I'm guessing that Ron was not able to pull off my miracle?  I've already made arrangements for the weekend so no need to fret (snicker), but if she's completed tomorrow - please let me know.
 
Thanks!
 
Chris

Certainly. I just asked him for an update not 10 minutes ago to pass along to you. He's still not quite satisfied with his work, even though he's measured some improvements. We're going to take a break and clear our brains in our favorite used book store, then he's back to your task.  
 
Glad you've got this weekend covered (always good to have a plan B). I will definitely let you know if it's ready tomorrow.  
 
You're most welcome!

It's a no-go today.   The way the calibration works is that he travels down a promising path for a while, and if he hits a road block, all the work starts over. Your bass is at his minimum specs, and that just isn't good enough for him (you know that of course).  
 
Hope you have a good weekend and I look forward to getting your bass back to you soon!

Mica -  
 
Thanks for the update.  I just got in from tonight's gig and retrieved the email.  Ahhhhhhhhhhh.....you've come to know me well - I wouldn't expect anything less than the perfection that your dad seeks with my instrument.  That's why I bought-in to the Alembic philosophy in 1975!  Hopefully Ron won't get TOO frustrated and he'll finish up in time for me to have her back by next weekend.
 
Again - THANKS!
 
Chris

Hi, Mica
 
How's the progress?  Do I stand a chance of having her back for this weekend?
 
Chris

Here's the tailpiece picture I was telling you about:
 

 
Chip made it and decided to not get as scooped out the original - it made the retaining tangs so thin that he was worried about mechanical failure. I think it turned out great. Like the rest of the hardware, it's finished in polished brass and buffed to an extremely high lustre.

WOW!!  She's real purty!  I see that the inside / bearing point for the strings is finished MUCH better than the original - seems much more rounded and smoother.  I suppose that I won't have to worry as much about breaking G strings, now!  That's quite some reflective finish as well - on both the wood AND the brass.
 
Thanks for the pic.  Hopefully our next contact will be for shipping arrangements!!
 
C YA
 
Chris

Hi (again) Mica
 
I'm admittedly becoming mildly depressed ;>) over the slow progress. I spoke with Susan last week and I completely understand the time consuming nature of the work.  But, the instrument that I am currently relegated to using (see the 9/12/02 post) as a result of my blowing the music budget on the refurbishing task(s) is a $150 P-Bass COPY!!  Yup, it's a real CHORE to play.  Anyhow, I'd really LOVE it if the completion of 76AC070 could be put on the high priority list and - maybe? - I might have her back for THIS weekend??
Whatever the case may be, give it to me straight -I can take it (wink, wink)!!
 
Best to all
 
Chris

Success! Clipping the ring did the trick and dad is HAPPY!!! We decided to put one additional top coat of spray on the bass because of the modification of the pickup ring, but then it's just reassembly. Think you'll be around on Friday to accept the package?

WOW! Talk about thinking out of the box! And tenacity! Nice to have a guy like Ron on our side.

What a wonderful birthday gift from the family!  It used to be that I remembered today as my birthday and my (former) wedding anniversary.  NOW, I can remember it as the day I received the news I've been waiting for (leaves the day kinda open for all SORTS of important stuff, eh?).
 
Thanks
 
Chris

Mica - I called earlier today hoping to hear that my bass had been shipped for delivery Friday, but Mary had no record of shipment.  Can I still expect delivery Friday - or will I be waiting some additional time?  If there is more wait time, please explain why that is the case.
 
Thanks!
 
Chris

Nope. Apparently she suffered a small rub through on the neck and was sent back to spray last night. It won't be ready until at least Friday, possibly Monday. If it is ready on Friday, would you be interested in a Saturday delviery?

Mica -  
 
Thanks for the quick reply.  I sent you a private email - check your inbox.
 
Thanks again
 
Chris

Here's the latest bad news I emailed you about:
 

 
A small chip popped out of the finish above the pickup ring when we were buffing it out. On one side it looks like a lift and on the other like a little hair. It's small, but you know we're picky. I am willing to send it as is with your approval. Otherwise, it's back to spray, and more waiting.
 
If we're still to try for a Saturday delivery, I'll need to hear from you by 2:00 pacific time so we can get everything back together in time for UPS.