that is one sweet piece of maple

Mica,
 
   Thanks for the update.  Looking forward to the mockups.  Any idea on when my bass will be done?
 
Flax,
 
    Yes, it is a nice piece of wood ... great blend of quilt and bird's eye.  Chip picked it out and I agreed to it.
 
Alan

Mica,
 
   Any updates?  
 
Thanks,
 
Alan

Alan, check your email for a file too large to post here. In the last month since we spoke, I've gotten a few things done on the project.

Alan, check your email for a file too large to post here. In the last month since we spoke, I've gotten a few things done on the project.

Mica,
 
    I've sent a reply, and I've also asked Oliver B. for his advice as he's the most knowledgeable guy I know on JE and his Alembics.  More to follow.
 
Thanks,
 
Alan

I also sent Oliver an email yesterday - we're on the same page!

Well, as they say, great minds think alike! ;-)
 
Alan

Mica,
 
    Any news?
 
Thanks,
 
Alan

Hi Alan,
 
I've spent a good deal of time on the project and artwork since our last emails and initial mock up a in mid-Feb. Oliver sent me some better pictures than I had, and confirmed the sharps and flats were really there!  
 
Then, I found a photocopy of the actual inlays in the bass. We didn't take a picture, but the strings were loosened and the bass was placed right on the glass of the old Xerox to get some images. These were really great to get some of the details.  
 
What I found was the inlays were not up to the standards that we have now. Even Oliver agrees that especially the sharp symbols were pretty poorly done. This won't be true for yours!
 
I think you'll see a full mockup by the 28th. One thing I haven't heard back from you - do you want the joke note replicated, or do you want all the proper notes in their proper places?

This is exciting.  I can't wait to see this!

Mica,
 
   Any news?
 
Thanks,
 
Alan

The post-op care took a little more attention than I thought, so dreams of working on custom inlays during that time didn't materialize. I'm probably not going to get to dedicate time to the final drawings until next week. I found some photocopies of one of the basses with the notes. We detuned the bass, and put the thing right on the photocopier! Answered all my nagging questions, so I think you'll be really happy with the result.

Mica,
 
    Thanks, I can't wait to see it.
 
    Hope all is well on the home front, and as usual, that takes precedence over everything.  Best wishes from Julie and I.
 
Thanks,
 
Alan

Maj. D.,  
 
That's a real beaut! Lot's o'luck with it.
 
Cheers,
 
Kevin