Alembic Guitars Club

Alembic products => Alembic Basses & Guitars => Topic started by: flaxattack on June 24, 2004, 08:07:23 AM

Title: Neck laminate choices for a rogue custom
Post by: flaxattack on June 24, 2004, 08:07:23 AM

i am thinking about having a custom rogue made.
am having a tough time deciding on whether to go for the gusto and get ebony laminates as oposed to purple heart which i have already decided to move up to.
so any feedback on neck construction differences is appreciated
currently i own an orion 5 with the maple/walnut
thanks people

Title: Neck laminate choices for a rogue custom
Post by: flaxattack on June 24, 2004, 08:09:50 AM

ps
my neck is going to be custom sized
32 scale and poosibly
1.875 nut- 2.375 24th fret

Title: Neck laminate choices for a rogue custom
Post by: bassman10096 on June 24, 2004, 06:18:35 PM

If you want the brass backplate (extra on Rogue) and MOP ovals (also extra on Rogue) and either purpleheart or ebony lams (extra on Rogue), you might do better to build off a Europa model.  I believe that with Europa, you get the brass backplate, MOP ovals and purpleheart lams - and - a Rogue body for no extra charge.  This brings you a couple hundred in savings over a Rogue with all those things added.  Ebony lams are also $200 less when you add them to a Europa.  I did a quick look and it appeared you would come out ahead with a Europa as your base model there too.
 
Of course monthly specials can impact your best deal at a particular time.  But once you decide - check with Val or Mica.  The numbers in the custom quote generator sometimes vary a little from the actual (in my case, I made out better than the software said).
 
Others with firsthand experience with ebony lams could tell you much more.  But having owned a maple neck (w/pinstripes) and having played necks with purpleheart lams, the added density of the purpleheart is noticable in the sound and sustain.
 
All that said, are you talking about a 5 string (I assume so from the neck dimensions).  If that's right, I'm considering a very similar bass for my next acquisition (If I ever actually do see the bass I'm waiting for!!!!  Sorry...). When you're ready to finalize your neck design, Mica has a neat piece of software that will tell you string spacing based on neck widths at various fret numbers.  
 
I love the medium scale and want my next bass (it'll be a fiver) to have ebony lams for that bowling ball-in-the-chest fundamental.  What sort of top wood are you thinking of?  
 
Do tell.  I'd really like to hear another one of us think through a new bass!
 
Bill

Title: Neck laminate choices for a rogue custom
Post by: flaxattack on June 24, 2004, 07:31:45 PM

yes we are talking about a 5 string. there is only a difference of $200 between the rogue and europa for my design requirements.
may go with a vermillion BODY wood and the laminates will depend on whats on sale. Speaking with Val, his recommendation is to invest in the neck as thats where the majority of the sound is coming from. Rami suggested that i consider a combo neck- 4 ebony lams and one purpleheart.
body wood is up for grabs. i may want to go too high $$$$ and go for cocobolo. so if there is not a sale i will pick a std wood and ask for a nice nice piece and no back wood. i am also going to upgrade the elec and try to figure a thumb rest out

Title: Neck laminate choices for a rogue custom
Post by: rami on June 24, 2004, 09:11:15 PM

Hey Jeff,  
 
As I understand, the Ebony laminates so completely dominate the sound that it wouldn't really make a big difference as to what other type of wood you combine it with.  When designing the Dark Prince and the current Black Byrd, I wanted ultimate sustain and fundamental.  I even considered a complete Ebony neck, but decided that since Purpleheart is also a wood used to strengthen necks, it would go compliment the Ebony neck laminates well - plus I just love the effect of how the neck just blends into the Purpleheart core of the body.  Also keep in mind that these are 36 scale 6 strings, so the added strength of the Ebony and Purpleheart keep the neck as solid and stable as possible.  
And the Basses sound great too!    
 
