Here's what James came up with to get a complete set of Anniversary electronics with 4 additional switches mounted in a Dragon Wing body shape:

 

  Sadly, there is no way to do this with a side-mounted jack. This mock-up is not an exact layout. Once you approve the arrangement, I'll make a drilling template that you can view if you like.

Mica,
 
Thanks for the mock-up of the electronics.  I agree that it would be better to have the side mount jack.  Would it be possible to have a recessed strat-type jack in on the rear of the bass almost exactly behind where the output jack is pictured?  If not, then I'm fine with the front output jack where you show it and would love to see the drilling template.
 
Also, I know Valentino confirmed this when he spoke to my wife, I just want to make sure we're now proceeding with this as a 32 scale bass.  
 
Is this (electronics layout approval) the first step in the process or has anything else been done yet?  Is there any way to see some choices for the top?
 
Thanks so much for everyone's attention to this project.
 
--Rick

Rick,
This looks interesting. I'm curious to see how it progresses. I would like to make one comment on the controls. If you use a right angle 1/4 plug, the stereo/mono switch location could be a problem. On my BB the LED switch is below the jack and prevents me from using 90 degree plugs since they toggle the switch when the chord moves.  
 
Keith

Keith,  
 
Thanks for the input. It's a good point, although I generally don't use 90 degree plugs. I think I'm stuck with the jack in front, but for me, having that electronics layout is one of the most important reasons I went to Alembic for my bass.
 
I'll let you know what happens.  Hopefully, Mica will post the drilling template soon.

Mica (and Val),
 
I just realized that it was silly to consider a rear recessed jack since it would have to be where the electronics cover plate goes.  
 
I'm fine with the front-mounted jack, so please go ahead with a drilling template.  It would be great if you can post it when it's ready.  Also, I'm still wondering about the questions I posed earlier regarding the 32 scale and the ability to see some choices for the cocobolo top.  
 
Thanks again for everything.
 
--Rick
 
Posted on Monday, July 10, 2006 - 1:32 pm:      
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mica,  
 
Thanks for the mock-up of the electronics. I agree that it would be better to have the side mount jack. Would it be possible to have a recessed strat-type jack in on the rear of the bass almost exactly behind where the output jack is pictured? If not, then I'm fine with the front output jack where you show it and would love to see the drilling template.  
 
Also, I know Valentino confirmed this when he spoke to my wife, I just want to make sure we're now proceeding with this as a 32 scale bass.  
 
Is this (electronics layout approval) the first step in the process or has anything else been done yet? Is there any way to see some choices for the top?  
 
Thanks so much for everyone's attention to this project.  
 
--Rick

Hello Rick,
 
yes, I confirm that it will be a medium scale 32 inch.
 
This is the first step in the process, so now we can go ahead with the drilling template.
 
We have cut a few more pieces of coco bolo; Mica will post some pictures next week.
 
Are there any instruments that you can point us to that feature a coco bolo piece that is to your liking? That will help.
 
 
Valentino

Thanks for the response Val.  I assume, you still have the nut/12th fret measurements, too? Let me know if I need to resend them.  In terms of the cocobolo, I like the bass pictured above.  But I like the wood in the two attached photos even more, particularly the dragonwing.  I guess I like a more red color tones and lots of very defined circles and wavey lines, i.e. "busy" is good.  Can't wait to see some picutures.  Thanks again --Rick.



  (Message edited by rickkessler on July 14, 2006)

sorry jacko, but this top is maybe even more beautiful than yours IMO !
Absolutely speechless!!!!!!!
Grain -wise, I think coco bolo is just__________
 
G

Val, Mica:
 
Just checking in to see if there were any new developments.
Hope all is well with you and the folks at Alembic.
 
--Rick

Hello Rick,
 
I saw your body about to be glued up today, and the the new neck has also been made. I don't know if Mica has had a chance to take pictures, but it's looking really good. Personally, I think it's an even nicer piece of coco bolo than the first one.
 
Mica will be on holiday next week, so pictures may have to wait until she gets back.
 
Valentino

I did take a picture today while I was out in the shop. Check your build record in a few minutes for an update.  
 
After talking to James and Chip, the drilling template will be made after the cavity is routed. Then we can make any small adjustments needed. I'll show you the template before we drill the holes, but it won't be for a little while.

Here's the body laminations:
 

 
It's a really outstanding piece of wood for this body shape. Hope you like it too!

It's beautiful.  Thanks!!

Mica, Valentino:
 
Thanks for the picture.  I agree wholeheartedly with Valentino that it is even nicer than the original and I couldn't have hoped for better.
Thank you for making the effort to fulfill my request and exceeding my expectations.
 
In terms of the electronics, I'm fine waiting to see the template.
 
Also, before the neck gets too far, I just wanted to remind you that, in addition to the width specifications and thin profile, we had also discussed rounding off the upper edges of the fretboard sides so that it has a broken-in feel, something that Reverand does with their Rumblefish basses.  
 
Thanks for listening and for all you have been doing!!!
 
--Rick

Mock up for the drilling:  

 

  Moved 2 of the switches slightly, plenty of room to clear the edge of the cavity. In the back shot you can see how the area is slightly hollowed out, where the controls are placed outside of the plate.