Alembic Guitars Club

Connecting => Miscellaneous => Topic started by: flaxattack on February 05, 2006, 08:02:00 AM

Title: Direwolf needs to go back........
Post by: flaxattack on February 05, 2006, 08:02:00 AM: well what can i say? not something one wants to find on their bass EVER....but i already spoke to val and we'll pack him up and ship him back for repair and refinish after i get my tribute bass...
for those who might remember they had aweful wet/humidity problems when the wolf was finishing off and had issues getting the finish to stop absorbing onto the wood- so i dont know if this is a result of drying,shrinkage or whatever
interesting how that one depression is almost perfectly symetrical...

(http://club.alembic.com/Images/449/24851.jpg)
Title: Re: Direwolf needs to go back........
Post by: Bradley Young on February 05, 2006, 08:36:06 AM: Ouch.

What's with all the breakages lately? Broken necks, finish wigging out, etc.

Makes me want to go have a good cry.
Title: Re: Direwolf needs to go back........
Post by: lbpesq on February 05, 2006, 08:59:34 AM: Wolf hate NY. Wolf love California. Wolf find way to go back to California. Man smart, Wolf smarter. Seriously, though, I feel for you Jeff. After all the time it took to finish her, you finally get her and then she has to go back. Bummer. At least you can console yourself in knowing that, unlike many other manufacturers, Alembic won't give you any problem, resistance, or grief when it comes to standing behind their work. I'm sure Susan, Mica, Mary, and the boys will do a bang up job in making her right again.

Bill, tgo
Title: Re: Direwolf needs to go back........
Post by: flaxattack on February 05, 2006, 12:46:59 PM: wolf know alembic gooooooooood....
wolf will find way home and be good like new......
lol
Title: Re: Direwolf needs to go back........
Post by: kmh364 on February 06, 2006, 04:47:01 AM: Sorry to hear (see) that, Flax. It'll take some time, but Alembic will get the 'Wolf back up and runnin', and probably better than ever.
Title: Re: Direwolf needs to go back........
Post by: the_8_string_king on February 06, 2006, 06:13:41 PM: Hey Jeff, I'm sorry you've gotta send the Wolf back for maintainance, what a drag.

You might consider taking advantage of it to upgrade to 3 position Q switches... 0/4/8 is much more versatile than the 0/8 2 position switches... the 4 db option is a very useful in-between option.
Title: Re: Direwolf needs to go back........
Post by: 811952 on February 06, 2006, 07:22:05 PM: Jeff,

At least Mom gets to see the kid again for a bit. ;)

I thought the Q switches were 0/6/12 db? Mark has a point - you'll love the extra versatility.

John
Title: Re: Direwolf needs to go back........
Post by: bsee on February 06, 2006, 08:11:32 PM: It must suck to have to see that happen to your baby and you have my best wishes for a full and speedy recovery.

As I recall, the Q switches are as follows:

2-position: 0 / +8dB
3-position: 0 / +6dB / +9dB
CVQ: 0 -> +15dB
no switch: +8dB

Barring custom orders, that is. Personally, I would have liked to try something like a 0/6/12 or 0/8/12. I decided against that customization as it would have required Ron's direct involvement. I didn't expect the return to justify either waiting for Ron's bench time or taking his time away from working on Series instruments for the rest of you.

-Bob
Title: Re: Direwolf needs to go back........
Post by: jalevinemd on February 06, 2006, 08:31:01 PM: Jeff,

Sorry about the Wolf. At least you'll have something new to take your mind off its absence. Once you get used to your own custom, it's almost impossible to live without it. I brought the Little Bear in to a guy for a lube and oil and did it while I was out of town because I didn't want to look at its empty stand every night.

Regards,

Jonathan
Title: Re: Direwolf needs to go back........
Post by: flaxattack on February 06, 2006, 09:15:50 PM: im customed out.........
this is a total frkn bummer....
changing q switches is about the furthest thing from my mind right now....
having to think about it shipping coast to coast and back, then the wait to have it repaired...
and who knows how long that will take,,,,,,,
lets just say i aint too happy right now....
Title: Re: Direwolf needs to go back........
Post by: adriaan on February 07, 2006, 01:46:20 AM: I have a 0/3/6 dB Q switch on my Spoiler. I found the standard 8 dB too harsh for my liking, and am now finding myself not even using the 6 dB position.

Anyway, different Q values require a fairly simple modification, and from what I understand Ron only does a quick check after the work has been done by one of the regular staff.

My wild idea for a 0/1/2/3/4/5/6 ... dB rotary switch (not a true CVQ, but fixed steps) was on the waiting list for Ron's benchtime for a while, as it required his expertise - well, I bailed out ... but the cost estimate for that rotary Q was actually surprisingly low!

So when someday I do order that custom with Signature electronics ...
Title: Re: Direwolf needs to go back........
Post by: palembic on February 07, 2006, 02:01:46 AM: Mmm ...I like that rotary idea too.
IFF I remember well our Brother Rory is now up to something like that.

Paul
Title: Re: Direwolf needs to go back........
Post by: jacko on February 07, 2006, 02:02:18 AM: Hey Jeff, Sorry to hear about the wolf. I'm sure the folks back home will have him sorted and sent back in no time. Meanwhile, just kick back, drink some beers and play on that NS upright.

