Welcome to the build thread! Before diving into the woodworking, here is the family portrait of the raw materials laid out on the bench:

• Top: Swiss Moon Spruce

• Back & Sides: Hawaiian Koa

• Bracing: Spanish Cedar

• Bridge Plate: Hardwood soundboard reinforcement

• Fretboard & Bridge: Jet-black Ebony

• Fretboard Inlay: Custom "Koi Reverie" motif

• Rosette: Ebony with carved gold koi detail

• Tuners: Alessi custom tuners (hammered plates, white MOP buttons)

Acoustically, the Moon Spruce + Koa pairing should deliver an articulate balance of clarity and warmth. Visually, the contrast of the dark ebony, the gold koi details, and the artisanal Alessi hardware sets the stage for what I'm aiming for.

Moisture levels are dialed in and the tools are sharp. Next up: plate joining and sizing the top. Stay tuned!