
Again, i appreciate the input. I have started number 2 in the series. I will post some progress shots as I get deeper into the construction. This one will be same neck thru but with alder instead of mahogany. But with maple neck still. I landed some killer 80 year old harvested koa last week. Tempting to give one a Koa neck thru.

[SEEGERMANY]

Koa is getting harder and harder to find. I scored a beautiful one piece Strat body from Warmoth and I told them that I'd be getting a second Tele one piece the following year. They said "you want to bet?" It's such a beautiful wood, it would be damned hard for me to cover it up with a graphic.

[CharvelRocker]

Totally stunning work Mike! I got to see and walk up right next to one of the original "Flying Tigers" planes at an airshow that had been restored. That was something special for sure.