Graeme
Title: Re: Direwolf needs to go back........
Post by: flaxattack on February 07, 2006, 04:52:51 AM: thanks bud
its comin to the gig tmrw night with bill lpesq
Title: Re: Direwolf needs to go back........
Post by: lbpesq on February 07, 2006, 05:17:24 AM: Hey Flax:

It's a little after 5 a.m. here and I'm getting up to make a 7:40 flight. I'm bringing the Wolf some good California vibe. Unfortunately, having checked the weather, I wish I could bring some good California warmth! LOL.

Bill, tgo
Title: Re: Direwolf needs to go back........
Post by: the_8_string_king on February 07, 2006, 10:54:55 PM: Hey Jeff, I totally dig how bummed you are, and I feel for you, man. I was just trying to come up with something positive that might be an opportunity to do something really cool; given the harsh reality that you'll be without for a while, it could be something that would make it EXTRA awesome when it gets back.

It's a philosophical thing, trying to view this negative thing as an opportunity for something positive, and in this way, it's not as bad.

Anyway, I don't wanna risk getting you riled, so I'll just say my understanding is it's a relatively inexpensive upgrade, and the 4 db setting option I have (2 toggles give me 0/4/8/12 dbs of Q) is VERY useful, perhaps my most used/preferred Q setting. I think you'd really dig it.

Again, my sympathies, but it'll be okay. You'll get the beast back, better than ever. At least the necks not broken or it's been drowned in a hurricane. But it's a huge bummer of course, and my heart goes out to you.
Title: Re: Direwolf needs to go back........
Post by: the_8_string_king on February 07, 2006, 11:19:28 PM: By the way, guys, I think the idea of a multi-position rotary Q switch is a cool idea.

When I got my custom commissioned, I thought about using their 4 position switch (the pickup selector) for a 0/4/8/12 db Q selector; but I eventually opted to use two 3-position toggles (per pickup). One of them chooses between: filter off/filter on without Q/filter on with Q, and the other selects 4 or 8 or 12 dbs of Q.

I have to say this is, if not perfect, close to it. I can instantly flip 2 toggles to incrementally move from no Q to a slight Q to a moderate Q to a strong Q. 99% of the time, the 4 or 8 db Q is perfect, but occaissionally I'll use the full 12 dbs -or the opposite, use no Q.
It works extremely well; it's very simple AND very versatile.

However, I think a 6 position rotary Q (0/3/6/9/12/15) would be perfect. You wouldn't miss the in-betweens. For example, a 1 dbs Q would be nearly indistiguishable from 0 db Q, just as 2 dbs Q would be nearly indistinguishable from 3 dbs of Q.
Title: Re: Direwolf needs to go back........
Post by: flaxattack on February 08, 2006, 06:13:14 AM: cmon
if you had 6 rotary.. you;d be fn with the bass instead of playing it...........
spoke with mica yesterday on the inlay. They are really concerned and befuddled as this has never happened before.
i feel bad that james is beside himself on this problem,as is susan etc. james is the quiet guy, he does so much and gets little recognition in this site
been assured of a quick turn, however if the problem spreads, they want it back immediately..
i do have 2 other 5 strings
Title: Re: Direwolf needs to go back........
Post by: jacko on February 08, 2006, 06:18:03 AM: Mark.
I'm pretty sure Jeff spent alot of time and put alot of thought into what functions went onto the wolf before Alembic put chisel to wood and unless he has found something 'missing' in the few months he's had the bass i doubt very much if he'd see any need to change what he already considers to be right for him.

Jeff - as ever, my thoughts are with you

Graeme
Title: Re: Direwolf needs to go back........
Post by: flaxattack on February 08, 2006, 06:34:09 AM: i want an implant so the bass can react to my thoughts.......
Title: Re: Direwolf needs to go back........
Post by: lbpesq on February 08, 2006, 06:39:45 AM: Isn't it the other way around? I had a girlfriend who had implants and my thoughts reacted to her! LOL See you tonight, Flax.

Bill, tgo
Title: Re: Direwolf needs to go back........
Post by: jacko on February 08, 2006, 06:44:45 AM: LoL!! You guys have a good jam session and make sure you post some pictures.

graeme
Title: Re: Direwolf needs to go back........
Post by: David Houck on February 08, 2006, 07:03:41 AM: Pictures! Bang, bang, bang!
Title: Re: Direwolf needs to go back........
Post by: jacko on February 08, 2006, 07:08:05 AM: That you practicing to become Belgian dave?

Graeme
Title: Re: Direwolf needs to go back........
Post by: David Houck on February 08, 2006, 07:22:12 AM: Spilled coffee everywhere! I think it's supposed to be empty first. Guess I need more practice. Maybe there's an instructional video.
Title: Re: Direwolf needs to go back........
Post by: palembic on February 08, 2006, 07:35:07 AM: The nicest bangs are with empty beer bottles on cosy bar tables with a bunch of good-hearted friends!
Keep on practicing ...keep on practicing!!

Paul TBO
Title: Re: Direwolf needs to go back........
Post by: David Houck on February 08, 2006, 07:44:38 AM: I'm guessing that wood bar tables produce the best tone.
Title: Re: Direwolf needs to go back........
Post by: palembic on February 08, 2006, 07:51:29 AM: Yep ...ebony laminated with a vermillion extra
Title: Re: Direwolf needs to go back........
Post by: the_8_string_king on February 08, 2006, 05:34:01 PM: Bill, that comment was hysterically funny and clever!!! LOL, etc!

