OK, after a lengthy delay it looks like things are getting back on track with this new design
here's a sneak peek at a finish sanded M5 body wet down with a little Naphtha to highlight the figuring similar to what it will look like with a finish applied. the camera flash has the colors off a little, but you get the idea. please also keep in mind that this is a reject top/back set due to flaws in the bookmatched set - for those who love OTT woods, you can anticipate that this is as poor as it will get. this specific bass body is the prototype unit and will not be offered for sale.
![Image](http://i714.photobucket.com/albums/ww146/RegenerateGuitarWorks/M-Series/M5-Prototype/RGW-M5-Sanded-Front.jpg)
![Image](http://i714.photobucket.com/albums/ww146/RegenerateGuitarWorks/M-Series/M5-Prototype/RGW-M5-Sanded-Back.jpg)
this finished out really nice IMO. I'm not so sure I like the look of the wood veneers tapering off on the contoured heel, so production units may not include a figured back set. it's also difficult to see in these images, but the darker Mahogany stripes on both sides of the Alder core each have a thin walnut veneer accent line on both sides
I have a couple other basses in assembly at the moment, so it'll be a little bit before I have further progress to update
I'm also considering offering this with a painted body if I can come up with a pickguard design I really like.
all the best,
R
Shame about the odd looking heel contour effect. I really like this figuring - just a personal thing I know, but I do love figured backs like this. It's obviously too early to comment in any detail on consequences for the sound, but it would be great to hear how it would sound with & without the facing - do you plan to complete this build into a finished item? How critical is the contouring at that point to the overall design? (I know why it's there of course, but all the same...)