Here is the final story on the production of my prototype Crotalus. This one is made of Brazilian Cherry (extremely hard wood to cut and shape), but it will probably last a loooonnnnnnnng time.
This is very similar to the crotalus my mother was given about 40 years ago. The pastor at the time was clearing out a storage room and he thought my mother would like it. I will have to look and see if it is as well made as this one. Thank you for sharing the photos of the whole process.
Beautiful work, Francis - Your crotalus reminds me of a Japanese kyoto. Now what does your crotalus and a kyoto have in common!? They both are made from beautiful wood. Wood for the kyoto is chosen purely for the beauty of its grain, not, as we would choose wood for a Stradivarius, for its acoustical properties. Your choice of wood is remarkable, its grain lovely. And, the style (if you want to call it that) of your crotalus reminds me of mission furniture - very simple lines, unornamented, functional shape.
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