Jeff, Graeme... no disrespect intended gentlemen... it was just a thought. And I'm sure that Jeff knows what he's doing. I thought to mention the 3-position Q out of good intentions, as there is tremendous benefit and no downside (other than a couple $) for the upgrade.
A few years ago, I had something pretty expensive (a Lightning P-38 recumbent bicycle with customizations) which had to be sent back to the factory, and though I had another super-cool bike to ride me through, I was tremendously bummed. A friend asked if there was anyway I could take advantage of it, any way I could benefit from the situation, and it occurred to me there was. I'm glad my friend brought it to my attention, since it let me have them upgrade my bike (a cheap and cool customization that increased the gearing range of my bike), and I thought that perhaps the same thought/idea might have value to you. That's all. I don't mean to be presumptuous, and I'm not trying to sell you on anything. The Wolf is a masterpiece, and all that matters is what you think.

Best of wishes, and I'll be hoping that the fine folks at Alembic are able to diagnose and correct the issue with the minimum heartache possible for all concerned.
Title: Re: Direwolf needs to go back........
Post by: beelee on February 08, 2006, 09:12:05 PM: Don't feel bad Jeff, after only having it for close to 2 months my brand new Triple O has to be sent back, I took it out of its case on sunday and noticed about 6 hairline splits forming in the fretboard around the 18th to 24th frets, so needless to say I'm not very pleased.

-Beelee
Title: Re: Direwolf needs to go back........
Post by: flaxattack on February 09, 2006, 03:16:16 PM: ouch bro
Title: Re: Direwolf needs to go back........
Post by: jlpicard on February 10, 2006, 09:25:19 AM: Adriaan, About that Q switch, I have to agree with the 8 string king. 1 or 2 db would not be noticable. You'll need at least 3 db per switch position to be usable. Mike
Title: Re: Direwolf needs to go back........
Post by: keavin on February 10, 2006, 09:27:24 AM: Get yo-self a CVQ bro!
Title: Re: Direwolf needs to go back........
Post by: j_gary on February 11, 2006, 10:49:37 AM: Hi Jeff, man that had to hurt. DAMN!

It appears when we require the complex process that creates an Alembic, one little bump reminds us that mother nature is in charge. I used to assist a real artist running an auto paint shop. Magnificent work was the norm, but on occasion, a complete disaster. Half the time, no clue why.

I can't think of a better outfit to help with an injured instrument than the Alembic crew. Good luck with the Wolf's recovery. I'm certain she will come back with a little extra love installed.
Title: Re: Direwolf needs to go back........
Post by: flaxattack on February 22, 2006, 06:31:18 AM: alas poor yurik
direwolf is heading back to the factory monday
the problem is spreading and has now made a turn north twds the lower horn between the volume and q switch
bummed is not even close to what i am feeling
Title: Re: Direwolf needs to go back........
Post by: jacko on February 22, 2006, 06:38:08 AM: Feeling for you Jeff. What you gonna play now you've sold your persuader? Is there another Alembic lurking in your closet?

Graeme
Title: Re: Direwolf needs to go back........
Post by: lbpesq on February 22, 2006, 07:38:51 AM: Bummer, Jeff. Perchance to fly, a personal delivery maybe?

Bill, tgo
Title: Re: Direwolf needs to go back........
Post by: bsee on February 22, 2006, 09:24:42 AM: Hey Jeff-

Sorry to hear it. If you've got a spare $5K or so lying around you could snatch up Dale's SII to keep you company while it's gone.

So, do they have any idea of the cause?
Title: Re: Direwolf needs to go back........
Post by: jalevinemd on February 22, 2006, 11:14:43 AM: Sorry Jeff,

I was pulling for you that the Tribute might be in your hands before the Wolf needed to go back. Hopefully, it'll be a quick turn around.

Regards,

Jonathan
Title: Re: Direwolf needs to go back........
Post by: bassfingers on February 22, 2006, 12:56:02 PM: Jeff,

If I had an Alembic to lend you mate,I'd do it.I can only guess at how you must be feeling about Direwolf.I'm gutted on your behalf.Any idea how long before your Tribute is ready?.

Best Wishes,

Simon.
Title: Re: Direwolf needs to go back........
Post by: flaxattack on February 22, 2006, 01:41:24 PM: ya know bill
not a bad: idea
but am sure that the hard case is not a carryon item and my gig bag would present problems for a return shipment......
-----
to answer others....
tribute finally went into production last week
soooooooo.. me no think so- that was the original plan but when speaking with mica, she said if it started creeping... they wanted it back sooner rather than later. so i am putting my trust that mgt knows whats best...i will call val and see what he thinks, but he has already emailed me that they will be on the watch
--------
nobody seems to know why this is happening...
and my good friend james at alembic is mighty upset that it did happen...but as an fyi- this is kinda in the area that they were having finish problems prior to shipping it= the finish was soaking into the wood due to high humidity...
but for this to happen now? no one knows...
-----------
dale! oh dale.....
lol
hey guys
thanks for the hugs....
i have 6- 4 strings to choose from
and 3-5s but now i have a string supply issues with my michael kelly acoustic- they no longer sell a 105 b string set and no one makes em
the chinese bass- am trying to set up or return
looks like the variax might be busy- it does have an alembic setting on it...
am toying with taking one of the 4 strings and turning into a b-e-a-d tuning...
keep looking at the steinberger for that...
but since steinberger is owned by gibson- i have no clue who to reach out to to see if its ok
Title: Re: Direwolf needs to go back........
Post by: flaxattack on February 28, 2006, 03:17:29 PM: wolfie is on the way back to the den......
i just want to say this out loud

ALEMBIC IS THE BEST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

i cant tell you how comforting the phone calls and emails with mica and val have made me feel as this has not been easy for me....

damn i love that bass....
Title: Re: Direwolf needs to go back........
Post by: the_8_string_king on February 28, 2006, 10:07:32 PM: Woo Hoo!!!

