He wanted the Lacewood for a personal project, I think, but not too sure on how final that is. I am interested in the Redwood if it arrives (and it then matches the BRW), and there's always the 2nd piece of figured Koa as an option.
He's trying to get a second piece of the reclaimed maple off the same guy that yours came from but no luck yet.
I'm a tad depressed that I didn't get a chance to look at your one before you picked it up. Doug was really pleased with the way that it came out and that's a great sign that it's an awesome instrument... I seem to remember him telling me on the phone that it tonally kicked the arse of his 'control' PRSes!
Ah, I have a feeling I know what this "personal project" Doug speaks of is.. The figured Koa does sound pretty spectacular. I take it you've seen the billet he has at his house atm? Koa + BRW is supposed to be a match made in heaven.
I think Doug made an effort not to give away too much about my B2's sound before I heard it myself (he also refused to send me pics after it had been completed.. the barsteward :P). He certainly seemed pretty excited about it when I collected it though!
It's a bright guitar, but ballsy and fat at the same time, weird to describe in words, but it's fantastic when you hear it in person. Very very tight and punchy as well. I think Doug and I agree that it makes the perfect soulmate for the VH4 as well, with the Herbert there was almost too much high end, without the VH4s awesome fat mids to beef out the sound.
It's also the first Blackmachine to feature Painkillers, and I think Doug was somewhat enamoured with them, to the extent that he said his personal guitars are all going to feature them from now. If you want incredible punchy, clear, tight fatness, they're definitely worth considering.
Have you decided whether your guitar is going to be mahogany or swamp ash?