Small standard omega

[bigideas]

i've been looking at Randy's small standard omega and thinking that thing sure looks like a manta ray. or maybe a butterfly. so here's a question; what kind of wood and other touches would make that body style look more like either of those animals (is a butterfly an animal?)

[the_mule]

I've seen some fabulous pieces of Superb Walnut that have a radiating effect, with different colours and patterns like the wings of a butterfly, and Coco Bolo has so many grain varieties that it shouldn't be to hard to find a piece that suits you. As for the manta ray, massacar ebony might do the trick. And why shouldn't a butterfly be an animal? I can't fit it into another category. Insects are animals too, although some animals are more equal than others... ;-)

[David Houck]

Randy's bass is a very nice looking bass; and I do see how it brings to mind a Manta Ray.

[bigideas]

see that's what i was wondering about, is an insect in the animal kingdom? i guess so. i'd thought about the macassar ebony for the manta, that would be interesting. for a butterfly idea i was thinking something with really strong separations in it. possibly a high grade zircote or madagascar rosewood, but those might be aweful dark. an option might be to start with a dark top (ebony, wenge, or something) and then inlay chunks of brighter figured woods into it.

[bkbass]

What about a grafted walnut?3/4 of the work could automatically be done for you and it will look more natural and visually flow more evenly.

[David Houck]

This may help:
http://www.npwrc.usgs.gov/resource/distr/lepid/bflyusa/thumb/thumb.htm

[flaxattack]

well i am breaking down and beginning to work with mica on a custom rogue- but- i am incorporating the small omega shape- i think it is beauteous