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Anyone know how the channel for the pearl in this crown of thorns (or barb wire) rosette would be rounted? Is it done free-hand? Looks like the dark wood is done in a circle centered with the soundhole. Not sure how the channel for the pearl is cut. BTW, this guitar was built by Beard (that specializes in resonator guitars).

cnc?

It does look like the black line is a perfect circle, so that is easy.
I would suspect that Darren is correct and it is done with CNC, but it could also be done freehand by attaching the pearl to the soundboard, marking the outline, removing the pearl, and going at it with your Dremel.
Good luck if you go for it and post pics of how you did it!

You may be right Darren and Tony. I kind of like this but not sure I want to hand cut the slots for the pearl. Something else to consider I guess.

I've seen "crown of thorns" rosettes before and I'll bet they are done using a similar technique.

I think I have seen one where the thorns and the vine were in the darker wood rosette, so you would not have to cut anything except a normal rosette channel. If there is no such thing available, contact Andy DePaule at Luthiersupply.com or Dave Nichols at Custom Pearl Inlay. Either guy will make the rosette for you as a drop in piece like I described. Probably for a very reasonable price too. Andy DePaule made my logo for me for an awesome price. I ordered three. Here is the logo:


It is white MOP with abalone. Seriously, the price was amazing. If you go with Andy DePaule, keep in mind his lead time is about 8 to 10 weeks.
Good luck!