Good for you!!!
Title: Re: Direwolf needs to go back........
Post by: flaxattack on March 01, 2006, 05:31:44 AM: i shipped ups 3 day select
it left norwalk ct at 5.30-last night
its already in oakland as of 5.25am est
Title: Re: Direwolf needs to go back........
Post by: lbpesq on March 01, 2006, 07:48:30 AM: Flax:

I saw the Wolf fly over my house early this morning. I understand the motorcade will be snaking up 880 to the Richmond-San Rafael bridge later this afternoon. Everyone in the Bay Area is turning out to welcome the Wolf home!!!! Kids are jumping for joy, grown men are weeping, a general ecstasy has descended in Oakland and the neighboring environs. Oh, wait a minute ... I think this is in celebration of the imminent baseball season and Barry Bonds dressing up like Paula Abdul. In the infamous words of Emily Litella, Never mind! LOL

Bill, tgo
Title: Re: Direwolf needs to go back........
Post by: jacko on March 01, 2006, 07:54:48 AM: Now my keyboard is covered in coffee;-)

Don't worry jeff, He'll be back soon and we'll all know what happened.

graeme
Title: Re: Direwolf needs to go back........
Post by: flaxattack on March 01, 2006, 05:44:01 PM: hello houston.......
the wolf has landed.....
in one piece and is resting comfortably albeit naked at mica's alembic spa....
its been taken apart and is being inspected....
i am sooooo relieved,,,
hey bill i hear randy johnson is dressing up as anna nicole smith tomorrow

picked up another relief pitcher,,
washburn ab95 5 hollow body..new $600 on ebay
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/449/25752.jpg)
Title: Re: Direwolf needs to go back........
Post by: lbpesq on March 01, 2006, 05:55:04 PM: Pretty bass.

As for Randy Johnson, I hear he's joining The Boss onstage and will be playing a Steinbrenner bass.

Go A's

Bill, tgo
Title: Re: Direwolf needs to go back........
Post by: flaxattack on March 01, 2006, 08:29:07 PM: hey bill
i own a steinbrenner!
speaking of which, i called ns design, neds new place
was told there would be no problem changing the one i bought into a b-e-a-d bass...
and just strings sells just the b string as i got like 5 sets with the bass
Title: Re: Direwolf needs to go back........
Post by: beelee on March 02, 2006, 10:40:31 AM: Hey Flax,

You said you are having trouble getting sets of strings for your Michael Kelly 5 string acoustic electric ?

Doesn't Dean Markley make them ? or have they stopped ? ( thats what MK said is on the bass )

I have one as well, juststrings.com has them or are they out ? I haven't checked tho........

B.
Title: Re: Direwolf needs to go back........
Post by: flaxattack on March 02, 2006, 06:33:18 PM: i havent looked......
if they do have them, i will probably get some
just strings is good on back orders

-------
btw
i just realized
they are not many people who can say they had 2 basses at alembic at the same time...
lol-
damn i love that bass....
Title: Re: Direwolf needs to go back........
Post by: flaxattack on March 02, 2006, 06:41:11 PM: they have em
ordered a set
mucho thankos
Title: Re: Direwolf needs to go back........
Post by: flaxattack on March 04, 2006, 07:41:24 AM: yeahhaaaaaaa
good news!
after inspection, alembic feels that the problem is limited to the finish
the entire bass will be totally stripped down to the wood and refinished.
such nice people they are- they even will take care of 2 small nicks i put in it.
never take a bass off with a ceiling fan over your head.... oye...
Title: Re: Direwolf needs to go back........
Post by: lbpesq on March 04, 2006, 08:53:02 AM: Great news, Flax. You should have the Wolf back in no time (fingers crossed).

From personal experience, I can accurately report that the warning about ceiling fans also applies to 4 ft. flourescent bulbs. Ugly.

Bill, tgo
Title: Re: Direwolf needs to go back........
Post by: lbpesq on March 07, 2006, 10:03:57 PM: Jeff:

I visited the Wolf today. It was hanging in spray, lookin' real fine. A little naked, though, without any hardware.

Bill, tgo
Title: Re: Direwolf needs to go back........
Post by: flaxattack on March 08, 2006, 04:43:08 PM: thanks bill........
Title: Re: Direwolf needs to go back........
Post by: flaxattack on March 31, 2006, 11:55:38 AM: just to let folks know

i should have the wolf back next weekish...
its all fixed.......
Title: Re: Direwolf needs to go back........
Post by: David Houck on March 31, 2006, 08:21:52 PM: Great!!
Title: Re: Direwolf needs to go back........
Post by: tom_z on March 31, 2006, 09:43:06 PM: Great news Flax! It must have been tough not having the wolf around - but the Alembic team seems to have smoothed it out pretty quickly.

