Holy Batman, what a tailpiece! The rest of the bass ain't so bad, neither! ;-)
 
Reid

*gasp*  
 
*jaw drop*  
 
*DROOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOL*  
 
Val, this thing is just amazing. Absolutely, stunningly beautiful. And that dark cocobolo... it's *the* top-wood of my dreams.
 
I think there's no need to congratulate you - you're probably so much in love with your new-born beauty you don't care much about congrats... ;-) But congratulations anyway!!!
 
Man, I'm envious...
 
(Message edited by basstard on October 30, 2004)

Thanks everybody,  
 
Mike, the saddles are indeed ebony and so is the nut.  
I actually have a second bridge and a second nut both gold plated brass.  
 
Kai, the bridge has curved rails and recessed hardware.  
The bridge block is there and, as you suspected, it is covered by a veneer of coco bolo.  
 
Paul I know this shape is not your cup of tea, but that's ok, I certainly do not expect everyone to like it. As long as I do everything else is secondary  
I ended up choosing maple/purpleheart/ebony  for the neck and I am very happy with the result; the sound is all I was hoping for and more. James did his usual outstanding job with the set-up and the logo inlay, and made the ebony saddles and the nut. This bass almost plays itself. The electronics are series II with no master volume.
 
I am really stoked about the tailpiece among other things; the bottom part is ebony, the top gold plated brass. Mike did a great job of turning my sketches into a workable tailpiece, and Susan's counsel was invaluable as always.  
Reid, the Batman idea is one that generally comes up when discussing the tailpiece; another favorite is the Klingon one.  
 
Bill, you 're right, how could they have forgotten that?  Heads will roll...  
 
 
Valentino
 
(Message edited by valvil on October 30, 2004)

Absolutely, positively, the most stunning fretless bass (sorry Rami) that I have ever seen. That tailpiece is magnificent and all that continous Coco Bolo is a wonder to behold.  
 
Another unreal creation...definetely makes my 'top 5 greatest Alembics ever' list.  
 
Congrats, Val...play in good health.
Chris

This is one of the coolest Alembics I've ever seen...guitar or bass! The ebony saddles are a great touch.
 
Sean

valentino, that is one of the most beautiful musical instruments i have ever seen.  it is truly a masterpiece
 
play it in good health

i'm trying to find words, but i'm stumped...
 
i'm gonna go with brilliant, wonderful, beautiful, and amazing... but those seem a little weak.