Epic 3D Dragon Inlay Begins! | Sculpting a Fretboard Like Never Before

Welcome to Luthiers Tips, Tools and Training with Ben Crowe at Crimson Guitars!

In this video, Ben embarks on one of his most ambitious and exciting projects yet: creating a fully 3D sculpted dragon inlay for a custom guitar fretboard. This isn't your typical mother-of-pearl inlay—this is next-level craftsmanship involving sculpting, carving, casting, engraving, and mold making.

Watch as Ben transforms plaster of Paris into a low-relief dragon sculpture, wrestling with the challenges of scale, anatomical detail, and the quirks of mixed materials. This is the first step in a multi-part series where guitar making meets sculpture in a truly epic way.

🔥 Key Highlights:

The origins of the 3D inlay idea

Custom-designed dragon artwork

Plaster casting and fine detailing

Tool tips and tricks with Crimson Inlay Chisels

Honest moments of frustration, humor, and artistic growth

This is one of several dream projects long overdue—and it's finally happening.

👉 Subscribe to follow the progress in future episodes!
👍 Like the video if you enjoy seeing the artistic side of luthiery.

#GuitarMaking #Luthier #CrimsonGuitars #3DInlay #GuitarInlay #CustomGuitar #BenCrowe #DragonInlay #Woodworking #GuitarArt


Chapters:
00:00 - Intro & Concept Behind 3D Inlay
01:12 - Inspiration: From Traditional to Sculptural Inlays
02:45 - Early Experiment: Gold Leaf & Resin in the Bog Oak Guitar
04:01 - Project Overview: A 3D Dragon for a Custom Build
05:27 - The Dragon Design & Fretboard Layout
07:10 - Getting Started: Preparing the Mold Base
08:36 - Mixing & Pouring Plaster of Paris
09:58 - Template Cutting & Outline Transfer
11:15 - Sculpting Begins: Low Relief Approach
13:30 - Detailing the Dragon’s Crest, Head & Feet
15:04 - Artistic Doubts & Challenges
16:40 - Layering More Plaster for Volume
17:45 - Carving Details: Legs, Claws, and Anatomical Fixes
19:20 - Tool Time: Rediscovering Engraving Tools
20:35 - Fine Detailing with Chisels & Gravers
22:01 - Planning the Final Mold
23:20 - Silicone Putty Mold Attempt
24:38 - Final Thoughts & What’s Next
25:45 - Outro & Teaser for Future Episodes

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Ben's camera setup includes: the Blackmagic ATEM Mini Pro, Prime Cameras (Front facing and over the bench) Canon EOS 250D, suspended from the ceiling (bench side) Canon EOS 90D, and on the movable tripod a Canon M6 Mark II

Any music used in this video from Epidemic Sound - https://www.epidemicsound.com/referra...
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Thank you again for all your support, we really, really appreciate it! – Ben
Stay tuned and stay awesome!
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