Tom
Title: Re: Direwolf needs to go back........
Post by: jacko on April 04, 2006, 01:46:06 AM: Good news Jeff. Shouldn't be long now. Did alembic elaborate on the cause of the finish problem?

Graeme
Title: Re: Direwolf needs to go back........
Post by: flaxattack on April 04, 2006, 12:13:28 PM: yes jacko
it was bad..... lol
sometimes these things happen
Title: Re: Direwolf needs to go back........
Post by: flaxattack on April 06, 2006, 03:54:52 PM: the patient has had a relapse......the finish is being absorbed into the wood again
back to spray.....
one thing i can say- they are not gonna cut it loose until its fixed...
and i am 100% ok with this...
Title: Re: Direwolf needs to go back........
Post by: lbpesq on April 06, 2006, 05:56:51 PM: Flax, do you mean to tell us that the wood on the Wolf sucks! (nyuk, nyuk)

Bill, tgo
Title: Re: Direwolf needs to go back........
Post by: Bradley Young on April 06, 2006, 06:41:31 PM: It's all those pointy teeth.

The dire wolf is sucking the life blood out of the finish.

I'm thinking superglue is the answer (i.e. stabilizing the wood-- this is what they do on Buckeye Burl, I believe).

Brad
Title: Re: Direwolf needs to go back........
Post by: flaxattack on April 06, 2006, 07:30:23 PM: its a wolf goddammit......... not a vampire,,
your just jealous!
feed on this....
not many people get to have 2 basses in the shop at alembic at the same time.....
:-)
too bad the tribute is slow to develop
we could have had an alembic pool...
hey why not?
pick the date flax gets the wolf back in his hands...
winner gets an 05 collector alembic christmas card
closest to the date... under wins in case of a tie
calling alembic for status is not permitted and employees of alembic are excluded...
lmaorotfl
Title: Re: Direwolf needs to go back........
Post by: keith_h on April 07, 2006, 04:25:22 AM: Sorry to hear of the delay but it is better to get it right rather than rush.

Keith
Title: Re: Direwolf needs to go back........
Post by: lbpesq on April 07, 2006, 07:01:53 AM: I pick May 14th (I'm not saying what year).

Bill, tgo
Title: Re: Direwolf needs to go back........
Post by: jacko on April 07, 2006, 07:05:51 AM: Jeff.
May the 4th be with you (as obiwan might say)

Graeme

(I'll get my coat)
Title: Re: Direwolf needs to go back........
Post by: Bradley Young on April 07, 2006, 09:30:23 AM: Bastille day.

Brad
Title: Re: Direwolf needs to go back........
Post by: dadabass2001 on April 07, 2006, 12:07:05 PM: Graham,
Was that a reference to Johnny Depp's adlib on the Pirates outtake reel?
All of 'em, castrati. snip, snip!
I dated a Frenchman once
...
Mike
Title: Re: Direwolf needs to go back........
Post by: flaxattack on April 07, 2006, 12:52:07 PM: may 6th is me bday btw
Title: Re: Direwolf needs to go back........
Post by: lbpesq on April 07, 2006, 01:38:53 PM: Flax:

I'll be celebrating your birthday in fine style this year. My band will be playing at this year's Jeff's B-day Extravaganza (though some know it as Cannabis Freedom Day) on a big stage set up in front of City Hall in San Francisco. LOL
By the way, my b-day is Sunday. Middle age doesn't start until 60, right?

Bill, tgo
Title: Re: Direwolf needs to go back........
Post by: Bradley Young on April 07, 2006, 03:43:22 PM: 60? Middle aged?

For a Giant Tortoise, maybe.

Brad
Title: Re: Direwolf needs to go back........
Post by: David Houck on April 07, 2006, 04:58:36 PM: Cannabis freedom day in front of City Hall!!
Title: Re: Direwolf needs to go back........
Post by: lbpesq on April 07, 2006, 08:00:04 PM: Here's a picture from the same gig two years ago. Pre-Alembic.

(http://club.alembic.com/Images/449/26995.jpg)

Bill, tgo
Title: Re: Direwolf needs to go back........
Post by: Bradley Young on April 07, 2006, 08:09:21 PM: Dude, it is San-fran-psycho after all. All the crazies live there!

Reminds me of an old quote: Two things came out of Berkeley... LSD and UNIX. We don't believe this to be a coincidence.

Brad

For the humor impaired: I'm kidding, but remember most humor has an element of truth.
Title: Re: Direwolf needs to go back........
Post by: Bradley Young on April 07, 2006, 08:13:59 PM: That is a great picture, Bill.

Suggestion for your next sign: If you aren't outraged, you're not paying attention.

Brad
Title: Re: Direwolf needs to go back........
Post by: David Houck on April 07, 2006, 08:59:47 PM: Don't exhale, the guy in the suit on the right might be from homeland security.
Title: Re: Direwolf needs to go back........
Post by: flaxattack on April 07, 2006, 11:49:45 PM: can i sit in bill?
Title: Re: Direwolf needs to go back........
Post by: lbpesq on April 08, 2006, 08:26:55 AM: Flax: C'mon out, you're always welcome! I'll pull out my Schecter bass. Between you, me, and John, our regular bass player, we can work out Spinal Tap's Big Bottom! (Actually, we've jokingly tossed around the idea of doing Big Bottom with 3 mandolins)

Brad: you wrote 60? Middle aged? For a Giant Tortoise, maybe.

