The flames are VERY subtle so they don't take away from the blackness of it much at all. Besides, my painter/buddy gives me great deals so it wouldn't take much to get it back to the way it was if I feel like it down the road. This may also be used for a "proper" (IMO) 5 string conversion so a refinish may be in order before too long anyway. The flames were mostly to hold me over while i decide what to do with it next. I'll be emailing Dale shortly.
I'll see if I can get a few sound clips of the preamp over the next few days and post 'em up. My playing is pretty rough though since I'm out of practice.....even rougher than usual.

