Got your emails today with the diagrams. Here's how I've adapted your ideas to work with what's under the knobs:

 

 A-D should be on a straight line, but this is just for a quick look. Depending on your preference, we could assign the controls not explicitly labeled something like: A neck filter B bridge filter C bass D treble 1 neck Q 2 bridge Q 3 LEDs 4 stereo/mono  Also note that the stereo/mono switch is usually installed as a half-height paddle, so it's harder to hit on accident.   Another option is to use the layout in my first post on this thread, change the stereo/mono switch to the LEDs switch, and leave the stereo/mono switch inside the bass. You can always take the backplate off to change the mode when you record since you've indicated you probably won't use it much otherwise. Anything you can omit will gain comfort space between the controls. You could also use a volume pedal instead of a master volume, but of course, you need to commute back to it for the overall changes.   Just some thoughts. Let me know if you like either of the new ideas, or if this sparks something else entirely.

my 2 cents
i would be concerned about the selector switch so far away
since i got one on scarlet i use it more than i thought during tunes.
i dont really think the treble control is necessary as alembics are brighter to begin with and the q filters and switches give me more than i need and once i set the treble at the amp there is more than enough manueverability
maybe put the switches in the middle and move the knobs to the bottom
this is just my opinion....

Hey, Flax!
 
I really appreciate your views and input. In consideration of the B/T controls, I have found, on my Excel and other Basses, I find myself using the Treble Control mainly to CUT the high freq's. Especially when I'm going for an old-school blues vibe, dub tone, or, on the occaisions my bandmates MAKE me play some gawd-awful (gulp) quasi-country crap some drunk invariably asks for (choke, gag). I've also thought a lot about the 4-way placement. Maybe it'll change once I have this bass, but I normally don't find myself changing pick-up's during songs. If I need a different tone, I generally change RH position to closer or further from the bridge. But I DO change tones and P/U's a lot before songs. I think (maybe hope, anyway) having the 3 volumes together will be better for me and my style (whatever THAT is!). I'll learn to deal with the 4-way. But the thought DID cross my mind, especially since you pointed it out.
Anyhoo, thanxxxx again for the insight, and if I'm ever in the neighborhood, I'll buy YOUSE a Beah!!
     Have fun, Mike, tho =]

Hello, Mica!!
 
Just wanted to let you know I'm still contemplating the layouts. I'm pretty sure I know which way I want to go, but I want to be 100%. I also want to include my Son in the process,as he will, ultimately, wind up with this beauty in the future. I'll let you know today or Monday at the latest, so the Elves can get to Drillin' and Fillin, and I can start usin' my anti-hyperventilation Paper bag!!!
 
Have a great day, TTY soon, Mike =]

Hello, Mica!
 
  Hope ya had a great weekend. just wanted to let you know, my little pea brain has finally made a decision on this layout thingie. Back and forth, up and down, looked at it from every angle, and here it is!
   After much consternation, I have decided to DELETE the MASTER VOLUME and go with the original layout you came up with (post 5114 on my FTC). Like I told you before, I REALLLLLY like that setup. After talking with several owners on and off the FTC, I've decided the Master volume just wasn't all that important, the B/T controls are, as is the Stereo switch. And, as much as I like the layout you came up with including all the stuff, I think, over time, it may have just been too much. On the basses I have with the 2 volume controls, I really don't find myself missing the master volume. The guys I talked to that only had the filters and Qs said they didn't miss the B/T controls, but the ones that HAD them loved 'em. This will also leave a little breathing room. 'Nuff said!
   One more little detail- The LED switch. I would like to have it placed between the Neck Volume and Bass control, as far forward as possible before getting into the Battery cavity (toward the neck). UNLESS, of course, you have a better idea!
  I know everything will be symetrically perfect when drilled, But I'd appreciate one more final mock-up before we actually drill, if it isn't too much trouble.
   After that, as soon as scheduling allows, please have Uncle Bob Drill'em, and Dad fillem!
I'm starting to get excited again  
 
           Thanxxx again, sorry to be such a pain! Have fun, Mike....
 
P.S.-Thankxxx everybody, esp. Mark, Jim, Flax, Toby, & Peter....
 
(Message edited by 5stringho on February 16, 2008)

This is just quick for positional reference, but based on your emails and posts:

 
Confirm with me and I'll work on bringing the controls in nice straight rows.

Hellooo, Mica!
 
Thanks for taking the time to put together a final mock-up for me. I appreciate it, and it looks GREAT! This is the one. Everything is accessible, well placed, and logical. I knew you would come up with a winner.  
Did ya get my strings???
Thanks again, Have a great day, Mike =]

Your strings arrived.

no master volume?
wow i think that is a huge mistake
i have one on scarlet and none on wolf
getting the right balance on levels and then being able to turn it up with one knob is huge
the other way- sheeet do i add more bridge or neck oh no= wrong let me do this- where was that setting?

Hey, Flax, we'll see how this works out. For the last month or so I've been intentionally rehearsing and gigging with dual volume-control basses, just to see if I would really miss a master. I find that the vast majority of the time I play with One volume maxed, and the other in the  sweet spot, just below max. Most of the time, it's Neck max, bridge down. For fadeouts and stuff, I just roll the side of my hand over both volumes. Works pretty good. I also adjust right-hand technique to dynamically raise or lower stage volume. A master volume would have been nice, but, I've found for me, not a necessity. I really liked the layout Mica designed sans Master, and thought the others, though also attractive, were too cramped for space. With the controls we have on this Bass I should be able to get just about anything I want out if it (I hope!) and there's still gonna be a lot of where was that setting? =O
Thanxxx again for your input, good luck in the JobQuest, also.
Have fun, Mike, tho =]

I suppose if you really missed the master volume, you could always add a volume pedal to your signal chain (although that is one more thing to drag around).  Just a thought.

Mike if the cold in Ohio is a problem I'd be glad to hold on to that beauty til summer. That's what friends are for right?
 
Sam

Hey, Sam, you're right. It is still a little cold here. Lemme think about it, Hmmm, NO  
Thanks for the offer though!
 
Have fun in warm, sunny, Florida.
            Mike, tho.....

Hmmmmmmm. UPS Tracking sez as of 5:11 EST, a 36.5Lb. Package for me from Santa Rosa, California is Out for Delivery from the Sharonville, Ohio facility. Has the big day finally arrived  ?

Deep cleansing breath, deep cleansing breath, was that a truck?!!! Just the milkman. Was that a truck?................
 
Congrats and may you forever be inspired.