American Idol winner to bring piece of Oklahoma on the road

SKIATOOK, Okla. (AP) _ When American Idol and Oklahoma native Carrie Underwood tours the country, she'll bring a custom-built Oklahoma guitar with her. <br/><br/>A crafter with Morgan Guitars near

Saturday, July 2nd 2005, 3:13 pm

By: News On 6

SKIATOOK, Okla. (AP) _ When American Idol and Oklahoma native Carrie Underwood tours the country, she'll bring a custom-built Oklahoma guitar with her.

A crafter with Morgan Guitars near Skiatook started working on the custom rosewood six-string guitar for the 22-year-old Checotah singer in April, and Underwood received it Thursday.

``We're pretty excited. I just love her. I love her voice,'' said Alisa Everitt, the guitar maker.

Underwood's mother said Friday her daughter will tour with it.

While watching the show, Everitt's husband told her she needed to build a guitar for Underwood. At first, Everitt said she didn't want to bother Underwood's family.

When she finally reached Underwood's mother, Carole, Everitt found the family was more than happy and helpful. After a few months, Everitt finished the guitar early this week.

She and Carole Underwood went to Tulsa and mailed it Wednesday. Carrie Underwood selected the design, Everitt said, adding the singer wanted to have an Oklahoma guitar with her.

``That's why she went with us,'' Everitt said. ``We were right here. She seems like a really nice young sweetheart.''

The guitar features ``Carrie'' written in pearl surrounded by doves. The cost: $5,000. Morgan Guitars gave it to Underwood at no charge.

Carole Underwood said her daughter has stamped the guitar with her approval.

``It really is beautiful and it plays so nice,'' she said. ``She told me the sound of it is very good.''

Underwood, who hit No. 1 with her single, ``Inside Your Heaven,'' on four charts last week, is in Los Angeles rehearsing for the American Idol Live tour, her mother said. She's also filming a commercial.

The guitar is just another piece of encouragement from Oklahomans, Carole Underwood said.

``She thought it would be nice to be able to use something from somebody that is here,'' she said. ``We certainly appreciate all the support Oklahoma has given to her. Everybody's been so great. We couldn't have done it without them.''