Ummm... that black looks nice indeed. Don't know about the fat kid though . Did you buy that Rogue? Very nice piece.
 
Anyway, back to my hardware... how long do I have to change my mind to black if I so desire? Can I wait til the bass has finish on it so I can see how the top looks? I'm ignorant about how far into the process the hardware gets machined.
 
Dave

Dave,
 
Since I actually saw and played that bass (no purchase, in the interest of marital harmony ), I can wholeheartedly say that black hardware looks lovely, and it would go well with your ebony.
 
Bradley

When the bass gets the sealer coats is the perfect time to decide if you want the hardware plated or not. We generally will do a preset about half way through the finishing process. This consists of levelling and fretting the fingerboard if there's no plated hardware.  
 
If there's hardware to be plated, the setup is completed, with the bridge and nut slotted. Inlaid logo would go in at this time too. Once the bass is back in spray for the rest of the finish, the hardware is prepped and buffed for plating. We send the hardware to one of the platers and it will usually show up before the bass is rubbed out so it doesn't cause a delay in delivery.

Well it is designated for chrome plating, so the process wouldn't change much I suppose, just color plating.

I've got the hardware finish noted as TBA after customer sees bass with sealer so we won't send it to the chrome plater.

Perfect.

Mica,
 
I posted a question about this on Jeff's custom but I figured I should put it in my own thread!
 
http://club.alembicguitars.net/Images/631/34389.html?1174063553
 
Not a change really... I have my bass spec'd for a vermillion accent laminate framed in maple veneers. I still want that (to coordinate with my neck). From what I understand, with age the vermillion will turn more brown and look similar to the mahogany. Is it possible (assuming production hasn't passed this point) to select the body and accent woods for maximum contrast so to speak, so that as the woods age and the contrast becomes less pronounced, one can still see a difference between the mahogany and vermillion? I hope my question makes sense.

If the sandwich is:
 
Mac Eb top
Maple veneer
Vermilion accent
Maple veneer
Mahogany body
 
Then there will be a very distinctive line between the Vermilion and the Mahogany like on the Raging Bass (different woods, but similar concept).
 
So initially, I don't see a problem with contrast as the bass ages, unless I've misunderstood your concern. Let me know.

Yes that is the sandwich & concept. Cool. I just wanted to be sure that the accent wouldn't end up looking the same as the mahogany body with age. Thanks for the response.

The Vermilion will wind up looking a bit darker than the Mahogany, even years down the road. The piece we've got for the body is not super dark to begin with. I'll be adding a photo to the build record shortly.