I checked your profile. Only 33? Give it a few years, you'll learn. LOL

Bill, tgo

(Message edited by lbpesq on April 08, 2006)
Title: Re: Direwolf needs to go back........
Post by: flaxattack on April 08, 2006, 12:13:51 PM: or a tear ass other one.. lol
thanks
Title: Re: Direwolf needs to go back........
Post by: Bradley Young on April 08, 2006, 01:59:17 PM: Bill,

Have no worries, I'm learning day by day.

I looked in the mirror today/
My eyes just didn't seem so bright/
I've lost a few more hairs/
I think I'm going bald

Brad
Title: Re: Direwolf needs to go back........
Post by: spliffy on May 23, 2006, 12:43:55 PM: Flax, what is happeing with Direwolf? Did you get her back?

Albert
Title: Re: Direwolf needs to go back........
Post by: flaxattack on May 24, 2006, 07:37:49 PM: not yet.....
darn thing keeps suckin up the finish....
i checked last week and val said it may... then again it may not.... they dont want to ship it unless its absolutely fixed..
so i guess the new contest should be...
which comes second?
the tribute bass or the wolf?
damn I MISS MY BABY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
and to add....
i have a new band and i cant play my wolfie!!!!!!
Title: Re: Direwolf needs to go back........
Post by: flaxattack on May 24, 2006, 07:42:51 PM: (Message edited by flaxattack on May 26, 2006)
Title: Re: Direwolf needs to go back........
Post by: crgaston on May 24, 2006, 07:47:56 PM: Jeff, you are getting a lesson in patience I hope I NEVER have to learn...

So how's the new band going? What bass(es) are you using?

Charles
Title: Re: Direwolf needs to go back........
Post by: crgaston on May 24, 2006, 07:52:58 PM: Jeff, you are getting a lesson in patience I hope I NEVER have to learn...

So how's the new band going? What bass(es) are you using?

Charles
Title: Re: Direwolf needs to go back........
Post by: flaxattack on May 25, 2006, 06:05:42 AM: charles
i take a simple approach on this. its not their fault and i dont want to send it back down the road. so either it gets right or worse case, redo the bass which they have never had to do.
right now the bass of choice is the washburn hollow body ab 95 5 string i bought aka big red. doesnt grab the low end b like alembics, but has a nice sound and i think after all is said and done,that bass is going to get alembiced
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/449/28482.jpg)
Title: Re: Direwolf needs to go back........
Post by: 811952 on May 25, 2006, 11:01:18 AM: Jeff,

Um, they had to redo 811952 back in '82-'83 due to the top and back nearly totally delaminating. They were absolutely fantastic about it, but it took about 9 months for them to cut the old body off and attach a new one. When they first built the bass, they had problems with the gorgeous piece of cocobolo being unstable and not taking finish well, and offered me the option then of having them redo it from the git go. I told them it was beautiful as it was and not to worry about it. Beverly and Susan told me to let them know if it began acting funny and they'd redo it. One afternoon I showed up for a rather important showcase in Nashville and popped the case to discover the top and back had shrunk about 1/2 back from the edges and were being held on by the glue joints at the neck. Of course I totally freaked, but after describing the carnage to Beverly over the phone she had me ship it back to the mothership. Alembic did a wonderful job (of course) and did a couple of nice things to it while it was there, such as using it as the testbed for John Entwistle's adjustable-nut idea. I love those people, and understand totally that wood sometimes has a mind of it's own...

Oh, and I played the showcase gig with it that night and it sounded awesome as always. The girl singer got a Japanese deal and was a pretty big star there for awhile..

John
Title: Re: Direwolf needs to go back........
Post by: flaxattack on May 25, 2006, 07:49:33 PM: i only know what i was told
Title: Re: Direwolf needs to go back........
Post by: kmh364 on May 26, 2006, 07:08:18 AM: I'm sure Alembic will make Flax's masterpiece better than before...the Six-Million-Dollar Bass? LOL! Seriously, no wine before it's time and all that row. Jeff is suffering now, but I'm betting the Wolf will be more than stellar when it finally emerges from hibernation.

I'm thinking of sending my slightly wounded Series I back to the mothership for neck finish repair and an upgrade to Series II electronics, amongst other things.

How'd you ship Wolfie safely back home, Flax? I don't think my heart can take another DHL debacle...you mean an $11k bass doesn't bounce like a basketball? LOL!

Cheers,

Kevin
Title: Re: Direwolf needs to go back........
Post by: 811952 on May 26, 2006, 07:19:53 AM: Jeff,

They will make Direwolf good as new, or better (if that's possible!). It will be worth the wait, and Direwolf has now become another learning experience for the great minds at Alembic; an awesome work of art they will remember forever for the beautiful piece it is and the challenges getting it right presented.

Hang in there and try not to lose too much sleep over it, because Direwolf is in the best of hands...

John
Title: Re: Direwolf needs to go back........
Post by: tom_z on May 26, 2006, 08:43:30 AM: Kevin - I can't answer your shipping question for Flax, but I recently shipped my Skylark back for some TLC. I shipped it in it's case in the same shipping box in which I received it. I wrapped the case in bubble wrap, and used that popcorn shipping stuff to fill the ends of the box. Granted it was a much shorter hop from Southern Nevada than from NJ. No problems, in any case. Got her back and she's as good as new. =)

Peace
Tom
Title: Re: Direwolf needs to go back........
Post by: tom_z on May 26, 2006, 08:46:06 AM: UPS - by the way.
Title: Re: Direwolf needs to go back........
Post by: lbpesq on May 26, 2006, 09:24:58 AM: Doesn't UPS deny claims if the shipper uses a used box?

