Prototype done! 

 After much delay the prototype is finished and the sound is incredible. Strong and loud with good sustain this is the one if you play noisy gigs or jam session!
The top and back are bridseye maple veneer laminated onto a high quality aero-grade plywood. I've had some forum questions about this - ply is used to 'kill' the acoustic quality of the soundbox so the cone does all of the work. Seems to do the trick here.
 My laminating set-up did not allow me to laminate the sides so they are made from 2.1mm solid birdseye maple bought from David Dyke's Luthier Supplies. In order to 'stiffen' these, solid linings are used. The DRC High Country cone sits on a ply well - hence the sweet tone.
 Because this instrument has a rosewood fingerboard, the body and headstock are bound on tortoise plastic to a black white line. Production models have ebony fingerboards so will be detailed with black plastic including fingerboard.
 In order to get the proportions and balance right I've made the neck a 13 fret to the body join and rather than go down the dowel stick route of attachment I use a barrel bolt neck joint.
 The cover plate is a 2nd Republic. Once Tim Smithies and Rufus Yells have given their assessment I will commission my metal spinner to make a limited run of 20 patinated bronze coverplates. I've done the drawings - the holes are stars to reflect the sound port theme.
 Price for one of these is £925.