When I added truss rod access at the headstock, I wanted a little more substance in that area — something that felt structurally confident and visually refined. The solution was a diamond volute carved into the back of the headstock. This subtle sculptural detail adds strength where the neck transitions into the headstock, while also giving the instrument a touch of elegance.

The diamond volute and rear headstock veneer are now standard features on my guitars. While the diamond volute itself has been around for decades, the idea of pairing it with a rear veneer is far less common. The veneer not only reinforces the area but also creates a beautiful visual frame for the volute, turning a functional feature into a design signature.

I credit part of the inspiration to James Olson, who uses a similar approach on his own guitars. Before implementing the design, I spoke with Jim directly. “James encouraged me to go with these features,” I recall.