Belben Guitars – Build #003

Back in 2022, a very generous person came to me with a plan to build a custom guitar for an incredibly talented young musician, Merlin Thomi. This instrument was built alongside Build #004, and during the process I subtly asked Merlin what his dream RS would look like.

Turns out… it’s purple!

Build #003 features a flame maple veneer, bookmatched and finished in a rich purple dye. The sides and back are sapele veneer, framed with black binding to complete the body. The neck is mahogany, paired with a matching purple flame maple headstock, and topped with an oak fingerboard. The fingerboard was finished with holographic flakes and pearlescent pigments, giving it a subtle sparkle that really comes alive under stage lights.

Electronics are Yonderbosk Tri-Sonic pickups, custom-wound to Merlin’s own specifications for his BMG.

Without a doubt, this is the hardest-working RS I’ve built. Merlin performs regularly with Queen tribute bands all over, and it still blows my mind that an instrument I built is being seen on stages across the country especially around Montreux!

I’m incredibly proud of this build, and even prouder to see it doing exactly what it was built for. Keep doing what you are doing Merlin, you'll always have then support from me!