MOTM

a) I think that the discussion is mainly for continuing the Stooge panels. 
Production MOTM panels will remain as they are (even as such a pain as they are) 
simply because changing this late in the game (6500+ shipped) doesn't make 
sense. The slight cost savings to me is overshadowed by having a completely 
different finish.

b) anodized panels *will* show fingerprints. Which is odd is that the rougher 
the initial finish (aluminum is belt-sanded before painting/plating), the more 
likely anodized panels will show prints. You can get glossy anodizing and you 
can 'overcoat' with a clear finish. For example, I think the Millennia Media 
Origin is drop-dead gorgeous and it's anodized:

http://www.mil-media.com/docs/products/origin.shtml

For painted panels, having a textured finish (which is a special nozzle that 
'splatters' the paint) *reduces* fingerprints (and glare).

c) anodizing is sensitive to the aluminum. Most people do not realize that there 
are about 8 *different* alloys of aluminum. The most common (and what is used on 
MOTM now) is called 5052-H3. However, anodized aluminum is better with a 
*different* alloy called 6061-T6. Of course, 6061-T6 is about 15% more cost that 
5052 (6061-T6 is commonly used on hang gliders and small aircraft). Blacet 
panels are anodized, 120 grit sanded, 6061-T6 aluminum. As well as Moog modular 
panels (they are sanded to a finer grain, around 320 grit).

Also, the current press-fitting PEM studs and standoffs (on the rear of the 
panels) have a tougher time gripping 6061. A solution is to eliminate the older 
black pc brackets (that use threaded PEMs and KEPS nuts to attach to the panel) 
for 100% Stooge brackets (the silver ones that fasten behind the pot nuts). This 
still leaves issues with the 900, 950, 600 and 650, though :(

d) I really don't see a point to changing, just for the sake of "fancier" 
graphics like the CMS modular:

http://machines.hyperreal.org/manufacturers/CMS/Modular/images/mc24b.jpg

without having to jack up the price. I think Paul H. is trying to find a 
solution +-10% of what I am paying now for say 50 pieces at a time, that now I 
can only fab say 7 pieces. The reasoning behind *this* is that there are 
some...errr..."slow selling" modules that may need 14 panels/year.

Certainly, that CMS modular is quite a sight to behold, but so is the pricetag 
:)

So, official MOTM panels will remain as they are for 2006. For DIY/Stooge 
panels, those can be whatever is best in terms of cost and delivery. Stooge 
panels are a 'pretty big business' and help to promote the MOTM form factor as 
the leading industry standard in 1/4" jacks.

If I do decide to make a change, it will be 'radical' like the Modcan Series B: 
something removed far away from the original. Let's face it: I never dreamed of 
selling 6500 of these things in the first place. I was hoping for 500 so I could 
get a good stereo :)

Paul S.