Good luck realizing your dreams as well,  
 
Rami  
 
 
(Message edited by rami on June 24, 2004)

Title: Neck laminate choices for a rogue custom
Post by: zappahead on June 25, 2004, 08:43:24 PM

Not to get off on a different subject, but the purple heart/ebony also just plan looks fantastic. Its one of the sleekest and most beautiful things Ive ever seen done to an instrument.
 
Has anyone though about get a madagascar ebony neck or neck laminates? Im was wondering if that was feasible. Then again the black ebony really works so well with the purple heart.

Title: Neck laminate choices for a rogue custom
Post by: somatic on June 29, 2004, 05:01:02 AM

Wow. I've been thinking about a very similar bass, even to the suggestions that bassman10096 and Rami have made; Europa (Rogue shape) 32 5 string, ebony neck lams (maybe with purpleheart like Rami's), mahogany body, ebony top (I already have the wood), cone headstock, and routed for S2 electronics for when I have the $ to upgrade.
 
Looking forward to what the discussion brings out.
Cheers

Title: Neck laminate choices for a rogue custom
Post by: smokin_dave on June 29, 2004, 07:14:44 AM

If I ever dig up enough cash(knocking HARD on wood)I want a custom Rogue built with purpleheart neck and ebony lams.Not only does it look good,it should sustain a note from now until doomsday.That with a purpleheart body.Mmmmmmmm.

Title: Neck laminate choices for a rogue custom
Post by: rami on June 29, 2004, 11:59:48 AM

Check this out
 
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/393/10933.jpg)
 
 
 

Title: Neck laminate choices for a rogue custom
Post by: kayo on June 29, 2004, 12:33:33 PM

Rami
 
That's beyond words...... does the front match?

Title: Neck laminate choices for a rogue custom
Post by: rami on June 29, 2004, 01:38:12 PM

Here's the front
 
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/393/10940.jpg)

Title: Neck laminate choices for a rogue custom
Post by: kayo on June 29, 2004, 01:45:50 PM

Rami
 
WOW
 
That is the first piece of wood that I have liked as much as the one I hand picked for my own Rogue.  

Title: Neck laminate choices for a rogue custom
Post by: lowlife on June 29, 2004, 01:52:55 PM

Rami,
 
Kayo is right, it's beyond words!
If you're ever looking for a baby-sitter for this beauty, I'd be delighted to oblige. (LOL)
 
Ellery(Lowlife)

Title: Neck laminate choices for a rogue custom
Post by: rami on June 29, 2004, 02:05:55 PM

Thanks guys!
 
Actually, it's being baby sat right now at the factory (minor cosmetic retouching).  If you're in the neighborhood, feel free to check it out in person.
 
Rami

Title: Neck laminate choices for a rogue custom
Post by: kenbass4 on June 29, 2004, 03:11:07 PM

All,
 
Rami is absolutely correct. I got to play it in January, and even the feature custom pictures don't do it justice. I was spoiled that day...I got to play the Dragon's Wing, Dark Prince AND Erin-Oromion (my custom Rogue) all in the same day!!
 
Ken (TEO)

Title: Neck laminate choices for a rogue custom
Post by: flaxattack on July 01, 2004, 11:33:43 PM

well how did they sound??????
am interested particularly in the 4 ebony one purple heart neck
thANK YOU
is this the purple heart body too?

Title: Neck laminate choices for a rogue custom
Post by: rami on July 02, 2004, 09:18:49 AM

Hi Jeff,
 
This is my only experience with this wood combination - I never mentioned a 4 Ebony and one Purpleheart combination.  I assume that would sound great too.
This particular Bass is all about sustain and clarity - in as much due to its 36 scale as its wood combinations.  Mica would be better qualified to explain the physics behind the various wood combinations and scale length.  As far as I'm concerned, it's just the best sounding Bass I ever played - super clear tight sound with sustain that lasts forever.  It works for me - although others may have their own preferences.
 
Rami