Flax:
 
I visited DW and Scooter today.  The Tribute looks just awesome, absolutely LOVE the wood.  Wolf, as always, is quite the looker too.  Susan told me they would like to avoid the oil finish on cocobolo as it isn't nearly as protective with the dark oily woods.
 
Bill, tgo

Probably a stupid idea, but if nitro seals the cocobolo, then can't they start with layers of  nitro and cover that with the regular finish?
 
Another hare-brained idea - the problem area is the outer border of the inlay, right? As it seems to be related to the varying levels of absorption between neighbouring materials, perhaps they could add an outline with a contrast wood, or perhaps a ring in silver or brass or something - just to change the transition.

lets can the nitro idea ok
thought i said that above!
 
thanks for the heads up bill- susan knows best...
how bout replacing the top wood?

Jeff,
 
If you go with nitro, don't ever tell the TSA, or you won't be able to get on the plane.  It just sounds dangerous!
 
Of course oil is a fluid...
 
Bradley

At this point in time it seems strange that Alembic did not just replace the top laminate that is giving you the trouble? You spend thousands on a custom bass and you have to endure this crap! Yes I know it is the wood and Alembic are doing what they can but if the wood is not taking in the finish the first 50 times, why would anyone think it will do it after the next 50 times.
Enough is enough!

spliffy
lets calm down dude.....

Flax,      I was at the Mothership today, and took these photos of the Dire Wolf.  It looks to me like the finish is holding at this point, but I am not the expert.  It looks beautiful, smooth, and like new.  I didn't take it off the wall, but looked at it closely.  Hopefully the problem is solved, and the Wolf will be back on it's way to you soon.  Just wanted to share the pics.  Alan  

 

 

  (Message edited by davehouck on August 17, 2006)

Fingers crossed Jeff. This has indeed been a long strange trip.
 
Graeme

thanks!!!!!!!

Dude,
 
Every time I see that wolf, it always seems cooler than I remembered it.
 
Brad

Jeff, I am calm! Mellow in fact, I just have different expectations than you do I guess.
Al

Well Jeff,here's hoping your patience and good faith are rewarded very soon.
 
Simon.

There will be the fight of the titans when Dire wolf comes back home. Jeff has this gorgeous Tribute bass on order so ...let's see, which bass will be the favourite? Obviously ...he will not be able to play two basses the same time ...though ....I've seen Michael Manring do that.
Time to practise new chops Jeff!
 
Paul TBO

YEEHAAAAAAAAAAAAAA
 
THE WOLF WILL BE BACK HOME FRIDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!
 
:-)
:-)
:-)

Congratulations~
 
Did they end up going with the oil finish or did the Wolf stop sucking? =)