Alembic Guitars Club
Alembic products => Factory to Customer => Topic started by: mica on September 23, 2020, 08:40:38 PM
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Well, it's fun to have a public FTC thread again! Everyone has been asking for private emails for a quite a while. These are the first few images from when Kris was assembling your bass. Enjoy!
assem01: gathering up the neck woods
assem02: clamp before glue - we let the woods get to know each other before committing to glue
assem03: preparing to glue the peghead veneers
assem04: peghead template drawn
assem05: peghead cut out
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Dig the knobby headstock. And I like the ebony veneered fronts I've been seeing here and there lately.
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Yee-HAH! (Back in the saddle again!). Thanks, Mica.
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Ahhh....a much-loved thread revived. Now if we can get the Double-Bass restoration "shop" up and running again....these are the kind of "reality-shows" I can get behind! 8)
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I'm just going to enjoy Danno's build here... (and a sneak peek at the new Alembic Shop?) I've had to scale back the Scroll Shop for now due to the Real Job situation. Hopefully things will settle down this Fall and I can get back to whittling up there. I did have a clean-up day recently.
The real pro woodsmiths are right here. ;)
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Great looking peghead!
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THANK YOU DANNO!
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Awesome! And great to see activity here again :-)
Also quite partial to the Ebony headstock veneers, there will be more of them later this year :-)
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Certainly brings back memories (these threads usually start with a neck, right?). Ebony veneer FTW!
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THANK YOU MICA! YES I AM SHOUTING!
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I love the FTC page. Glad we have a new entrant. Thanks Danno and Mica!
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Yea FTC is back! This will be amazing! Blessings!
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Hello Mica and Susan. I'll be contacting you about an additional inlay of my family crest. We discussed this for another custom you made me years ago but I didn't have the wear with all at the time. Ince this will be my last hurrah, let's see how we can achieve it on this build.
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Oh boy oh boy oh boy oh boy oh boy! Sweet and I really like the crest idea!
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Susan is working her magic on a detailed version of the crest to be placed near the top of the neck to allow for minimum fret disturbance. There will be red rays on the inlay logo on the peghead. Bring on more pictures!
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So while I wait I'm getting gassy. I ordered 2 cables from Ben Kleinman of Ray Raydecker. https://rayraydecker.com (https://rayraydecker.com) A 25 ft 1/4 " instrument cable black with subtle red stripes and a 25 ft 5 pin cable the same scheme for the elegant lady in waiting. Such a supreme instrument deserves a high quality cable. On my guitar side I am getting an ebony Les Paul Studio with ebony board which I'm going to convert to meg 89, 81, Sperzels, Schaller strap locks and fine tune tailpiece. I find the ebony board much more satisfying on a Les Paul. I have a converted Robot w/ ebony board that I put in Emgx 89, 81 Sperzels and a Floyd Rose surface mount Trem which works great. I having my 3 omg pup LP classic given the Floyd treatment too. Just keeping busy, keeping the economy going and staying positive while the elves work their magic. Now to make sure Mica and Susan can get me a black power supply like Flip!
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No progress photos yet but Susan did send me some artwork and details for the custom inlays for this project. I had the good sense to let her create as she sees fit. It should be stunning and with the new materials she will be using, rather unique. So Susan, Thanks and the check is in the mail for the latest invoice!
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Any updates on this beauty you can share? Really curious as to how the inlays will look.
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No updates yet.
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Update from Susan, Inlay pieces are cut. When they are installed, then it is back in spray. Black finishes are a tad more demanding. This will be my 7th black finish from the mothership.
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Good to hear!
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A six string, that will be cool. You mentioned avoiding string interference with the placement of the crest inlay, will this be a fretless? Looking forward to watching it progress!
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Fretted. Susan suggested the placement for maximum size with the least amount of frets breaking up the design.
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Yesterday I saw Kris selecing the lab opal for the dipped end and drops off the end of the cross inlay and thought you'd like to see it!
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It really difficult to think of the products Alembic produces as merely instruments or tools of the trade. They are really art designed to make additional art.
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Thanks very much for the pics. I think I can safely say we all enjoy seeing them!
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12th fret inlay is in! The fret snippets are just for testing.
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Thanks very much!
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Had a very nice FaceTime call from Susan and she imparted Crest inlay progress, more finish and I may have this treasure around Halloween.
