Leaderboard

Couldn't resist doing a full mockup. In elapsed time (some pesky family commitments getting in the way ) this is probably around 4 weeks away from finish but, from the front view, it's getting pretty close. In the third pic, @Matt P, I also gave the top half a wipe with a damp cloth to show what the final colour will be. Seeing this, I'm certain tru-oil slurry and buff satin finish is the way to go :

Thanks, Matt I haven't talked to Alex yet other than agreeing from the start that it will be unstained clear finish. I suspect we will go with a satin finish - probably Tru-oil slurry and buffed. The ebony will darken for the black bits and the figuring will bring out some soft oranges and yellows. The maple will darken and the yellow tint coming out to an extent. The alder, when dampened, darkens also but there is - to my eyes - a pink tinge coming through the general 'wood colour' I'm pleased with how it's starting to look.

that's one handsome guitar, has a finish been decided on yet? gloss/satin, how much do you expect the alder to darken? i'm loving the curves of this one. Matt

I would say it is actually a genuine Ibanez Monteclaire. Possibly this version? https://reverb.com/item/39298717-ibanez-montclair-1965-3903-2103

Very much this ^^^

As new, hardly used