Amazing! Looks like it was chiseled from stone.
 
Jonathan

As a lover of exotic woods, I thought that I owned one of the nicest pieces of Amboyna burl in the form of an Elie Bleu humidor (stores cigars and keeps them fresh), that is, until I saw this incredible piece of art. Congratulations Tom on Pele, the soon-to-be Alembic goddess.

Thanks Simon, Tom, Jonathan, and Jeff.  Your kind thoughts are greatly appreciated.  I agree with you Jeff about the art aspect.  After seeing the guitar in its current state I am going to have a hard time justifying playing it once I get it home.  But I'll find a way I'm sure.
 
Due to the stunning nature of the outcome of the guitar, I had to dress her up with some custom knobs and an inlay.  She's too pretty not to add a bit more mojo.  And is that Pele's heart I see just under the bridge in the figuring of the wood?  
 
Justin, I haven't a clue with regard to the tone.  I was hoping for visual impact, and of course they delivered way beyond my expectations.   I'm assuming with the Mahogany body it will be pretty standard, but who knows?  Since I added the inlay, and there's a long line in front of me, it's going to take a little while to find out.  But I sure haven't been playing much guitar with my new bass around.  Can't put it down.  I can't wait to see yours.
 
Thanks again all!
 
Tom

I have to say that, generally, I'm wary of burled wood because it can be hit or miss IMHO.
 
However, I think that is one of the most beautiful tops I've ever seen on any instrument ever.
 
Tom you're a very lucky man, and Mica and company are just amazing crafters.

Tom:
 
HOLY CRIPES!!!!!  Absolutely INCREDIBLE wood!  Front and BACK too??!!!!!  I want one, I want one, I want one!!!!!  I'm going to make a point of stopping in just to see it in person the next time I'm driving up 101.  I'm almost speechless (typeless?).  WOW!  You lucky dog.  
 
Bill, tgo

Thanks Bill.  No back lam, just covers.  I'd love to hear your comments if you get a chance to stop by.

Tom:
 
I stopped by Alembic today on my way back from court in Santa Rosa.  I made it a point to check out your axe.  All I can say is WOW!!!!  (Oh yeah, I aleady said that).  How about incredibly amazingly outstanding?  Of course that is still an understatement.  It hadn't even been buffed out yet, but it still is one of the most gorgeous pieces of wood I have ever seen.  You must have huge deposits in your bank account of karma to have this instrument come into your life.  You're gonna love it!
 
Bill, tgo

Thanks for checking on it Bill.  Much appreciated.  The anticipation grows every day.
 
Tom

What does amboyna smell like?  I am curious because I found out the hard was that zebrawood smells like urine when cut.

I read that it actually has a pleasant aroma when cut.  You'd have to ask them for sure.

I recently drilled the holes for the switches, and I've still got the aroma lingering in my memory.  
I'd call it a masculine aroma, heavy on the creamy notes, almost similar to a Thai iced tea. Dark and warm with light hints of tobacco and perhaps a camphoric spice. Not so much sweet as savory and creamy.  
While I'd like to compare it to other scents of freshly hewn wood such as cocobolo or Madagascar rosewood, it's very unique. If I was forced to relate it to another wood, I'd say it has muffled tones of paduak.
-Pete

Hi Peter,
 
for anyone who is wondering, Peter is our carver these days and a very good one at that.
 
Valentino

Wow, how about that for a precise description!  
Did you, by chance, previously write for the J. Peterman catalog?  
 
(Sorry, silly Seinfeld reference; couldn't resist)
 
Nice work, Peter. Stunning, Tom, best of luck.
Chris

Thanks Chris.
 
I agree with your comments to Peter.   My thanks to him as well for his synopsis and his craftsmanship.  
 
Tom

Hi Pete!!  Welcome to the board!!