Randy's Custom Clarke Deluxe

[mica]

Hey Randy! Here's those pictures we discussed last night.  The neck with rough shaping:

  The body in the clamps:

 Of course you can't see how we got the top and back out of the same piece (#3120), but I'll show you some more photos next week.   Should be routed on Thursday with the regular group. Final carving will be Friday and hopefully we'll get it in the spray run that afternoon. If not, the finish will start on Monday. After a few coats, I'll be able to give you a better estimate for the completion date.  Please feel free to call or email with any questions and hope you have a good weekend.

[mica]

I knew I had a parts picture for you. Here's a shot before anything got glued up:
 

 
The template is in the picture too - you can see how it's shaped slightly different with the Omega tips.

[randy]

Thank you, Mica.

[mica]

Hey Randy,
 
Here's the back view after thicknessing and ready for routing:
 

 
I'm still getting used to my new camera, the pictures of the front turned out awful, so I'll snpa off a couple more early next week.
 
Anyway, I think it's looking great from any view.

[randy]

Thank you, Mica.  I'm anxious to see more.

[randy]

Mica, I'm anxiously awaiting the other images of the body's front, neck front and back, and headstock front and back.  I want to be certain that all is what I am expecting before it is too late for revisions, if necessary.  I'll be on the lookout for your additional photos.  Thank you.

[mica]

front and back in spray, after prepping for the next coat:  

 

  I'll snap some more and get the peghead front and back for you hopefully before Bob preps. You can see so much more when the paint is still shiny!

[randy]

Hi, Mica:
It appears that the holes have already been drilled for the controls on the top of the body.  In a previous message, I mentioned a specific layout I had in mind for the controls, and you answered there was plenty of time to discuss and design this. I assume it is too late - correct? Also, what is the status of the Dove inlay at the 12th fret?  Again, it is my understanding that we would review this before the actual application.  I look forward to your response,  
Randy

[mica]

Sorry for the oversight on the control layout, but as you can see, they are already drilled. If you require an alternate layout, you'll need to select another top and back for a new construction. Please let me know your thoughts on this.  
 
The dove inlay will be done very near the end of the process, when only 2-3 more coats of finish are needed. I discussed the inlay with James on Monday, and he agrees with me that in order to get a silver ouline around the dove we'll actually inlay the shell into a sterling silver sheet, then trim the sheet to leave a border around the dove, then inlay that into the fingerboard. Originally we were considering wrapping a silver wire around it, but we don't think that will come out as nicely.
 
So even though you can't tell there are no inlays on the fingerboard under the tape, I can assure you the fingerboard is indeed blank. I will post a mock up of the artwork based on the design you sent to me and we can review the concept together before we actually do the inlay. I've also asked James to check with me before starting the inlay in case there are any last-minute changes.

[randy]

Mica, I've emailed you via regular channels.  I await your reply.  Randy

[randy]

Hi, Mica:
Can you please tell me where each control goes in this configuration?  And particularly, where does the LED on/off switch go?  The output jack is sidemounted, correct?
 
What type of control knobs will you use?  Color and material?
 
I'm anxious to see the Cocobolo on the peghead front and rear, when you have the opportunity to post the photos.  I trust it was from the same piece as the body?
 
Sounds great on the inlay.  I'll wait to hear from you on that.
 
Thanks for everything,
Randy

[mica]

The control layout drilled is the standard Signature layout except for the side mounted jack:
 

 
The hole for the LED switch is drilled in the setup room and its position is indicated on the picture, but it is not yet drilled.  
 
The knobs were not specificed on your order, so the normal black plastic collet knob would be used unless you tell me you want something else.  
 
I will take photos of the peghead tonight after the spray run, they are already prepped and not much to look at right now.

[rogertvr]

That is looking like one mighty fine instrument!!
 
Can I ask a question please?  Are the electronics on this bass standard signature electronics?
 
Rog

[randy]

Hi, Rog:
Yes, the electronics are Signature, with the addition of Fat Boy pickups.  Thanks for your message, Randy

[rogertvr]

That layout there is interesting - in the Alembic catalogue I have here from 2000 (that Mica sent to me last year), the electronics layout is detailed as master volume and pan, two low-pass filters and two 2-position Q-switches.  That's not what's written on that control layout picture above.
 
As my Dragon's Wing is based on a Mark King Signature Deluxe, could someone or Mica please clarify what the electronics layout is for me please?  Or have things changed since this catalogue was published?
 
What were you expecting for controls Randy?
 
Cheers,
 
Rog