Don,
sorry to de-rail your post, happens a lot around here.... but if you seriously coinsider the Orion, you might want to invistigate if the coco bolo option applies. Sometimes the discounts on the exotic woods don't apply to set necks. On the other hand, I believe coco bolo is the standard top on a Europa. But the Europa costs more than the standard MK. Geez, this does get confusing, eh? And the new Balance K bodies look especially appealing. Not making this any easier for you, i think i'll go away for a bit.
back again....
I think I've seen a coco bolo topped Orion with Sig electronics in the showcase. Wasn't that Pastor Scott's?
Back to Bob's post - he makes a point about the costs of loading up on special features like woods and body styles that then depreciate once you take delivery. But if this is a bass you intend to own for a number of years I think it's worth it if you know before hand that you'll likely never recover the majority of the original purchase price. And can face the possibility of nicks and dings to a gigging bass. Obviously my 20th has some years on it , it's been well taken care of (thanks, poor nigel), and it has some scars, but it's also a bass that begs to be played in venues other than the spare room in your house. Perversely, it's a relief to have those don't bang my new car jitters out of the way and languished over by someone other than me.
take care
Mike
