You probably weren't expecting pictures before your visit, but like I told you on the phone today, we were gonna bust through the backplates so we can tackle the control layout next week.
 

 
OK, so it's only one picture. Next week, final carve and a sealer coat.

You're right Mica, I wasn't expecting pictures, so thanks for the nice surprise!! I can't wait to see it in person next week!!

Looking Good Rusty! Have fun on the visit!

Yeah enjoy your trip and of course let's see some pictures of what's going on there.  
 
Jazzyvee

In 24 hours I get to see my bass in person! Yes, there will be many pictures to post! I can't wait!!

That's great, but IMO, there's waaay too much awesome-ness going on here to be captured by a humble camera...

I agree David! Pictures NEVER do Alembic's justice even in the construction phase! I will have my video camera also to capture the streaming awesomeness! LOL!

I got to see my Europa today! Words can't describe how AMAZING it looks even at this stage, & pictures don't begin to do it justice, but here's a few anyways! Mica had them finish carving the neck & body & put a sealer coat on it so I could see the figuring in the wood & even with just one coat of sealer that wasn't sanded or glossy, the 3D quilting was incredible! I can't wait to see this with the final high gloss finish! Thank you Mica, Susan, & all the workers who took time out of their day to talk to me & show me their magic!! This is going to be a REALLY special bass!!  

 The neck is PERFECT! Thin & slim just like I wanted it!  

 The backside may even be prettier than the front! I LOVE the neck laminates!  

 Continuous wood back plates look amazing!  

 I LOVE the Knobby headstock!  

 Mica & I came up with a control layout that I like & will fit in the cavity.  I shot some video too but haven't had a chance to edit it. I'll post it if it turned out any good.

Wow Rusty that looks a seriously good bass. The back quilting especially looks like rippled silk and the neck looks very slim compared to a regular alembic 5 stringer.
What is the weight like at this stage without all the brass hardware etc?
 
Looks like it will be a stunner.
 
Jazzyvee

Killer quilt, Rusty!

Really, really beautiful.  Loving the maple top and this is one of my favorite neck recipes.  The neck lams and that accent veneer in the body really, really look nice.  
 
Curious to see how that vermillion looks once it gets hit with that blueburst.

Rusty , That looks great !

Incredible, wow! Thanks so much for the pics.

Jazzyvee, I was surprised how light the bass is right now. It weighs maybe 5 pounds? My wife even held it with no effort.

Toby, the back of my neck won't have the blueburst, I want to keep it natural all the way through the body. So they are going to tape it off when they spray the body halves.