Thanks for giving us some of the luthier's perspective here, Joel!
This is one of the nicer aspects of the custom build, getting to know the builder and sharing the vision for the instrument. Ultimately, the payoff is revealed in finding sympatico and seeing that vision become reality.
For anyone considering Joel for a custom build, I will say he has been a joy to work with. He has been an excellent listener and offered excellent guidance in areas that I have not been overly directive about. Communication has been regular and detailed with every step along the way and Joel has made himself available for phone conversation as I have found the need.
I've been involved with my work in some unplanned areas the past couple weeks, so I'm behind with posting photo updates of the build. I do believe I'll have some freedom near the end of the week to prepare them and upload to my web host. The ride only gets better from here... More to come soon
Thanks for looking in!