Yeah I kind of agree with Bassmonkeee, I bought a Beautiful LTD 2006 SR5, and love it, it's drop dead sexy. I bought it because I was told it was an 8 month waiting period. But I still find myself gassing for my original choice, a white SR5 with a white pearloid pickguard and Maple neck. But it's all good, cause I only have one EBMM and I need to catch up to the rest of you guys on this forum!
What's next...........Maybe a Blue Dawn HS sterling???
Ask your dealer if they'd be willing to check other dealers inventories for you. I know at least in one case my dealer was able to negotiate a swap with one he had in stock for another dealer's piece that matched what a customer was looking for. I'm also assuming that this proceedure is "legit" between 2 authorized dealers.
I would always encourage folks not to bypass your local dealer but if that strategy doesn't work out, the online instrument builder/finder works well to locate a specific instrument too. Certainly if you're looking for new colors/models/features you'd still likely be required to deploy the ol' fashioned patience..
Id say you should spend a good week or so trying to find what youre looking for on some dealers' websites etc.
some places stock a bunch of MM basses and might have what you want all ready to go. however if you're looking for something uncommon (ex: black cherry burst 2 band SR4) than you'll have no choice but to order it