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Congrats, Danno! Another fine addition!
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Thanks. This will be my last hurrah from the Mothership I think. Best go out with a bang. I'm planning on getting a Carlton case made for this beast. Can't be too careful.
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I don't know if they make one long enough for this bass, Danny.
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They say each one is custom made. If we could get a tracing and some measurements, I'm sure they will let me know they won't take my money. Is it possibly longer than the 10 string you lovingly made me? That just fits in my reunion plus gig bag.
ripping yarns roger of the raj (https://duckduckgo.com/?q=ripping+yarns+roger+of+the+raj&t=osx&iax=videos&ia=videos&iai=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DXUMPgBWPLfw)
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Moving right along. The crest inlay is cut and glued and awaiting installation. Thanks to Susan for her continued personal communication.
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Spoke with Mica yesterday. Had a great chat and after a while we got around to some news. I'm in the line after Flip. So when Flip receives his 2 customs I should be up at bat. I am officially retired at the end of the month so I can wait patiently, No pension for another year ans some odd so I'm glad I paid upfront!
Here's to Flip's new creations in the somewhat near future and then my swan song bass. BTW, anyone looking for some basses and guitars , let me know. I'm overstocked.
Also bless all the family and folks at the mothership for keeping craftsmanship alive in these Unitrd States!
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You really thought I needed more persuasion to want to see this monster done? :-)
Can't wait to see this completed, now more than ever!
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[For Sale postings moved to https://club.alembic.com/index.php?topic=26770.0]
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Speaking with Mica last week there will be some more waiting. I appreciate their high standards with every component. So something needs to be redone as the desire result did not meet the motherships approval.
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Perfection is worth the wait :)
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I Completely agree. This is my 9th custom build and the waiting does get easier. Not really easy, but easier. The 1st order was in 86. For some reason they just got more involved with each build. Funny how that works.A player I know has been waiting a very , very long time for a Carl Thompson and his wife is pissed.I have no wife so I'm good on that issue.
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Hello! Any news? I have some calls and texts in and am anxious to know the progress.
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Ditto here, hope all is ok over there...
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The mothership told me it's in spray and hardware going out to be plated. Black finishes are demanding according to company standards.
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Baby is getting rubbed out.
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Is the hardware back?
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I don't know. I imagine it would be. I'm 2 years into this wait and think about it every day. Probable reason is I come here every day.
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Very exciting! :)
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.... Probable reason is I come here every day.
And here I thought it was because you liked hanging out at the cool kids table.
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I think many would consider us the not with the in crowd kids in the back of the cafeteria. The p bass kids would point at us and smirk. The EBO and thunderbird guys would just say we're weird. The Ric guys would wonder why can we play basses that are so quiet. But we just enjoy our time and share Jimmy J's latest videos..
I did actually have a guy at Ash in Paramus NJ, now closed, say to me Alembic? Nobody plays those boat oars anymore! To each his own.
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Back in spray. The perfectionists at the mothership are making sure the black finish is flawless. Thanks to Mary for the update.
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In line for calibration. Right behind Flip I imagine.
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Thank you Mica for the chat today. Always nice to catch up and share thoughts. Sorry we got cut off. Best of everything to you and the family and of course, the elves!
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Any good news for me for the new year?
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I sure hope so, Dan. I've found it valuable to have a similar Alembic bought used while waiting on an order. That works for me anyway. However in your case it would be a stretch considering it's a Series II with you personal spec. I am looking forward to seeing your bass delivered. That's going to be an exciting day!
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Thanks. I'm still thinning the herd. I have 46 instruments at present and that's too much. I enjoy them all but my space looks like guitar center threw up.
A number of graphite necked guitars, 2 steinbergers etc. are on the block.
My GAS got the better of me. I Picked up a Status Streamline 5 off a friend and Some Flaxwood Guitars.
I do have to say I'm very impressed with Flaxwood Guitars from Finland. Composite molding with wood fibers. My custom Aija in black is on the bottom of the page. I have 2 with midi, Sustainiac, EMG 81 and tremolo and 1 used hardtail with EMG HA and 81.
https://www.flaxwood.com
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What do you plug your midi bass into? I’m still looking for a midi set up for my midi equipped bass. I use a Roland Gi20 interface with a Yamaha Motif Rack XS, but find it cumbersome to deal with.
