Greetings All,
Here are some comments, updates etc on the various preceeding posts.
On special requests by the customer whether it's for a fingerboard, scale length, wood, body change etc., we try to please the customers desire for the instrument he has proably been thinking about for years. The exceptions to this are when we feel that it will not be a servicable modification i.e. be careful what you wish for, someone might give it to you. My policies regarding this position are based on early experiences with giving some people what they wanted against my better judgement only to have them unhappy with the instrument later and somehow forgetting I tried to disuade them from that path. The result was an unhappy customer and an instrument that has our name on it, the absolute antithesis of what we try to acheive. I have had some customers go to other builders after I have declined a request only to come back at a later date having sold the other bass and order the one recommended previously. Bottomline-If I or Mica say it's not a good idea, it probably isn't.
Yes we worked w/JPJ on that project at his request, I personally never was very keen ot it or the removable magnetic fingerboard project either. I think multi-tasking is best left for other things not instruments.
We have made fingerboards out of other materials all that were mentioned in a previous post. We choose ebony for it sound, durablity and strength. We don't like laquer since it does wear off and looks crappy as Val said. We like the oiled fingerboard as on classical instruments, there is less drag when played and if cared for looks great in 50 years or more.
We did make a few maple fingerboards. In the early 80's John Lodge wanted a Blonde Bass. It was Series II Satinwood top & back, vermilion accent pinstripes, maple core, maple neck with vermilion pinstipes, maple fingerboard, mother of pearl ovals.
Yes we did a few strange requests for my Norwewgian distributor Trond Trufte. One of them was a black instrument that was dragged about the parking lot to give it a road rash look. He wanted it to look like a Harley that had skidded on the pavement.
Rickenbachers? Love 'em, both basses and guitars especially a Rick 12 string guitar. They were a source of inspiration, afterall we are all products of what has come before us to a degree. We just try to find our own path and voice both in instrument making as well as playing dontcha think?
-Susan
