Well, pictures throughout the finish process don't show too much changes, but here is the guitar with all the finish, ready for rubout:  
 

 
Considering the workload in the rubout and setup departments, I'm estimating we'll be shipping this guitar next week.  
 
(Message edited by mica on October 20, 2003)

WOW an October birthday!Exciting!!
Thanks Mica

It's probably already at German Village Music Haus, but here's your guitars all dressed up:
 

I have it!  I am more than pleased!  Thanks Mica and to everyone that worked on this instrument.  

Really nice!
It's so essential as a guitardesign and so complete at the same time. I guess it's that superb wood design.
Enjoy the playing!
 
 
Paul the bad one

I have been enjoying it all weekend.  It's wonderful.  I let a friend of mine see it.  He's a devoted fan of another bass company.  We often engage in friendly debates concerning Alembic and the other company.  After seeing the Skylark he had to admit that it is beautiful.  We went to the guitar shop because he was considering the purchase of another of the brand name that he currently owns.  He said that he was unimpressed with the bass after seeing the skylark.  He didn't get to hear it!!  I think he finally realizes that I haven't been playing Alembics for over ten years for nothing.  Still I don't think he'll ever switch.  

That is a nice looking guitar. The walnut really looks great when its carved like that. I was playing a Skylark not too long ago and I was speaking to my friend about what it would be like with walnut or coco bolo instead of the flame maple painted look, from the looks of yours its clear that the walnut makes a great top on these. Congrats on the guitar. Cant go wrong with a custom Alembic.

Thanks for the positive vibes guys.  I am excited and proud to own this guitar.  It is well worth the wait.  I'm glad that I got what I wanted and not settled for what was available.  It makes me feel good about the purchase.  All Alembics are noteworthy, but custom Alembics are a wonderful thing.