Finally! The perfect piece of wood for your project:  

 From a distance, you can see the nice distribution of Birds-eyes and the nice gently quilted pattern  

 Up close, you can see the Birds-eyes are nice and dimensional.   It's very hard to find a piece of wood this wide (10 onches) that is clear of defects and mineral deposits (those grey and brown streaks).

Mica, Susan,
many many thanks for this great news!
I already knew that it is most difficult to find a big enough piece of Bird?s Eye Maple for my Dragon Wing. Wow, the wait was worth it. This piece is really gorgeous. I think it will be a great Dragon Wing in classic JE style!
I am really eager to see it developing!
Many thanks and many greetings to you all!
 
Oliver (Spyderman)

Wow, nice piece, and the second pic is great; such incredibly fine detail in the wood. Congratulations, Oliver, John would be proud........

Chris,
many thanks for your kind words. After my two Spyders I thought a Dragon Wing in the classic JE Spyder style would be great. Of course not the spiderwebs, I have them already on my Spyders. But the classic bird?s eye maple top and back, the vintage amber color, same electronics than on my Spyders, dummy hum canceller, big hat knobs and pickup selector and master vol on the front lower horn. What do you think?
Oliver (Spyderman)

Ollie,
 
   I'm jealous already!  That's a beautiful piece of wood for what is undoubtedly going to be a beautiful bass.
 
   Now, where did I leave my checkbook and Alembic order form ....
 
Best regards,
 
Alan

Oliver, what do I think about your plans? I think Ausgezeichnet!
On a sentimental note, it's funny how the Bird's Eye Maple figuring almost resembles teardrops, which many of us shed following John's passing. A fitting tribute, indeed....
Best of luck with this project!
Chris

Oliver,
Classy concept.  Very cool.  It's going to be awesome.
John

Susan,Mica,Val,
 
any updates on my Dragon Wing?
 
Many greetings and many thanks
 
Oliver (Spyderman)

Hello Oliver,
 
Chip is in the process of putting it together.
It's moving along...
 
Valentino

Val,
any possibilities to see some actual photos of it beeing in the make?
 
Many thanks
Oliver (Spyderman)

Hello Oliver,
 
I am afraid pictures are going to have to wait a bit. Mica is swamped these days and frequently out of the office. I will pass on your request but do not be surprised if you don't see pictures for another few weeks. Things will be back to what passes for normal around here late next month, hopefully. In the meantime hang in there...it's always worth it.  
 
Valentino

Oliver,
I haven't been keeping up with FTC for a while now and wasn't aware of your Dragon Wing project. Congratulations, I'll have to keep an eye on this beauty as she develops.
 
Sam

Val,
many thanks for the info. Of course I will wait as I know that it is worth waiting....
Sam,
many thanks for your kind words. I am sure it will turn out as I have planned it to be.
Chris said in a mail before that the bird?s eyes remind him of tears we all cry for John, still...
So maybe I should call it TEARS FOR JOHN....
I am really eager to have my 3rd Alembic with this bass and a slightly smaller case than the Spyders have. It is really a hard job taking two huge Spyder cases to the rehearsals.....  :-)
 
Many greetings
Oliver (Spyderman)

This is a few days old, but I spied your neck before the veneers were glued on:
 

 
Chip had the template on the work in preparation for  finding the right spot for the decorative faces.  
 
More to come!

TEARS FOR JOHN is an excellent and fitting name, Oliver.  It's quite a tribute.
 
Sam