Gold plating returned:
 

 
But I realized that we went continuous wood-crazy! The bridgeblock is covered with wood. If you want a solid brass one that's gold plated too, let me know and we'll make a second one.  
 
As for the electronics, we'll be putting that mode switch on the power supply so you can enjoy it with your order Series bass. Tony will be building the electronics for you on Friday, so I'll need to confirm if you want to have 2 volumes and a master or a pan / master arrangement before then.  
 
Hey, this Black Byrd is almost ready to fly!

Wow!
 
Mica, as usual, that's beyond words!
 
Actually, we discussed the bridge block early on and I remember wanting it in solid brass (gold plated, of course!).  Since a continuous piece of Mac Ebony has been cut out for it, I'd sure love to have it (separate from the Bass though).  But I'd really prefer the brass bridge block on the Bass since it's purpose in life is all about sustain.
 
Also, to confirm for the electronics, after much delibertion, I FINALLY settled on individual volume controls for each pickup. I promise you I won't change my mind again!
 
Thanks again,
 
Rami

Okay - I'll ask Mike or James to make the larger block and you'll get both with the bass. The one that's on there now is solid brass, just has a MacEb cap on it (like the pickups). But one that's thicker will be more massive and more sustainy.  
 
Just to be extra confirmy - individual volumes I got. Do you want a master volume too? Gotta make sure before we go drilling holes y'know.

You know that I am bad and so I just try to spoil the party ...hehehehe.
Have you considered to use other -heavier mote dense- material than solid brass? I thought there were experiments going on with Tungsten for instance???
Seen the level of detail and hidden features on this super-bass, I thought it could be a good option???
Faut pas t'?nerv? Rami ...ce n'est q'une id?e. Je crois que Valentino et Bob -celui de San Fransisco- ont l'exp?rience.
 
Paul le m?chant

Hey Mica,
 
I guess I'm getting a little senile in my old age.  I forgot that the bridge block would be under the Mac Ebony cap - like the pickups.  For some reason I thought it would one or the other.  I like the idea of what's there now.  It's actually more unique.  Let's keep it - as long as there's no risk to the ebony cap from the bridge load above it.
 
If there's room for a master volume, let's go for it.  It would be nice to be able to control the overall volume without changing the other settings.
 
Thanks again - sorry for the mixup.  I guess I'm forgetting some of the details as well.
 
Rami

More sustainy says Mica. I think Webster will need to be notified that we have a new word for the English language!  If I had to guess, Rami will always opt for more sustain on his bass, as he is King of Sustain. Can't wait to see the Black Byrd in finished form!

How about hooking up one of those Fernandes Sustainer units to a bass?  Infinite sustainy! LOL
 
The Black Byrd?  Didn't Bogie tell us that It's the stuff that dreams are made of?  Seems appropriate.
 
Bill, tgo

Talked the existing bridgeblock over with James. He shoed me that the decorative veneer is completely clear of the threaded area for the bridge height adjustment, so it won't be an issue.  
 
Also, I got lucky and caught James buffing out your bass:
 

That's really cool Mica!  
 
I think it's really great that we can still find new ideas for another Alembic first.  Each one of my Basses HAS to have on it something that's never been done before. But I have to give credit where it's due - That continuous wood bridge block cover was your idea.  I love it!  
 
Thanks,  
 
Rami
 
(Message edited by Rami on February 03, 2005)

Hi Mica,
 
I was wondering if there are any new developments?
 
Thanks,
 
Rami

Any update would be greatly appreciated.

Dad's finishing up a repair for an ooooold seventies bass with Superfilters (don't worry dela, I will post pictures when it's done), then he'll be doing the upgrade on your bass and modifying the power supply with the stereo mode switch. He's going to email you today so you guys can go over the customizations and make sure we're all on the same page.

Thanks Mica,  
 
That's all I needed.  I just thought of that Mode selector as a tribute to my old McIntosh amp. It was made in '63 - now that's old!  It was their first ever integrated amp. The MA230.  Still sounds awesome.  
 
Rami
 
(Message edited by Rami on March 11, 2005)

Any updates?

Your Black Byrd is sitting pretty, waiting in the line of Series II calibrations. I'm not sure how much longer it will be, especially since the 6-strings seem to be the most challenging. I'll let you know when it's on the bench and past the first hurdle, then we can actually make a time estimate.