As for stealing ideas I like to think of it more as all of us who build or make parts are inspired by our love of Thunderbirds. In 2008 I was going to start building Fenderbirds full time but I didn't have the capitol to make it work. Carlo came in and filled the void, am I pissed ? Naw I was so impressed with his work I bought one of his basses. I hope to buy another in the near future. Right now things are tight my wife still works at KODAK and they just filled chapter 11. She does have her yoga studio and I have my restoration biz that is really starting to take off but we are looking at losing a serious chunk of income and health benefits. Tony Carl who also makes a Thunderbird bridge was kind enough to call me and ask if it was ok, I greatly appreciated that. His design provide extra travel in both direction where mine only provides extra travel in one direction. I plan on building again soon, I have my DBA, tax # etc. now and am spending more and more time in the shop. I hope to have Dasson Bass up and running this year offering the new Badbird with studs and tail piece, after market Thunderbird pgs and my own version of a NR Fenderbird. Hell Peter Cook beat us all to it and he gives us his blessing. I think there is plenty of room for everyone.