Cheers Stan, i have some wood dyes on order i will do some sample tests in the pic-up and control chambers to see how they take, this weekend i intend to clear out my attic space and build a new bench to set up shop on as it is heading for winter here in the UK and my lock up is too cold to work in and too expensive to heat, my plan is to carry out the build, prep up and stain the neck and body over the winter then come spring get it lacquered ready for the final build. I will photograph it at each stage and share them on here as i go along. At the moment the neck and body are slotted together i can't help but keep looking at it as the Rickenbacker bass is something of a magical shape and so unique and i can't wait to get started.
The bassist in my band is keen to see how this one turns out, i dare say it will lead to a "are you open to a sensible offer" as he calls it when he wants to buy something off you.