Posted: November 01 2004 at 6:32pm | IP Logged

Well, surprise surprise! Things have once again changed in my quest for a custom.

I was ready to give Carey my down payment to have him get me in line for a custom. I jumped on talkbass one night to check out the threads when I saw Al Caldwell's former Hollow Conklin 9 string in the for sale section. It made me think of the Koa 9 that Al had and I emailed Bill Conklin to see if he still had the body sitting around from when he took the neck off to use on Al's black hollowbody.

It turned out that Bill still had the body from that bass and was willing to make me a custom by building a new neck for it! I was quite happy to say the least. I've always thought that bass had one of the nicest looking Koa tops I've seen.

It's a tough decision trying to decide who to go with when there are so many incredibly talented luthiers out there. So often I've been set on an instrument only to find myself being lured away by something else that I've come across.

I fully intend to have a custom from Carey one day. His work is awe-inspiring in every way. I've been a fan of Conklin guitars since I can remember. It's always been a dream to own atleast one instrument from Bill. I can now say that the dream will become a reality! I'll be sending out the check tomorrow for my down payment. I can't believe the time is finally here.

The bass will be something like this:

Koa Sidewinder 9 String - 7 Piece Neck - East Indian Rosewood fretboard - Conklin Pickups - RMC Individual Piezo Bridge Saddles

I'm a little stumped on what neck woods I want. It's easy to go with the standard Maple/Purpleheart, but I've also been thinking of going with a neck made of Wenge Mains and Bubinga stringers. The Wenge would add a little darker tone to the notes which would be good for me. I have time to decide but it's something I'll need to think about.

So, after all this time, I've finally made a decision.

-Bernie

Posted: November 01 2004 at 8:20pm | IP Logged

hey Bernie,

congratulations! and welcome to the Conklin club!

Al's former bass is a gorgeous piece. I think you'll be really happy with it. can't wait to read your reaction when it arrives!

from the lows,

Stew

Posted: November 02 2004 at 1:25pm | IP Logged

Well the down payment is on the way to Bill and I couldn't be happier. This has been a dream for many years. Finally owning a Conklin custom!!

-Bernie

Posted: November 02 2004 at 1:28pm | IP Logged

you will not on ly be pleased, Bernie; you will be blown away!

Posted: November 02 2004 at 1:50pm | IP Logged

I can't wait, Stew!

Thanks so much for helping me through this process. All the emails and forum posts have really made a difference. I appreciate it more than you know.

-Bernie

Posted: November 02 2004 at 2:11pm | IP Logged

hey Bernie,

anything I can do to help!

from the lows,

Stew

Posted: November 06 2004 at 5:09am | IP Logged

Sweet as man! CONGRATULATIONS! Post a pic of the body already!
Thanks

Troy

Posted: November 22 2004 at 7:48pm | IP Logged

sorry for the delay, Troy. I think there might be a picture on TalkBass.

from the lows,

Stew