Then how about an updated photo, Val.
In the South we call that a sh*t eating grin because you look so pleased with yourself.  No, I don't know the origin of that saying.  Yes, I know it doesn't make sense.
 
Sam

I would say that the guy above who really loves his job looks happy and content!  I don't see anything sardonic or moronic; but then you know that guy better than we do!

It's clearly a tortured man who is forced to play Alembics that he will never own  
 
Auuuuuuuuuu-augh!!!
 
Paul the bad one
 
 
Funny ...now I know who I'm talking to

You'll see me 'updated' as soon as Mica posts pictures of the new Alembic straps we've been having made...they are absolutely fantastic, extra wide, comfy, made of great leather, incredible grip...I modeled the sample strap today with one of the club's favorite basses (not the one in this thread, not ready yet)....I can't wait to get mine...  
 
Oh yes, Paul... the torture!  the nightmares!  terrible, I tell you...just terrible.
 
Valentino

Val,
 
Will the straps have the Alembic name / logo on them?  Will they be in the Alembic Store?

Hello James,
 
yes they will have the logo, you'll be able to see it  in the forthcoming pictures; the sample we have has both the name and the logo, not sure if it's been decided to have just the logo or both... and yes I believe they will be available  through the store.  
 
There will be more info coming soon.
 
Valentino

Nice ...I'm up to a new strap!!

Need some help trying to decide what might look the best.  Any opinions are welcomed.  The top is coco bolo, the sides are maple.  Need to decide on the inlay for the top and side.  Gold or MOP or something else...maybe a wood inlay.  
 
My bass has the inlaid logo.  The fingerboard inlays are abalone.  The neck lams are ebony & maple. Any thoughts?
 
Thnaks,
 
Kevin  

What do you think of an goldish abalone kinda arrow or pointer? Or making the pointers in Maple again???
 
 
Paul the bad one
 
 
Gosh   ...I LOVE this design of a bass. Maybe I change my dream design for the 6 string fretless to this one? What do you think Val???

I think it's a great idea, Paul.
 
I like this design a lot as well; infact my new bass is kinda based on it (with my crazy stuff added). It balances quite well and still keeps the feel of the traditional Alembic shape.
 
Valentino

OK ...agreed!!!
Let me know when you figured something out in budget.
I'll mail you from prison where I've hidden the money from our last robbery.
 
So ...honey ...where are your stockings!?!?!?!
 
 
Paul the bad one
 
 
PS ....Val ....huh ...mmm ...I like this design more  (aiaiaiaiaiaiai)

How about ebony dots on the top or lines exending from the center of the top and down the side.   Suround the ebony with silver or abalone, whatever is in the logo?  Ebony matches the maple it is next to in the neck and silver (abalone) matches the wood in the headstock.
 
Hopefully I will be in a position to order my custom this summer.  I also would like custom knobs.  I think the accents in the knobs should tie all of the loose ends together in the rest of the instrument.

Kevin:  Did you decide to goldplate the hardware?   If so, I'd go with something gold to pull together with the hardware.  If not, I like abalone to draw in the fingerboard inlays.
 
Bill

Thanks guys for some of your ideas.  It helps me think out my decision.  I thought about using a wood inlay, but Roger suggested the ebony might be lost in the coco bolo top.  Bill, I did have the hardware gold plated so I believe gold will end up being the best inlay to use, I think.    
 
Geeeeeeez, I spent a fair amount of time getting my bass right...now I am stuck on the knobs.  I'll have to think about this some more.