Robert's Custom 5-string Essence

[mica]

Here's some of the stuff happening on your bass now.  First, the top laminate of 5A Quilted Maple:

 I know it's hard to tell, but this is a gorgeous top. Quilted Maple looks less interesting after sanding, but once it's in the finish department, you'll see all the dimensional figure "pop."  The body and neck are assembled, ready to get the bookmatch to center top fit:

  And the Fan peghead:

[mica]

It's red now, and we're deciding on the control layout (don't mind the masking tape as scratch paper):

   Here's the first idea for placement of controls:

 It's going to be a tight fit anyway you place them, even with the larger Essence control cavity. We're able to push the volume knob over the edge of the lip and undercut the cavity on that edge. I'll make a more accurate representation after we discuss it some before we start drilling holes.

[tbrannon]

Cool!!

[David Houck]

Yes, that's cool!

[earthling2663]

That control layout looks fine.  I should certainly be able to grab the volume control when I need it.

[mica]

Cool. I let James know about the conrol layout approval, and he'll be able to get the bass back in production.

[earthling2663]

Mica, looking at the control cavity, are we missing a switch?  Two Q switches, the input jack, where's the neck LED switch?
 
I can only assume you put it on there someplace...
 
Let me know.

[mica]

Hi Robert,
 
Here's the mock up for the 12th fret dragonfly:

 
Since this is so much smaller than Charles' dragonfly, some of the detail has been omitted. The body is abalone, eyes 18K gold, and wings of mother of pearl with black fill for veining.  
 
Let us know if you like it!

[earthling2663]

Hi Mica and Susan.  I love it... really.  The only thing is that I'd like it tilted one way or the other so that the A string doesn't cover it all the time.  At an angle, it would always be visible except for what actually passes under the strings.  I'm picturing rotating from where the wings join the body until the lower left wing is just above the fret and the upper right wing is just below the 11th fret.  Then offset it just enough so that his head is not covered by the A string.
 
If you agree, just go ahead and make it.  If not, write or call and we'll discuss.
 
It's a work of art, Susan.  Thank you.
 
rob

[mica]

Here's one thing we were thinking on this change:

 
When you're playing, the dragonfly looks like he's taking off. Let me know if you like this.

[earthling2663]

I absolutely love it.  Tell James to get started immediately.
 
Thanks,
rob