I'm curious how the bodies would have changed from JE's.  According to the Featured Custom page (June 2003) for the Spyder basses, We used the same templates for the body and peghead shapes as we used on John's basses.  Clearly though the one you're having built differs from that and more closely reflects JE's.  What would explain the difference?
 
Brad

Brad,
 
     When I initially began the process of ordering a custom, I had a wonderful conversation with Susan about this.  Apparently, back in the day, they did not save all their templates (though they do now).  This was the case with John Entwistle's Spyders.  I own a Spyder, but I wanted one like his, or as close to it as I could get.  One look at a picture of his basses and you can see that the Spyder Limited Editions and those he played have different body shapes.  I can't explain why the Featured Custom page states what it does, but I do know that the great people in Santa Rosa did the Photo Shopping necessary to get the body right.  To wit, the upper horn meets the neck further up, the cutaway is a bit deeper, and the bass itself is thinner at the waist, if you will.  
 
Susan told me each bass they made for John was slightly different, so if there is variation in the body shape, this might also be a reason for it.  I do know, for example, that John's V head Exploiter had the long tailpieces that are similar to those on my Spyder; the one's on others were much shorter (I'm having these recreated for my bass as I'm cramming a bunch of Series II electronics into the body; I need all the room I can get!).
 
I'm only speculating here, but I'm sure Alembic had good reasons for any changes made.  I'm sure a phone call to Susan or Mica would clear it up if you're so inclined.
 
Alan

Look! It's wood!

 
These pencil lines are where Chip is mapping out all the pickups and controls, so we can get the interior plumbing done. You'll be seeing more photos real soon.

Mighty fine piece of walnut there!  I'm sure Major Dover will be majorly happy!

Alan,
I start to get jealous.... :-)
When it is done maybe I will place the next order?
 
Oliver

Hmmm .... I've seen that workbench before ....
 
Thanks for the pics Mica.  It look's great already, and I know Chip is doing a great job.  Can't wait to see it come together.
 
Hope your Mom is feeling better.  Please extend my best wishes to her and everyone at Alembic.
 
Alan

Oliver,
 
    I should be the one to be jealous - you have your custom Dragon's Wing to be proud of!
 
Mike,
 
    Yes, I'm majorly happy!  I'll be Colonely happy when I get it!
 
Alan

More action in assembly recently!  These won't be in this position for long:

  Back view:

  Front view:

  Peghead with rough shape:

  And Chip checking the postioning before gluing the neck to the body:

Mica (and Chip!),
 
    Looks awesome.  It's shaping up exactly as I wanted it.  Chip is doing his usual outstanding job (as is everyone), so please extend my thanks to Chip (and all).
 
    Wanted to know if it's possible to do an amber tint as on Oliver B's Custom Dragon Wing.  I really liked how that looked.  If it's extra, let me know and I'll contact Beaver to discuss price.
 
    Thanks again for the pics - it looks great and I can't wait to see more of my bass in construction.
 
Alan

Alan,
it really looks gorgeous.  
I am really eager to see the finished bass.
 
Oliver

Ollie,
 
  We're both eager to see it!  LOL!
 
Alan

The last picture was a dry fit, this is where it got wet with glue:
 

It's been carved enough to be ready for routing:

 
I think the custom program still needs to be written for routing, but that shouldn't be much of a delay.

Mica,
 
    Looks great.  Before we go into routing, can we take one more look at the body shape?  As you'll recall, we decided to make things a bit bigger in the event I didn't think the body shape was what I was looking for, and this will be a chance to make any changes if needed.  As it stands now, I think the upper horn needs to be more parallel to the fingerboard (as you guys told me previously - I should have listened to the experts! :-)), and the headstock looks a bit wide from what I can tell from the picture above.  
 
Anyway, looking good so far - can't wait to get my hands on it!
 
Merry Xmas and Happy New Year,
 
Alan

Here's the body straight on and a full-length view.