Hi Ezra,
 
We're getting ready to drill the electronics for your guitar, and need to review the layout. This is the same patternthat you supplied, but the controls are placed with enough room for the circuits on the inside, and the large footprint of the jacks:

The only difference besides the spacing is the switch positions - with where the knobs had to land, orienting the string more vertically would have the switches awfully close to the bridge pickup.  
 
The sharpie line on the front shows the control plate shape, and the mounting lobes for where the screws for the backplate will fasten.

It's mighty close! In the setup room now, frets installed and just waiting for the control layout:

Next stop is presetting for the nickel hardware. While it's back in finish, the custom electronics will get made.

Hey Mica-
Thanks for setting this up for me to see- I'll probaby post a similar comment in the build record but I must say this looks absolutely beautiful!-
 
I see the difference in the control layout and I think it works- By having the line of switches follow the contour of the body shape we also wind up with a little more space around the master vol control- This seems to make sense as I'm pretty sure that control will be used most frequently- So yes to it all, let's make some holes...

It's mighty beautiful!- The figure looks amazing with the finish, the body omega is super sharp and the little cutout on the horn for the strap lock is an awesome detail- Thanks so much for the picture Mica...

Gorgeous!
 
Peter

What a beautiful job they did of placing the maple grains around the Omega. I looks like the neckwood is cinching up on the Omega.  
 
Awesome, Paul

Hey Mica-  
Not sure if it matters just yet but I thought I'd let you know what guage strings I prefer- I usually go with DR or D'Addario strings guaged around 10-13-17-26-36-46- Every once in a while I'll go with something a little heavier on the bottom 2-3 strings ending with something like a 49 or a 52-  
 
Also just left Roger at THG a message as I am still interested in having ebony control knobs made for this guitar- I assume it would make sense to order them soon?...

Just to follow up on this- I went ahead and placed an order for 5 Ebony knobs today from THG- Roger estimates that they will be completed next week and they will be shipped directly to Alembic-

Perfect! I'll be on the lookout for them. Please confirm with Roger that there will be 2 set screws per knob. I'm not sure if he does this as a standard or not, but it sure makes for better set knobs.  
 
Your string gauges are right about what our normal 10s are. If you want to start out with your specific strings, we ask that you send us a set.

Yes, I requested 2 set screws per knob- Also, regarding the strings, I think I'd like to go ahead and try your normal 10s-  
Thanks...

Yeah you're right Paul. I really like how the omega follows the body without the tips. The veneers between the neck and body are a nice touch too. They really highlight the neck. Are those ebony?

Ezra:
 
I was at the factory today and saw your guitar.  WOW!!!! HOLY S***!!!!! What an INCREDIBLE looking instrument.  The top wood shifts patterns as the angle changes.  Even the grain in the flames seems to change.  The neck recipe is soooooo tasty.  The ebony framed by vermilion with the maple pinstripes in between looks downright elegant!  Mica pointed out the shape of the body and the Omega in relation to the Skylark.  VERY cool!  You're going to LOVE this one.  Congrats on a truly beautiful and unique guitar!
 
Bill, tgo
 
(Message edited by lbpesq on September 14, 2007)

Hey Bill-
Thanks for the update and kind words- It was a pleasure watching your latest instrument come to life as well...

Ezra, it's looking really great!  Nice color combination... the contrast looks great.

Love the body style - the bulbous body really suits the horns and the omega.  You've got a good eye!
J