Hello Dave,
1) I believe installing a detuner would be no problem. I can figure out the cost tomorrow at the office ( by asking Susan or Mica).
2)Purpleheart is definitely available as a top wood. As a matter of fact we just completed an Essence with a stunning purpleheart top (the most purple looking ever Mica said) for one of our dealers; aestetically it looked awesome (it played pretty darn good too). If your client were to upgrade to purpleheart neck laminates it would look even better.
You can see a Series II Rogue in Purplehart , with PH neck laminates here:
http://www.alembic.com/info/FC_purpleprincess.html Can't remember what the upcharge for a Purpleheart top is; I'll find out tomorrow.
3) Zebrawood is no extra charge.
4) With a non gloss finish the instrument will end up taking a much heavier beating; the glossy is much sturdier and protects the wood better from both people abuse & weather abuse. Plus since we now have glossy finish on all our instruments, an oil finish (the other finish we offer) is a custom option at 400$ list.
If your client's main concern is the feel of the neck, then we can finish the bass glossy, but have a satin feel on the neck alone ( that's what I have on all my Alembics). Wood looks much more alive under a gloss finish.
Valentino