Bill, tgo
Title: Re: Direwolf needs to go back........
Post by: keith_h on May 26, 2006, 09:37:03 AM: Bill,
I think your correct on the UPS damage statement. I've even been told by one of their stores they would only insure a package I needed shipped if they packed it.

However from some of the packages I've received via UPS a used box might be safer. Why would they need to drop kick an already torn and damaged item? A new box on the other hand cannot be allowed through unscathed. :-)

Keith
Title: Re: Direwolf needs to go back........
Post by: flaxattack on May 26, 2006, 09:48:29 AM: well guys..... here;s the scoop.....
and you are going to cringe...
firstly if you are having to ship a bass back to alembic and you need a box- let mary or mica know and they will ship you an empty and you can ask for a return label
in my case i did not know this....and who'd a thunk that i would have to send it back?

so i had ups build a box and pack it balls to the wall...i have a great relationship with my local ups store as all my business stuff gets dropped there.
they did a great job
the insured value was 15,000 as that is the replace cost. i shipped 3 day air.
now for the bad news
cost to me? $500!!!!!!
the bass was delivered to alembic in 18 hrs.
why? easy.... internal staff at ups saw the insured value and said- get it out of here!@!!!!!
i did not ask for full reimbursement for the shipping as it is exhorbitant- but ya know what?
it got there in one piece and that was my goal
alembic and i agreed that we will discuss a small reimburse/barter? before tribute ships

my best advice- let them pack it for ease of mind. you'll get gouged, but was 500 bucks a lot to spend to ensure it got there? no........
Title: Re: Direwolf needs to go back........
Post by: flaxattack on May 26, 2006, 09:58:48 AM: btw- alembic did clean up some scratches on wolf- never lift a bass over your head with a ceiling fan present!
and we tweaked the electronics to twin volume controls and no pan
not having the wolf is worse? than having no weed!
Title: Re: Direwolf needs to go back........
Post by: spliffy on May 26, 2006, 10:01:32 AM: 500 bucks to safeguard a $15,000 bass is a small cost to pay. Having said that.... ouch!
I am interested to find out what is causing your bass to do what it did!
Title: Re: Direwolf needs to go back........
Post by: flaxattack on May 26, 2006, 10:26:58 AM: this is a particulalry dark grainy coco bolo and a very oily type sample of this wood.the area of saturation is right over some tight dark grains. my guess and maybe theirs as they dont seem to really know exactly why either is
even though these types of woods are aged for a long time before it even gets sold to alembic
wood changes with time and i am guessing again that as this wood gets more stable or the oils dry,its porosity is changing causing a sponge like effect. so james sprays it.. it sits... gets buffed out- sits again and we wait to see if the absorbtion continues.its almost like a vacuum.think about having a hardened clear coat being absorbed. so all they can do is spray until it saturates the wood and stops
we had this same situation right before it was ready to ship originally and it took 3 weeks to fix- that was in another spot right below the wolf at 7pm
Title: Re: Direwolf needs to go back........
Post by: flaxattack on May 26, 2006, 10:29:33 AM: we had hoped to hold off until tribute was ready, but once i saw some more migration and a pimpling effect traveling over one particular grain....in 3 different spots
we had no choice but to return it
Title: Re: Direwolf needs to go back........
Post by: lbpesq on May 26, 2006, 10:35:46 AM: While UPS may know how to pack the guitar case in a shipping box, I certainly would not leave it to them to properly pack the instrument in it's case. The most critical issue in packing a guitar or bass for shipping, air travel, or any situaion where someone else is handling it, is peghead support. Talk to any luthier that does repairs and they'll tell you that by far the most common damage from shipping is a broken peghead. The overwhelming majority of instrument cases support the neck only and the peghead hangs out in midair where it is susceptible to the whiplash caused by the crate falling, being thrown, shifting in the cargo hold., etc. When shipping or travelling by air, be sure to add bubble wrap, padding, foam, old T-shirts, whatever, inside the case to give support to the peghead.

Bill, tgo
Title: Re: Direwolf needs to go back........
Post by: 811952 on May 26, 2006, 11:17:20 AM: ...and to think I always thought drop-ship meant something else! ;) Glad it got there okay. Sounds like cocobolo still doesn't like to play nice, even after all these years of building stuff from it...

John
Title: Re: Direwolf needs to go back........
Post by: flaxattack on May 27, 2006, 08:37:07 AM: my wolf went right into its case and right into a box surrounded with bubble wrap and solid styrofoam on the exterior and then 2 layers of corrugated 125 lb max protection....
like i said- they packed it well...
Title: Re: Direwolf needs to go back........
Post by: flaxattack on May 27, 2006, 08:40:54 AM: spoke to the boys friday. last weeks sprays didnt take well. apparently the bass was moved to another room after spray and some shrinkage occurred. they resprayed on monday and its been sitting in the spray room since. since it wouldnt ship until 6.2 earliest,they will let it sit some more then james will do a rub out. ,if its stable, it might ship after the girls get back
Title: Re: Direwolf needs to go back........
Post by: flaxattack on June 01, 2006, 10:25:09 AM: ok gang
i need everyone to scrunch their eyes, thinnk real hard and say some prayers... :-)

spoke to valentino late yesterday

the finish seems to be holding and it may very well ship next week if all goes well
Title: Re: Direwolf needs to go back........
Post by: keith_h on June 01, 2006, 02:27:25 PM: Flax,
Happy thoughts ..... Good Luck .....

