Hi Olie,  I saw your peghead veneers getting glued up today:

 

  More pictures to follow as interesting things happen.

Very cool. Thanks Mica.
The ebony and purple heart should not only sound great but really give cool look to the bass.
 
(Message edited by olieoliver on October 31, 2006)

By the way Mica I've never given any of my instruments a name before but I do plan on calling this my Holy Trinity bass. The inlay work on the fret board should reveal why.

Dang, Olie!  Do it!
 
Give us details!
 
I can see it's a 32 incher, is it a 5 string???
 
Congratulations!

Thanks Charles.
 
It will be a 4 string Series II. I already have a 5 strings Series II and I am more comfortable on a 4. (Us old guys go-figure)
 
Wait till you see the custom inlay we have in mind for the fret board.

Olie,
 
Great to talk to you today. Wow, you've got neck!
 
Colossians 1:10-12, Rom 15:4

Mica, have you guys ever made a 3/4 with a pistol grip upper horn or even an extended upper horn?

Here is a quick cut and paste job I was playing around with.  
From left to right, original body, extending its own horn and the horn off a Balance K.

 
(Message edited by olieoliver on November 04, 2006)

I heard you wanted a preview of the wood selections. Here's what Chip found based on your preferences. First, the top:

 The body shape is penned in to give you an idea of placement.   And for the back:

  These boards are freshly cut and sanded, so the color will darken a good bit. Hope you like them!

I think we made a pistol grip 3/4 body instrument, but it was before I was taking pictures of everything. I'll see if I can find a template.
 
The one you've got on the right is similare to the Balance K - just the cutaway is offset in the Balance K so the upper horn doesn't look too long for the rest of the body shape. It's pretty difficult to change only one part or curve on a bass when you make a change, the whole shape needs to be evaluated so it doesn't look like something was just stuck in place. But that's why we make 'em custom.

These woods look great. Will you guys show me placement ideas before you actually cut these?

It was just an idea.  
I just got home from church and played the bass in these photos. It just fits me too good. It's not my favorite body shape for looks (the balance K is) but it's the most comfortable to play.  
And I play 'em more than I look at them. LOL  
 
Anyway we'll stick with the 3/4 heart omega.

There is a placement idea is on the top picture, though both halves are represented at once. This is the only placement that gets the look you're after on the top board. Chip said if you like the bottom board, he'll make it catch the most interesting areas.  
 
Let me know if you're happy with the top placement and we'll get onto getting the body made.

I love the front and back boards. The placement on the front is fine too.  
I would like to see what Chip had in mind for the back placement. I'd like to capture as much of the circular grain as possible. Kind of looks like two eyes glaring at you. Pretty cool.

Yeah, he said that's the area he had his eye on. I think you guys are on the same page as far as placement is concerned. I'll tell him to go ahead, I'm sure you'll be happy with it.