The color is very close to the color of the Myrtle top wood of this bass, a very slightly green tinged tan. It's not for everyone, but I'm sure it will be something that is perfect for some instruments. I think I would like to see some Mahogany knobs to keep the serene look. There is nothing wrong with vanilla, unless you like chocolate (or peppermint, like me!).
Caramel, well, there is a bit of a debate on the exact color. The original color was pretty close to the tan color here (perhaps more of a diaper color if you catch my drift). During the 1973 oil embargo, the source of the raw materials changed, and the color took on a deeper, reddish hue. Of course, now, years later, the colors have all aged. I'm still trying to create a color similar to a Kraft caramel (search Google images if you aren't familiar with this confection). I will certainly announce once I achieve it!
The fingerboard on the bass pictured above is Ebony. All instruments in finish have the fingerboard protected with masking tape.
Clear Amber pickups had the shield in wrapped copper tape. We also had some clear purple pickups, I have a few in my collects of odds and ends.
