Thanks for taking a look and for the kind words.
If memory serves, Phil's short scale 6-string is cocobolo. Geez, it's pretty, it's light and it's really small! Mica and I discussed his technique and preferred gauges, and how his light touch makes the low B work so well on something like this. I can't wait to see and hear the finished instrument.
Sorry for the lack of photos. There is of course no good way to capture conversation with a still camera. Every time I interact with the Wickersham/Thomas clan I am welcomed into the fold and find myself smiling a big smile because I know these are my people, if that makes sense.
One of my brothers (the only one who doesn't play bass) has a couple of Kawasaki KX500 2-stroke dirt bikes. I can imagine the rush of blasting down desert tracks on that thing. I can also imagine never getting all of the cactus spines out of my elbows and shins. That must have been fun, Keith!
Paul, I'm running the Heidenau K60. I got something like 12k miles out of a rear tire, which is kind of a little bit incredible for a dual-sport motorcycle tire, particularly on a big bike. I'm pleased, to say the least, but I can also say that they don't hook-up very well in a wet hayfield and there's no way I'll ever be able to catch my brother in the field or woods on the KX500 with full knobbies. I will keep trying though.
My sister has been bitten by brown recluse a bunch of times. She says the secret is to not scratch it and it will bruise a bit then heal eventually. I got a bite and I'm confident it was a brown recluse. It bruised and itched like the dickens, but I didn't scratch it and it has mostly disappeared at this point. Count me as not a fan.
I rediscovered motorcycles a little more than a decade ago. It's been a very good thing and I've serendipitously met a multitude of fine people because of it. It might be the best way to travel.
John
