I understand that ordinarily the action is initially set up low and then raised to a more standard height.  I run low to very-low action and prefer not to have the action raised after the initial setup.  
 
Rather than get too specific, it's perfectly fine with me if the setup crew just takes this guidance and does what they think best, but feel free to ask questions if more info would be helpful.
 
Thanks!

Have you considered getting continueous woodplates for the back, Jim?  They really look awesome -especially on highly-figured woods like Coco Bolo and Quilted Maple.
 
One other thing you might consider: they've got a REALLY bitchin' amber tint I've seen 'em do with Maple basses... you might ask 'em about it, I think there are probably an example or two floating around on the site.  Maybe they could show you/refer you to a picture.
 
I think I'd have to get the amber tint if I were getting a Quilted Maple Alembic... but that's me!
 
Oh yeah, one other thing.  I recommend you consider kicking out a few extra bucks for 3-position Q switches... they'll add a lot of flexibility.
 
Look forward to seeing your Balance K get built, Jim.  It's looking like they'll be working on ours about the same time, so we'll see 'em built together!

Thanks King!  I will ask about the tint.  I had thought about the continuous wood backplates but didn't think it was really worth the $ to me. Besides, I am kinda going for that nautical feel that brass gives. Come to think of it the tint might even accentuate that. I am getting the 3-pos Q's though (0/4/8). I'm also replacing the pickup selector switch with a regular 3-pos toggle too - I don't like that weird pie-shaped selector they use.  
 
Anyway, thanks for the great advice!
 
Regards,
Jim

Hi there!  8-string-king just mentioned something I might be interested in. He said there's a cool amber tint that you guys sometimes do on maple tops?  Can I see some examples of that?  I might be interested.
 
Thanks!

C'mon, Jim, get out some more of that old, moldy money you have layin' around, and spring fer the continuous wood backplates! And while yer at it, I'll even let you pay for some for mine!!
 
LOL!     Mike......

If you have figured maple, I can't see *not* putting a little yellow tint on the instrument-- it really makes the figure pop.
 
I know there are some examples around here; I'll try to find some later.

Hahahaha!  Noice!  Oh sure, Ho, goad me into it... BTW, how did you know my money was mouldy?  You haven't been sneaking around my tool shed have ya?  :-)
 
- Jim

Oliver's 'tears for John' Dragonwing has an amber tint.here
 
graeme

Hey thanks for the pics. The tint is beautiful but I don't think its for me unless they could make it more subtle.

If I remember correctly, Oliver's is darker than the minimum, since he was attempting to create a more retro look (like its namesake's instruments).  I believe that you can get a lighter version, I'll have to take a stroll through the FTC threads and find something.
 
Bradley

If you check the Skylark page, there's a couple of Amber examples, plus an Amberburst. We can add a very small amount of tint to the finish, so it's more like one of the lighter shades in the burst version.  
 
Tinted finishes are a little extra, $250 right now. This is because yours will likely be the only one being painted that color at the time, and each coat will require cleaning the gun and some wasted paint.

hi mica how is zbrawood with an amber tint?  iwill have to get my orion refinished,it came damaged,the finish is destroyed down to wood. im bummed,is amber ok with that,maybe they could both be done if i can get mine there in a little bit.
 
i,m waiting to hear back form the seller about an inspector coming to my home to check it out.
 
could you please email a confirmation number on a package that was to be sent out a while back for me.  ive yet to get it,i dont know why, thanks for the time

Hey Jags, did you happen to pick up that one that was floatin around ebay? It looked like a nice one. Sorry to hear about the damage.

Bradley's right, Oliver's was meant to approximate the color the old polyurethane finish reached after about 20 years. Since each instrument is tinted individually, we're going to tint to the customer's request in every case. There really isn't a set standard for colors, more like a general neighborhood.  
 
Never done Zebrawood with amber tint, John. But there are probably several examples of older basses in the Showcase with yellowed finish that should give you an approximation.  
 
I'd prefer to keep the Factory to Customer threads from diverging to customer service for unrelated projects - I might miss something important that way. Mary will email you the tracking number for your shipment.

That's fine, I'll ask James to keep the action low. Please note that you'll most certainly need to do a truss rod adjustment when the bass arrives, and probably another one a week or so later to maintain the low action, but it is attainable.