Thank you all, as it is nice to be back.  I certainly did miss this place and you all.  
As for the family scene, I was born the youngest from a bad gene pool.  My mother and I seem completely different from my father and my siblings.  Well, my dealings with that side of the family are finished now.  Luke, there is another - Ahhh!!!!!  Anyway, I am the farthest point I can be away from them, and still be in America.  I learned early on that blood don't make family, one's heart does.  OK, back on my Prozac schedule.  No more slip ups!

Hey nigel, family are family and we've all got good and bad ones. take solace in the fact that you have one of the most beautiful basses I've ever seen.
 
graeme

Nigel:
 
Well I just LOVE those 20th's.  There's a spare elegance of the clear maple with the purple heart as a 'pinstripe' around the body, and tracing the circle inside the Omega.  I'm a big maple guy, so they are just right down my alley . . .
 
(Bob, I guess you've since seen my return . . .)
 
As a Prozac 'veteran', I heartily agree with staying on your schedule.  However, since ProZ has such a long 'half-life' (almost a month to completely clear out of your system), you don't get the roller coaster of emotions some of my friends get with some other SSRI's, most notably Effexor:  Miss one of those, and you're going for a ride pretty damn quick.
 
Someday, if popular demand requires, I'll tell  my Prozac story.
 
Good to Have You Back,  
 
J o e y

Hey Nigel:  I can relate to your remarks on family.  I have one of those, too (believe me!).  This summer's entertainment resulted in one young member going to jail (potentially for a long time).  Living far, far away is a great coping mechanism (I count on it!).  Don't let it get to ya'.  
 
I respected your remarks above, but my regard for you is based on all your comments and remarks (which I appreciate) - not one (understandably) bad day. Good to have you back.    
 
Bill
 
(Message edited by bassman10096 on September 18, 2004)

Nigel:
 
I've looked in on this thread from time to time just to gawk at the amazing bass you have. I'm a maple fan too, and yours is a beaut! Glad you're back.
 
I can understand your position regarding the remarks, my dad died Memorial Day morning, out of the blue and with no warning of any kind. News like that really knocks the wind out of your sails. You certainly have my sympathies.
 
Take care,
 
Reid

Thanks guys for the understanding and kind words.  I sincerely appreciate them.  I know I am not alone in having a slightly 'different' kind of family than all the 1950's prime time shows depicted.  Thanks for sharing.  Hey Joey.  If you are into telling of your Prozak story, I will certainly be interested in hearing it.
 
Speaking of family members.  I just lost one.  No one will come here to 'gawk' at my bass any more.  They will be gawking at Ed's (oggydoggy) new bass.  I feel assured that he will love this bass as much as I have.  I am packing her up today and shipping her to Ed tomorrow.  Not a perfect bass, but it surely has the most perfect neck on it.  She's all yours Ed.
 
Thomas K. Shaw

Since early September this wonderful bass has been residing in Texas, much to the pleasure of the new owner, that would be me.
It's in great shape for a fifteen year old, thanks Nigel. Absolutely the best neck ever.
If only it had side LEDs to go with the omega, neck laminates and electronics...ah, that would be too much.
 
 
Wait, no it wouldn't. That would be perfect.
 
 
Mike

Michael:
 
Quilted maple is so 3 dimensionally yummy!  
 
As far as side LEDs, if you don't know about them already, you should search this site for hotdotz.  Side LEDs for about $50-$75. I believe.  Everyone that has tried 'em seems to like 'em.  I'm planning on putting a set on an old Fernandes I have when I get it back from my guitar tech (where it is essentially being Alembicized).
 
Bill, tgo
 

Hey Mike:
 
I am extremely pleased you love this bass and it is in such a good home.  It is an outstanding bass.  The Hotdotz seem like a very good way to put LEDs on her for less than a grand, and are removable, if you don't like em.  The price sure seems inviting!  Have fun and take care.

Bill - I've followed the Hotdotz thread. I'm waiting to see if there will be any follow-on performance posts...they do look like an nice affordable option. I had LEDs on a prior Alembic, they're terrific.
 
Tom - The bass is great, plays beautifully and the balance issue is just about kicked in the butt. Thanks for your emails; they've been helpful.
 
take care,
Mike
 
I know you've seen it before, but I can't help myself...
 
 

Had some some extra time at work today, as if you couldn't tell, and cruise thru and saw this bass. Played it on a few occasions.
 
Still one of my favorites. The current owner is OK too.  
 
OO