Maple or other light coloured boards on a dark wood bass. No.
More than four strings. No.
Fan frets. No.
Lots of fancy wood. No.
More than 34” scale. No.
The Sire headstock. NO NO NO NO NO. Stop it now. WTF?
This is looking very good. I can imagine exactly how you feel about the control cavity business, but it looks like it will be concealed ok. Plus one for the saw rasp (Shinto rasp?). It's amazing how finely it can work if you are careful. Good luck and press on!
I played one of these in PMT Oxford a few years ago. It was very nicely made, played and sounded great, just not really like a Jazz. More like a Stingray, dare I say it. (Ducks)
The most ergonomic and playable bass I ever had, by a very long way, was an Ibanez SR500. Great EQ too. It was just not my style in colour or vibe. I am shallow and vain.
You cunning, cunning, cunning blighter. Luckily I’m in Scotland this week, but very near @dub_junkie which is a bit tricky, since he is selling that nice Ray 34ca. Oh god it hurts.
Boss RC-300 can be had for about £300, which is dear, but it has VERY comprehensive stereo routing features. Plus it has a very useable rhythm function.
Good work with router sled. I had similar problems, but have just finished a new sled and rails arrangement, which I will test when I get back from holiday.
Here’s a pic: