Paul,
 
You're taking a very good approach- sit back and enjoy the ride... I'm sure when it arrives that the wait will have been well worth it.
 
Toby

10-4 TB,tanks buddy!

I've specifically noted this on the work order - though low is what we do unless we're requested to do otherwise. We figure it's a cinch to raise the action, quite another task to lower it if it's never been there.

Paul, very glad you & yours are well!  We'll be in your neck of the woods again next year (because we're definitely in love with the people of Kaua'i).  Thanks much for the kind words.  For training I really like Victor Wooten's site.  His lessons are basic, but profound. Check him out!  www.victorwooten.com  There are others too - I'll send more soon.
 
Aloha!

Core with Koa accent laminates in place:

  And James finished the inlays:

 

  Which turned out really great! The fingerboard should get glued to the neck later this week, and the body to the neck shortly after.

Woo-Hoo!  Congrats, Paul, your project is looking great!
 
It looks like you've got an especially pretty fingerboard -with the subtle streaking and all- and your body core looks great as well.  It's a really cool combination... the first time I can recall seeing Koa for accent laminates.  And it WILL look much cooler with the finish on it, have no doubt.  The Flame Maple looks a lot less exciting in the unfinished stage.
 
Congrats on your bass and on your patience; I know you've been Jone-zing for pictures and an update!!!

Body getting glued up now:

Rollin' along now.  Those inlays look killer and the flame body with Koa laminates is gonna be awesome when finish hits.

I think some of my wishes are being revealed in this picture-
 
I think I see little signs of sapwood!
 
Bradley!!!! Where are you? You gotta come see this-
 
I think I see some sapwood!!!!
 
As I compare these side views with the May 30 pics above I definately see the sapwood being incorporated in the inner edges meeting the neck.
 
YYYYYYEEEEEEESSSSSSSSS!!!!!!
 
Mica!? Is that sapwood? Tell me it is-please!
 
This--- is going to be AWESOME!!!!
 
The inlays are also great Mica. Good Job!
 
From this last picture I am seeing a beautiful meld of color combos. Very nice job before the Labor day weekend folks. Thanks very much. I am stoked. it's nice to see my dream taking shape. This is a milestone.
 
Amen!

Thanks Mica for the recent pictures, they are beautiful.  
 
I would just like to put my request in right now for the best shipping packaging technique that you have available. Please let me know the options ahead of time so that I may pick them and pay you in advance so as to eliminate any delays when shipping time comes.
 
I appreciate your frankness up front with Mark so that I may understand my options and make additional arrangements with my own homeowners insurance provider above and beyond all available carrier options. And I do want to pay whatever additional coverage you can get tacked on through UPS which is my first request if possible.
 
Thank you, Paul

Oh, now I see. Maybe the sapwood might get cut off which is OK too. No problemo! I know this baby is going to be the bomb either way.
 
Thanks, Paul

Hi Mica,
I just wanted to post these changes as per our conversation so that you would have something to go back and refer to.
 
First of all thanks for omiting the sapwood. You made the right decision. Also thanks for the decision to go one piece on the peghead laminate, that will really look nice!
 
Today I requested that you install both the 1/4 and 5 pin outlets on the side with the 1/4 being chrome and the 5 pin gold plated. Great!
 
Next we discussed for DAD (hee hee) to have both side and front Led's to be on one dimmer switch with a shut off switch past that dimmer to control the front Led's only. That way we can always dim both sets or turn off the front set only and just dim the sides! Another Awesome feature!
 
Lastly, you are going to send some of my Quilted Coco Bolo cut-offs to Roger to make my custom knobs. I spoke with him about this and he will cordinate with you for timing and installation.  
 
Thank you very much, Paul

Paul I saw a post of yours regarding shipping in the section you want other members staying out of.
 
I have my instruments insured through Heritage, a company that specializes in instruments.  If you're counting on your homeowners policy to cover it, I recommend you make 100% sure they'll cover it.  As I understand it, if you play professionally at all, most companies WILL NOT cover it under homeowners policies.
 
If you have any interest, you could call toll free at 1 800 289 8837 (eastern standard time), and ask for Matt Hershman.  They have good rates, and cover just about everything will a few exceptions (including damage from rodents, insects, nuclear incidents, war, and damage/theft from/by government entities.
 
Just sharing this with you in case you're interested; I don't care if you get it or not, I'm not pushing it on you, and I won't bring it up again.
 
Take care, mon frere!  Best wishes!!!

It is absolutely true that most homeowner's insurance does not cover musical equipment, and if it does the policies tend to be subject to so many exceptions that they are nearly worthless.  For instance, many policies provide that if you use your gear on a paying gig - even once - it is considered to be business equipment and thus excluded.
 
I insure my gear through Heritage as well, and recommend them very highly.  Their policies insure against all kinds of loss...accidental damage, theft, shipping damage, etc. When I snapped the headstock off of my brand-new Series II they paid me full value for the instrument within a few weeks instead of insisting upon a repair.  You can read about the whole sad story, and more about Heritage, here: https://club.alembicguitars.com/Images/393/28504.html
 
Bottom line: we all need to make sure that our gear is fully insured!

Your standard Home-Owners won't cover it for very much but most will allow you can take out a rider for the intruments just like on Jewelry.  
 
You may have to get the instrument(s) appraised unless you purchased them new then you should be able to use your receipt for proof of value.
 
But as Steve said they probably won't let you take out the rider if they are used proffesionaly.
 
Amen to the Bottom Line Steve.
 
Olie