Keith
Title: Re: Direwolf needs to go back........
Post by: jacko on June 02, 2006, 12:37:46 AM: Fingers and toes all crossed for ya Jeff!

Graeme
Title: Re: Direwolf needs to go back........
Post by: mica on June 02, 2006, 05:37:33 PM: Next week, James will rub out the Direwolf. So here's today's look at the inlay:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/449/28762.jpg)

After the rubout, we are planning to wait about a week before buffing, to observe if there are any changes from the friction.

Will keep you updated of course!
Title: Re: Direwolf needs to go back........
Post by: lbpesq on June 03, 2006, 07:56:00 AM: This looks so cool, even the wolf is drooling! I've got my fingers crossed for you, Jeff.

Bill, tgo
Title: Re: Direwolf needs to go back........
Post by: flaxattack on June 04, 2006, 06:44:07 AM: mica
thank you so much -i am quite surprised and pleased to see a photo of me ole friend.
bill- thanks and btw- i dreamt i moved to san francisco last night- swear!
Title: Re: Direwolf needs to go back........
Post by: flaxattack on June 08, 2006, 05:38:36 PM: how;s the patient?
stable or in need of another transfusion?
Title: Re: Direwolf needs to go back........
Post by: bsee on June 08, 2006, 06:57:37 PM: I was on the phone with Mica an hour ago and she thought you spoke to Val earlier about it. I guess not...

She told me that she thought your bass got a rub out today. It was looking good, but they want to give it about a week to ensure that it is stable before buffing. Sounds like it's getting close.

She also told me about some of the procedures they were going through to test the finish and it sounded really thorough.
Title: Re: Direwolf needs to go back........
Post by: flaxattack on June 09, 2006, 05:36:28 AM: thanks bob
val called me round 10 pm ny time and pretty much said the same
the rub out is going to be on friday.
yes we be getting closer
:-)
Title: Re: Direwolf needs to go back........
Post by: bassfingers on June 11, 2006, 03:30:17 AM: Hi Jeff,
Glad to hear the Wolf is almost done recuperating.Gotta be a great excuse to put more pics up when you two are reunited.
Best Wishes,
Simon.
Title: Re: Direwolf needs to go back........
Post by: flaxattack on June 26, 2006, 09:42:02 AM: sad to say....
val let me know friday that it went back to spray as they are still not satisfied with the problem being resolved....
i know its not their fault and they are being cautious
but this is getting very very depressing
Title: Re: Direwolf needs to go back........
Post by: jalevinemd on June 26, 2006, 10:03:22 AM: Sorry, Jeff.
Title: Re: Direwolf needs to go back........
Post by: 811952 on June 26, 2006, 10:15:31 AM: Jeff,
I can't really suggest that you be patient, because it's becoming obvious that you have more of that than I could imagine. I can't help but believe it will be worth it when Direwolf is back in your hands, since you already know what you're missing. If they can't find a good solution to the problem, my inclination would probably be to accept the raised finish at the wood-fault-line as the reality of building a bass out of such dissimilar woods, and enjoy it for what it is (a massively wonderful instrument). It may ultimately be a candidate for an oil finish, which would look (and feel) great as well. At any rate, I think we all feel your pain yet envy that you'll get to play this wonderful Alembic again soon enough, and that it will be yours forever.

Best of luck with all of it, Jeff...
John
Title: Re: Direwolf needs to go back........
Post by: spliffy on June 26, 2006, 10:35:09 AM: Bummer! I can only imagine what you are feeling. Sure it's no'ones fault but still a real pain in the butt!
Hope she comes home to you soon.

Al
Title: Re: Direwolf needs to go back........
Post by: bsee on June 26, 2006, 11:01:15 AM: Maybe it's time to consider starting over, or at least re-topping the bass?
Title: Re: Direwolf needs to go back........
Post by: David Houck on June 26, 2006, 02:28:57 PM: Jeff; just a reminder. Like any other of life's challenges, it's only depressing if you let it be depressing.
Title: Re: Direwolf needs to go back........
Post by: flaxattack on June 26, 2006, 04:39:21 PM: hogwash dave
put your alembics in the closet for 4 months- dont play em and
then get back to me
Title: Re: Direwolf needs to go back........
Post by: jacko on June 26, 2006, 04:42:02 PM: Feeling for you jeff. Hang in there buddy.

Graeme
Title: Re: Direwolf needs to go back........
Post by: flaxattack on June 30, 2006, 07:02:35 AM: got a msg from val last night out of the blue'
they have ordered what i am guessing is a different finishing material that will hopefully work better with the highly oily cocobolo which is the root of the problem...
stay tuned
he also left good news that the STB is moving along and that (am not being egotistical) its looking absolutely stunning and if i liked the photos in ftc- i aint seen nothing yet...
Title: Re: Direwolf needs to go back........
Post by: spliffy on July 14, 2006, 08:07:12 AM: Well????? How is Direwolf?