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Roland GR-55 and a Boss SY1000. The boss can also be used without the multi-pin cable. Just 1/4 ". I installed a driver on my Xotie Jazz 5 but it doesn't work right. Tried to put it on my Spoiler wide 6 but no luck on the spacing with the cables.
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Roland GR-55 and a Boss SY1000. The boss can also be used without the multi-pin cable. Just 1/4 ". I installed a driver on my Xotie Jazz 5 but it doesn't work right. Tried to put it on my Spoiler wide 6 but no luck on the spacing with the cables.
Thanks, I’ll check out the GR-55 :)
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Well, it came back from rubout. More inspection and then the rest of the process.
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Making progress! :)
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So close! I bet the finish is going to look like staring into a black hole.
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I've had quite a number of black finishes over the years and can attest to the fine quality. The standards are extremely high and while it adds to the wait, I trust the artisans there.
Now if only the rest of the world could be so diligent in their craft.
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Had a chat today with the Mothership and I received a new education in the genius of Ron Wickersham's design of Series 2 electronics. So much more involved than I realized and how unique each series instrument is. My understanding has been elevated. It will make the playing experience even more inspirational. Why didn't I do this 20 years ago?
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I hear my bass in in Ron's area for calibration. Hopefully he will be able to work on it in the near future.
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Getting closer, looking forward to seeing it :)
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it is moving forward on the line.
For our lovely Mica, The word of the day is
pastiche | pasˈtēSH, päsˈtēSH |
noun
an artistic work in a style that imitates that of another work, artist, or period: the operetta is a pastiche of 18th century styles | the songs amount to much more than blatant pastiche.
• an artistic work consisting of a medley of pieces taken from various sources: a pastiche of literary models and sources.
verb [with object]
imitate the style of (an artist or work): Gauguin took himself to a Pacific island and pastiched the primitive art he found there.
ORIGIN
late 19th century: from French, from Italian pasticcio, based on late Latin pasta ‘paste’.
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Calibrated. Headed to set up and final inspection. Here’s hoping!
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Almost there :)
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Shipping today I’m told. Should get it Monday or Tuesday. Glad UPS settled.
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Great news!!!
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That's amazing news !!!
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I remember that feeling. Congratulations, Danno. Looking forward seeing this one.
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Awesome! I can feel the refresh page on that tracking number being worn out..lol
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Awesome, also on the lookout for the UPS truck here :-)
We do need lots of pics, can't wait to see this monster!
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FC and I have been very patient good little Alembicians. He even more than I, I believe. This will be a whole new level of experience for me never having even played a Series instrument. The highest I've owned was signature deluxe Stanley and mt custom 3 pickup Europa circut w vol and tone for the middle pickup. Here's to getting a long desired item in my 60th year.
Congrats to you too FC on your Series ll!
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... also on the lookout for the UPS truck here :-)
Also great news! It's good to see both of these on their way.
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body shot by Mary
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WOW!…..just WOW!
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Wow.
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The eagle has landed. Damn fine bass you have there sir.
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It lands Monday so a few more days of waiting.
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It arrives Monday. A few more days to landing.
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Beautiful!
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Sick!
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Simply awesome!
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Alembic… where the quality level of the inlays matches the quality level of the electronics (and construction, profile, finishing, wood choices… all of that). Nice job by the team there.
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Now that is what I call a gorgeous bass!
It was definitely worth the wait.
Love the black tuner buttons!
Greetz
Oliver (Spyderman)
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Congratulations on an amazing bass! Play it in good health, and put up more pictures when you can.
Regards,
Pete
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Yeah, that's nice man. Love the Crest. 8)
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The black theme is very classy. Love it.
Nice inlays as well.
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Wow!
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Holy smokes! I have no words. Congrats my friend. Play it like ya stole it!
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Brown changed the delivery time and pushed it 4 more hours into the future. The luck of the Irish strikes again.
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Congratulations! Powerful looking bass, just wait until you hear it cranked at volume and can fully appreciate the might of the Series electronics.
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Please wait until the UPS truck leaves the neighborhood before cranking things up. Those trucks are top heavy and you wouldn't want to tip the delivery van over with your first note. Here's hoping everything arrives in tip top shape and this evening is spent blowing people's minds (including your own) with this beautiful instrument. You've been so patient with this build that its really a great example of the slogan used for many years by Guiness in their advertising..."Good things come to those who wait."
