Here's some pictures of the neck right off the press:  

 

 The Purpleheart is not terribly distinct from the Pau Ferro, but I suspect it will show a bit more contrast when the paint hits it.   More pics soon!

Oh yeah!!!!  I can't wait.  I think the purpleheart will also look more defined when the paint hits it as well, Mica.  I even have a guitar hanger ready and waiting for our new baby:  

 

  I am drool with anticipation!  I really can't wait to see the brushed finish on the hardware!

Looks like the new bass will be in excellent company!  Here's something to tide you over:  

 

 

  I got lucky on Tuesday and caught Tony carving your neck:

   Hope you like!

I should also point out that the Redwood will really darken up a bit with the paint.

Cool!!!  I love the color of the redwood!  I have a couple of questions about this though:
 
1.  Sustain block - It appears the routing for this is missing.
 
2.  Pickups - it appears to be routed for MXY pickups, and it's supposed to be dual fatboys.
 
I will give you a shout later today.  I am on vacation in Michigan, and had to find a computer to check out the pictures.
 
Thanks Mica!

Wow!!!!  The first computer I used had AOL and the pictures were not very clear, but I managed to get my laptop connected, and Holy Sh!^$%#$%$!!!!  Look at that burly goodness!  The neck is looking very good too!!!  I am definitely going to give you a call today.
 
I hope it's not too late to get the sustain block and pickups that I originally ordered put in.  I hate to have that beautiful wood routed more, but all for the quest of tone!!!
 
Also, if you get a chance, can I get a hippie sandwich shot so I can see all of the laminates?  Your mom said that the Excel had some new contouring as well, can you point that out to me?
 
Thanks Mica!

Got your phone message, I left you a voicemail. I've made the corrections (at least bothwere for bigger  things, so the impact on construction is truly minimal.  
 
The new contour is a slight elbow carving. That doesn't happen until the neck and body are joined when Tony does the final carving.  
 
Glad you got to see the pictures on a better computer - the bass is simply gorgeous, and like I said earlier, just wait until the paint hits it (will be in the spray run no later than July 7).

 
 
 [Delete this line and type your message here]
 
 

OOoops!  I tried to reply to the message via email and screwed up.  Anyways, I am back home, and thank you for the piece of the leftover wood from the neck.  I will definitely keep it as a paper weight or something on my desk!  I will take any other chunks if you got em :-)!!!!!
 
Mica, when you have time, and take more shots, can we arrange for you to email me some blown up images?
 
I am sitting here, drooling in anticipation!!!!

Mica, any update?  I know you said the bass was supposed to hit the paint room around the 7th, but haven't seen anything lately.  I will probably give you a call tomorrow to see how the new baby is coming.

Well, I heard that my baby is in the spray department, looking quite sexy.  Come on Mica, through a guy a bone!

Yeah! Throw us all a bone! Let us all drool over the sexy Excel! ;-)

Your bass has been setup for the plating and is now back in spray.  
 

 
We got the sample of the brushed nickel finish. It looks cool, a little more industrial than the polished. It's not very matte, still has a good shine. Stil probably a couple weeks till you get to play it, but we're in the home stretch now.

To me, this defines bookmatch to center. Doing anything else with this wood, would be a crime. Wow.
 
I'm also anxious to see the brushed nickel (this is where we were earlier talking about a satin stainless finish, right?).

Mica, all I can say is....  Oh my.  Wow, I'm amazed.  The top is just gorgeous!  I expected it to be a little more red in color, but even this way, wow!  The extra accent laminates are definitely a nice touch, and I can see the difference in the pau ferro and purpleheart in the neck, even though the picture does really show it too well.  It's a great looking piece of art, kudos to you, and I can't wait to touch this thing for the first time.
 
Bob, yes, this is the one we originally talked about brushed stainless steel, but I decided against it due to the extreme cost involved.  I am also eager to see the hardware.
 
Mica, can you post a picture of the hardware when it comes back?
 
I will say it again, this is the reason I will never ever buy another brand of bass ever again.