I like the original design you posted (from the 29 Oct post) the most.  Please use this one.  Thanks.

Mike will get started on the pickguard today.

Here it is!
 

 
But of course now we want to change things. Mike thinks (and I agree) that this would look best without any screws holding it on, meaning, we'd permanently glue it in place (except the truss rod cover of course).  
 
Also, one thing we didn't think about was the knobs that are mounted on the Maple. These will either ride higher than the other knobs by thickness of the Maple or we'll need to cut holes big enough for the skirts of the knobs so the caps all wind up at the same height. I don't know if you have a preference, I think either way will look good.  
 
So to review, we need from you:  
1. Yay or nay on gluing the Maple in place, and
2. Knob heigh preference

First of all, the bass is beautiful!  If it isn't too much trouble, could I also get a picture of the Cocobolo on the back?
 
1) I would like the maple to be glued in place
2) I would like all of the knobs to be the same height (drill the larger holes for the knobs)
 
Many thanks!!

WOW!

Mica, I just had the bass sent by UPS on Tuesday March 11.  I also noticed some damage done to the case (it wasn't immediately apparent because I was so concerned about my bass).  One of the casters looks like it has been pushed into the body of the bass; the latches also do not line up properly.  I will also send you an email with more details.  
Thanks,
Jon

OK thanks. I'm looking forward to repairing the shipping damage and getting this bass back in your hands. We'll be looking for it and your email.

Ok, y'all, what gives?  You can't post this teency little bit of info and not give us the whole story.
 
I understand how traumatizing it can be.  Sharing does help.  We're here for you.......
 
C-Ya........wayne

Jon-
incase you dont know- Wayne is from the been there done that DAMAGED section of the club- members of that club have had the misfortune of damage harming their axes in transit-Wayne put us all through a bad case of damaged custom Alembic trama with pictures he posted of a decapitated alembic (I am getting teary eyed here)But then he came back with another beautiful custom that left us all drooling and jealous-
hopefully your axe is fairing better than a complete head chop.

The Omega tip on the left body wing broke off of the body during shipment.  Thankfully, the break was very clean (which is why I didn't notice the damage immediately after opening the shipping box & case, it took a few minutes).  I would have posted pictures a while ago, but I didn't want everyone to see a damaged Alembic.  

Hell ...is it something that happens often, those transport damages? BTW: I truly like to hear about it. Can you imagine we in EU ordering an Alembic with such a risk at hand??

I received the bass last week.  Perfect timing; I returned the day before.  It took me a week to actually plug it in and test it out (while Alembic basses are the best, I hadn't seen my daughter in two months).  The bass both looks and sounds outstanding.  Thanks to Mica and everybody in the shop, I can't even tell there was any damage.

Glad you received the bass (and the new case) in good order. I could not detect the repair either, and I am darned picky about such things.  
 
Damage like this is really quite rare, but the omega tips are considerably more fragile than the point body shape. Any time you ship an instrument, there is a risk for damage, but that is why we pack things very well and insure it to the max.