I think it's next to impossible to achieve under 8.5 lbs with the wood combination, which is similar to a Ken Smith. The average Black Tiger 5 string weighs well over 9 lbs I believe. Hope you find a solution on the weight Jeff as Mark is a really nice person, hard to find these days! 😬
So I was on the phone with Chris this afternoon about building an Overwater Classic J 5 with a pair of Turner Multicoils and Lusithand 'Double NFP-Special MKII'. Funny enough, he told me he was talking to Paul of Wal last week. Apparently, Wal will not sell its pickups or electronics to a 3rd party anymore. My guess is, Wal is up to their neck with orders and can't be bothered with other things!
Just as I thought. Surprised that they are not made in China as Gibson has a factory there, and most of the Epiphones are made in China, and the quality is surprisingly good!
Not anymore, I am afraid. Martin said they mainly do repair, custom and modification now. Of course, they still build if someone wants one. Also, the commission sales are quite profitable, I can imagine.