Welcome to my website, Ink and Ivory. Thank you for stopping by; I’m glad you are here.

I’ve designed this website with a two-fold purpose in mind.

First, I create works of art to adorn your office desk, curio cabinet, fireplace mantle, den, or library. For the most part I use mammoth ivory and antique ivory for my creations. My mountings are fabricated from exotic woods but when the piece calls for it I will always use that which is most complimentary to the overall theme of the scrimshaw. Through the years my creations have made wonderful wedding, anniversary, and birthday gifts. These are exclusive, well-thought out designed pieces that will be enjoyed for generations to come. Please contact me with your ideas and I will be glad to design a piece and work up a quote for your approval.

Second, for the discriminating musician who desires to add a measure of elegance to his musical instrument I specialize in affordable, quality custom scrimshawed ivory Truss Rod Covers (TRC). Whether you’ve paid six figures for a pre-war original 5-string Gibson flathead banjo or a Loar mandolin, a 1959 Gibson Les Paul or a 62 Fender Stratocaster, or purchased a newer instrument for several thousand dollars, you’ve come to my website because you truly are a discerning musician who knows your prized possession deserves the best. I offer the best. It seems like all manufacturers of fine musical instruments cut corners when it comes to installing a plastic truss rod cover. Whether they cut corners or simply an oversight on their part, I address that issue here. All you need to do is provide your vision for the art work you want.

An attractive ivory TRC speaks volumes to your friends and fellow band members about your personal taste; it’s an elegant touch that sets you above the average musician. Everything about your instrument is an extension of you and you have customized it to suit your playing style from the type of strings you use, to the set-up, and to the appointments. Everything else about your axe has genuine value attached to it from the wood, the metal hardware, the engraving, the tuners, the finish, and in the case of vintage instruments, right down to the provenance. The service I provide, and why you’ve come to Ink and Ivory, is to replace your old truss rod cover with a custom scrimshawed TRC made to suit your taste in excellence.

Other custom pieces are available too, such as guitar pick guards, pick-up covers, tuner buttons, fiddle tail pieces, banjo armrests, etc. Contact me for custom quotes.

A word about Ivory

I work with Mastodon, Mammoth, and antique ivory. With the exception of Mammoth and Mastodon ivory which may be exported outside the U.S., the antique ivory I use is restricted to buy, sell, or trade within the United States. This antique ivory comes from old estates and was legally imported into the United States years ago prior to the enactment of the Endangered Species Act of 1972. When I am commissioned to scrimshaw works of art I more often than not will use mammoth and mastodon ivory. Mammoth and Mastodon ivory is completely unrestricted and does not require permission or fees to export. International trade in wildlife and plants is regulated by the Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species (C.I.T.E.S.). Formed in 1973, they have established worldwide control over plants & wildlife that require protection due to declining populations. C.I.T.E.S. headquarters is located in Switzerland and delegates meet every two years to review data & set new quotas to increase, decrease or maintain the level of protection on individual species.

 ~ Ed Weber