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It arrived in pristine condition and practically in perfect tune. Neck is very comfortable and super fast with the excellent set up and string spacing. I went with Phil's numbers via Mica. The electronics are the cleanest I've encountered and the variable Q is more subtle than I imagined. I imagine how folks get lost in fine adjustments with this package .
Played it through my Phil Jones 2 channel 600 w head and 6x5 cab. I could run the 2 outputs from the ds5 into it. Great sustain and clarity with the ebony lam. The koa and mahogany body wood give it deep tone without a lot of sizzle.
I compared it with my Status Mark Kings and Streamline and Warwick Vampire instruments. While all are great basses, the S2 is a very different animal. It's hard to describe but so much more pure character. Later I'll try it through an Epifani 900C and 2x12. That is a 2 channel amp as well. Some effects will be broken out to get the full treatment.
I need to see about a power supply in case I need to go wireless so the leds can be used. They are precious to me. It look like FC has one for his new beast. If anyone knows of something available , please let me know. I hate building things.
The inlay work is top notch and more impressive in person (as is always the case). Looking forward to hear how it sounds in the studio.
Thanks for all the good wishes and reaction on the Mothership's craftsmanship.
Cheers,
Danno
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I also run my Series Basses through PJB cabs: One channel through a 6 x 5 and the other through a 16 x 5. With a Yamaha 2-channel amp and running through 2 F1-x preamps and a SF-2, its amazing the clear (and of course earth shaking) sounds I can get out of those basses.
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Had a great chat with Mica today. The great people there are always willing to help us out. I pitched an idea for an external battery supply via the 5 pin so the led's can run without the DS5. She told me of two club members who built solutions.
So many great things going on and more great innovations in the works. Thanks again to Ron, Susan, Mica, Mary, James and the other craftsman for their making this bass a reality. I wish I had a series long before this. It is a joy to hear and play.
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😎
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You are right Dannobasso when you say "It is a joy to hear and play.", in my case whilst the series II bass sound is incredible, i personally found it a challenge to be able to operate the controls so that I could repeatedly get the sound I wanted from wide pallate of tones availabie quickly. I'm sure you will have no trouble finding your sound.
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Thanks very much. The amount of variation is great. It really requires active listening and trying out things that are beyond one’s usual expectations. I wish I had one built years ago. Though I enjoy all my customs and each has slightly different characteristics, the series is another level all together.
May you have great success with the tour of the states!
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Thanks, i'm looking forward to it and since it's unlikely i will ever get the kind of backup that Jimmy J. has when he tours outside the USA, i won't be taking a series bass out of the country.
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Congratulations, beautiful bass, nice inlays, there is nothing like an Alembic Series instrument, enjoy :)
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Just a follow up perspective. As some of you know I've been blessed with many high quality instruments from various makers. (many Alembics over the years) This Series has put the others sonically further away from my favorite tone. Something that really impressed me before I received this Series, now doesn't hit my ear the same way. Crazy what a difference there is. I'm not saying that it has ruined some in my arsenal for me but the comparisons are strikingly noticeable. Truly a superior tool for expression. I'm looking forward to working on BLAK29'S next effort with this exceptional creation.
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😎
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Just a follow up perspective. As some of you know I've been blessed with many high quality instruments from various makers. (many Alembics over the years) This Series has put the others sonically further away from my favorite tone. Something that really impressed me before I received this Series, now doesn't hit my ear the same way. Crazy what a difference there is. I'm not saying that it has ruined some in my arsenal for me but the comparisons are strikingly noticeable. Truly a superior tool for expression. I'm looking forward to working on BLAK29'S next effort with this exceptional creation.
You have discovered why, with the exception of my Alembicized Starfire, the Alembics I have left are all Series basses. There is nothing like an Alembic Series bass, they are very special instruments :)
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You have discovered why, with the exception of my Alembicized Starfire, the Alembics I have left are all Series basses. There is nothing like an Alembic Series bass, they are very special instruments :)
I can see me heading down the same route at some point, and they are incredible instruments.
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... the comparisons are strikingly noticeable. Truly a superior tool for expression ...
Yes
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Wow. Extraordinary work of art.