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Poll - Please help me pick out a koa top!

What top orientation?

  • A

    Votes: 24 27.3%

  • B

    Votes: 25 28.4%

  • C

    Votes: 20 22.7%

  • D

    Votes: 13 14.8%

  • Other

    Votes: 1 1.1%

  • Carrot Top

    Votes: 5 5.7%
  • Total voters
    88
  • Poll closed .
smperry

smperry

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Gold Supporting Member
Nov 3, 2003
13,619
10,687
Bay Area, CA
#1
Hi all,

Martin Keith is building me a fretless bass with a koa top; the thread is here: http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=442992

The pre-matched koa looks like this:
Link Removed

Martin has since cut a plank from it and I'm trying to decide how to orient the top. Here are some options:

A:
Link Removed

B:
Link Removed

C:
Link Removed

D:
Link Removed

It's a bit hard to visualize as it's the raw wood, but I think you guys (and gals) are good at this. Of course it's all the same board; the body is just positioned differently (A & B) or upside down (C). D has the least amount of color variation, but is the 'classic koa' look in that it has slightly more flame (but that's hard to see in the photo, Martin didn't use naptha to highlight figuring). If you think one of these is close, but you'd like to move the body 'up' or 'down' on the plank, please select "other" and let me know your suggestion in a post.

It will go with a maccassar (striped) ebony fingerboard and matching koa headstock, if that matters.

Many thanks in advance!

Marshall :)
 
#5
Thanks to everyone who has posted so far. This is already looking kind of close, so any comments explaining your vote would be appreciated...not that I'm guaranteed to go with the 'winner'. ;)

M
 
#7
I like B.
You have to visualize (or have him send a photo) with stuff blocking off where the neckjoint/fretboard, pups and bridge will cover the grain.
As I'm imagining it, B would look best given that.
But it could be a completely different layout.
If he could send a photo or photoshop it blocking the "covered bits" it would probably really help you make the call.
 
#9
Well, that ain't an easy choice.

Koa looks really rich when it has the finish applied. I *think* even the grain in D will be very detailed.

I voted A. I like the way the lighter grain will be on the wings of the body. C would be great too as it follows all the way up to the upper horn.

Like I said, NOT easy. :p
They're all great.
 
#10
Blackbird said:
Oo, can I try it out when you get it, Marshall?

I kinda like them all.

I'm no help right now, I know...
Click to expand...

No, it's helpful...that means they're all "ok". Of course you can try it out! Can you (re)send me your myspace, or gig schedule when you get the chance? I'm playing jazz at a private party in SF this weekend...wish I had the bass already!

kesslari said:
I like B.
You have to visualize (or have him send a photo) with stuff blocking off where the neckjoint/fretboard, pups and bridge will cover the grain.
As I'm imagining it, B would look best given that.
But it could be a completely different layout.
If he could send a photo or photoshop it blocking the "covered bits" it would probably really help you make the call.
Click to expand...

Very good suggestion...too bad I don't have photoshop! In terms of the pickups, it will most likely be jazz pickups (hopefully without "ears") in the P/J positions. The neck/board will extend somewhat into the body, but I can't see where from this...so I should follow up with him. I'm not sure what the (ebony) bridge will look like yet. At the least, I'll ask him why he "voted" the way he did.

M
 

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