It almost seems there is another set of eyes on this instrument. Why shouldn't the back be as pretty as the front? Court's update from early December, 2003:

It was nice to hear from you today. Actually I have been meaning to drop you all an email to let you know I am more pysched about this wonderful instrument everyday. Would have done so sooner, but have been working like crazy lately (and when not working its hard to put her down for very long). Truthfully I somewhat miss the construction process; the calls and emails, detail and decisions (or often in my case indecisions). I am however just overwhelmed by my guitar and thought I would give you a brief update on what's it been like getting to know her. I am continually surprised and delighted by the new sounds I'm finding. I usually use a small number of effects (3 or 4), but despite the ease and practicality of the built in effects loop I have hardly used them in the last couple weeks. I am still discovering what this guitar can do on its own. I think I mentioned before, upon arrival, I sat down and played without any amplification at all for several hours. So sweet is the natural tone of this guitar. In addition to the mellifluous warmth and charm this guitar has brought to the house the last few weeks it remains quite a feast for the eyes as well. As varied as the myriad tones are the intricacies of detail of the wood grain and the inlays' iridescent abalone and mother of pearl. I really am stunned at how well you all interpreted the sometimes ambiguous and ephemeral ideas I had for the tailpiece inlay into reality. So in short the process of getting to know this art/instrument will be a long and joyful journey that has had an auspicious start.

I will continue from time to time to drop you all a "postcard" from this trip.

Once again my thanks to one and all at Alembic. In this ever increasingly more mass produced McCulture it is always a rare and great treat to find true artisans.

-Court Our deepest thanks to you, Court. It has been a true pleasure working with you to make this guitar come to life.