Mica or Val - Standard vs. 3/4 balance and other questions

[bassman10096]

Can anyone help with some information? I'm planning soon to order a Mark King Deluxe with:  
 
5 string  
Medium scale  
Superb Walnut (probably)  
Anniversary electronics  
FatBoy P/Us  
Side LEDs  
Standard or 3/4 omega body (probably with balance option)  
 
I am still struggling a bit on body style and have a few other questions.  
 
1. How wide (at the widest) is a standard (point or omega) body compared to a 3/4 point or omega?  
 
2. Is there an extra charge for the balance point on a full sized standard body? I think the longer horn looks better (in either point or omega style) than the shorter, standard horn. Mica sent my pictures of the new 3/4 balance body being built for Kevin because of balance issues with 5 string neck vs 3/4 omega body. I've only seen the mahogany sample body. Are there any pictures available of the new bass with the top and back in place?  
 
3. Is it possible to get a master volume with Anniversary electronics? If so, what would it cost?  
 
4. I think I read somewhere that you can order a brass tailpiece without the protective coating. Is that right? Can it be produced with a smooth finish instead of out the brushed-looking finish the bird tailpiece on my Spoiler has? Is there an extra cost for no coating?  
 
5. I think I remember Mica writing that side LEDs are now available in blue (as well as the other colors). Am I hallucinating or is there a picture of the blue somewhere?  
 
6. Is the Surface mounted logo with shell cleanable with Flitz? I've been able to carefully clean the bronze logo on my Spoiler without damaging the wood headstock. In the alternative, can the logo with shell be produced in gold plated metal instead of the bronze? If so, how much would that cost?  
 
7.  Are the Superb Walnut samples shown in the Wood Bank the only pieces Alembic has right now?  I've developed an idea of what I'd like and would like to know what the universe of choices really is.
 
Thanks in advance. The fantastic variety of choices Alembic offers makes plotting a custom order a ton of fun. As time passes, my thinking has changed significantly on how the bass will look (wood choice, perhaps body style, electronics, LEDs). But the evolution is definitely getting me closer and closer to something uniquely mine. I'll be there soon...  
 
Peace and happy holidays to all!  
 
Bill  

[mica]

1. The Standard Point/Omega template measures 6-5/8 across the widest point. So add two of these to the 24th fret dimension to get very close to the final width. The 3/4 size is only 5-3/4 each side.
 
2. On a model that comes with the Standard Point, there's no extra charge for the Balance Point. I'll get some pictures of Kevin's new bass posted over the Christmas weekend (I think I've got a moment to breathe on Saturday).  
 
3. It's possible, but you do realize you've asked for the most expensive pot we buy (Series II master volume). To add this to Anniversary electronics is $150.  
 
4. If we don't put the protective coating on the tailpiece, it needs to be buffed out and polished, which is quite time consuming (plus we have to be extra careful not to scratch it before shipping). You're looking at another $150 for this style.  
 
5. They are available, but no photos yet. Valentino has the only finsihed bass with the blues so far. I vote for hallucination.  
 
6. you can clean the surface mounted logo with Flitz safely - it's the same logo. Can't do the shell parts with the gold plating. It's too easy to crack it while doing the inlay. The only other option is to have to logo made from solid gold (our jeweller can do anything from 14k-24k). Price is market price, so it depends on when you buy it.
 
7. Heavens no - we have scads more. it's all that I have photographed and inventoried. The examples are fairly representative of the typical range of figures. If you're looking for something special, just describe it and I'll see if we can't find just the right piece.  
 
Let me know what other questions develop.

[bassman10096]

Mica:
 
As always, you answered all my questions.  Thanks for taking time in the midst of the holiday rush.  You guys really are great.  
 
Believe it or not, after only two Emails and 3 phone calls, I'm ready to make the final couple of decisions before ordering my bass.  Thanks again for all your patience and help - it's been an education and a pleasure.  I'm looking forward to working with you folks in '04 to create a really great bass.
 
Happy holidays.
 
Bill