This all makes TOTAL sense. I'm looking for an ABZ because I've been so impressed with the Combustion but want better. I actually don't like the flamed top, I love the pickup selection, I love the tone, I would like better hardware and a preamp with passive tone control. It's also that I've played my bass most days since I got it and have met and really liked Sheldon so. I understand why you didn't go with them in the end but this is something I've thought long and hard about.
This is the build I've agreed with Bass Direct
Model: AZ - ABZ
Pickup Configuration: 3 - 3x pickups
Number of Strings: 5
£2950
Body Wood: S - Swamp Ash
Contrast Layer: O - No (Standard)
Top Wood: O - No (Standard)
Pre Bleach: O - No (Standard)
Top Color: NAN - Natural
Back Colour: NAN - Natural
Finish: Hardcoat Satin
Pickguard: OO - None
Pickup Type: FDV (Alnico - Standard)
Electronics: RND - Neve - £455
Neck: RA - Roasted Ash - £510
Fingerboard: M - Maple - £190
Inlay Style: D12 - Dots with 12 Fret D - £75
Inlay Material: K - Black Pearloid
Side Dots: K - Black Pearloid
Headstock: O - Non Matching
Tuning: O - Standard
Hardware: K - Black (AB, Z, Super J and P)
Total: £4180