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I was wondering if anybody has seen a hand-drawn rosette? I have a friend who is a wonderful artist, and I am thinking of adding a little flair that is different than the normal.

I saw this mandolin and thought it was beautiful and wanted to do something similar on my guitar. One idea was to do it in place of the rosette. Of course it would be smaller than the details on the mandolin. I was wondering what your thoughts were regarding this, and if you anybody has seen this before?

Rosettes are actually functional . They help support the top at the sound hole from cracking , that said , you can always provide support under the top. Also be aware that the pick will eventually damage the top . Still I know a few builders that use art on the guitar. It is a form of artistic expression so if you want to do that, just be aware of the things you need to do .
Add a few extra coats of finish or make a clear pick guard to cover the art work.

John,

Thanks for responding. I am glad you said this, because I was actually going to ask if it was functional, but due to a late night post, I forgot. I had thought about the damage, and was thinking about a clear pick guard but haven't decided on which route I want to go. Due you have any pictures or links of builders who have used art? I couldn't find much when I was looking.

I'd like to chime in here regarding that clear pick guard material. I've talked with one person who said the edge of his clear pick guard accumulated "stuff" so that it had a little dark border. My Larrivee has a clear pick guard, and it never developed a border like that.

Seems like you wouldn't want the dirt border effect around your artwork either. John (or others with experience) have you had any trouble with clear pick-guard material? Is it something you would even worry about?

I didn't have any trouble , I have seen many clear guards and havn't see that . If wonder if the double stick tape was stretched or what caused that for him ?

I tried putting down a clear pickguard once, and I had a tough time not trapping bubbles....
I know the technique, but still got some...I took it off and went with no guard!

Kevin

it is funny , these clear ones will show all your mistakes but there is a knack to do them . Don't rub them in set them easy and I often use wax paper. Take the double off and set to the wax paper folded , The pull the wax paper out from the pick guard and work out the air bubbles as you go. A hair dryer helps to supply heat if you need to manipulate things .