Randy's Custom Clarke Deluxe

[mica]

The other thing different from the standard Signature electronics is the side mounted jack.  
 
Here's some peghead shots:
 

 
Not only are these from the same wood as the body, but these are lucky successive veneers.

[randy]

Hi, Rog:
I only had an idea for a different arrangement of the controls on the body.  Mica walked me through the pros and cons.  The controls on this instrument are the correct ones; of that I am certain.  As for your older catalog and the controls on your instrument, I'd refer you to the experts at Alembic for the correct answer.  Thanks, Randy

[valvil]

Rog,
 
The controls for a signature bass are similar to what is shown here on Randy's bass; the difference is that Randy's bass features one extra volume knob instead of the pan knob which is standard for signature electronics. So what is written on the catalogue Mica sent you is correct. Two tone filters, 2 Q switches, one pan, one volume. Unless you specifically asked for something different, that's what you're gonna get on your dragon bass.
 
Valentino

[rogertvr]

Thanks for your replies.  Two tone, 2 Q, one pan and one volume is exactly what I want on the Dragon.
 
Cheers,
 
Rog

[mica]

Wow, I can't believe I made such a bonehead mistake! The Neck Volume on that drawing is the Master Volume and the Bridge Volume is the Pan
 
Of only I labelled as carfully as I drew lines, there would be less confusion. Sorry about that!

[randy]

Hi, Mica:
Thank you for clarifying the controls' names.  
 
On the knobs, do you have a BLACK METAL version available?  No special design, just rather simple, but metal rather than plastic.  I prefer to understate the knobs, but prefer metal.  I'd be happy to pay additional.  
 
The instrument is looking great.  It is with great anticipation that I wait for a drawing and then photo of the Dove inlay.
 
Thanks again,
Randy

[mica]

We can purchase standard black metal dome knobs for your bass. The plastic knobs we use are quite expensive, so I don't believe there will be any additional charge.
 
Here's the first round of the dove inlay idea:
 

 
The silver outline is meant to convey a sense of flight or motion. We tried with a constant outline width and it had the appearance of a stamp. The bass is ready for the inlay, so it can proceed as soon as we finalize the artwork decision.

[mica]

As you know, your fingerboard is Coco Bolo, the black background in the previous picture is just so you can clearly see the shape.

[randy]

Thank you, Mica, for this rendering of the inlay, but it's not what I'd like - sorry!  The motion that needs to be depicted is DESCENDING.  Your idea gives the impression of forward flight, and the dove itself is not stylized enough for my eye.  I really prefer that we stick with the original design I sent to you dated 4-7-03, with the thin sterling silver line around just the dove itself, rather than the wide silver outline you have.  Unless there is difficulty reproducing what I sent, I'd like it to be as close as possible to what I provided.  I can re-send my idea if you do not have it.
 
Also, the width of the 12th fret position is a little less than one inch (1) - am I correct?  Accordingly, I assume my inlay would need to be approximately 3/4 or so in width, from the tip of the left wing to the tip of the beak, and about one inch (1) in height, from the tip of the right wing to the tip of the tail.  Correct?  
 
And, the inlay would be oriented on the fingerboard so that the audience would see the dove in the upright position (and the player would see it upside-down.)  Correct?
 
Thank you for pointing out that the fingerboard is indeed Cocobolo.
 
On the knobs, sight unseen, I would prefer the black metal ones, unless you think it would be a bad idea.  Just let me know, and I can go either way.
 
Thanks again, Mica.  I look forward to the revised inlay.
Randy

[mica]

Here's a new version of the original artwork you sent:
 

 
This image is oriented so the top edge is where the fingerboard LEDs are installed.  
 
We trimmed some of the raggy, more drawn-looking edges... they didn't translate well to the inlay medium.  
 
As far as the dimensions go, I'll have to verify those figures on Friday as tomorrow will find me at a trade show with my father.

[randy]

Thank you, Mica.  
This is PERFECT!  And, assuming the vertical lines are the frets, I don't need for you to provide the exact dimensions.  This rendering is great and shows it EXACTLY the way I envisioned it. Please express my appreciation to Susan for this.
Thanks again,
Randy

[mica]

Here's the design placed on your fingerboard and scaled properly:
 

 
My finger is pointing to the edge with the LEDs. We're thinking that the dove should not be exactly centered, but slightly toward the LED edge.

[randy]

Thank you, Mica.  
This looks just great.  Please proceed as we discussed.  
Thanks again,
Randy

[mica]

Here it is in the flesh
 

[rogertvr]

Nice!!  :-)