Alembic Guitars Club
Alembic products => Factory to Customer => Topic started by: mica on May 10, 2005, 01:29:43 PM
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Caught Tony mid-carve, here's something to make you feel good!
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/18270.jpg)
Flame Maple is amazing - especially if it looks this nice in such a raw state. Don't mind the little burn marks around the edge, these will all be sanded away before finishing.
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/18271.jpg)
Rough shaping of the heel - rasp marks are very evident!
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/18272.jpg)
Rough shaping behind the nut. It's really interesting to see how the final shape takes form.
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Looks promising ...looks promising.
Okay Alain ...I am getting nervous with you. To share nervousness is double nervousness.
Oooops THAT came out wrong!
Paul the bad one
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Hi Mica ,
WWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO ........
What can i say ? Thaaaaaaannnnnnnnnkkkkkkkk yyyyyooooouuuuuu...for those first pictures .
It's a very special moment for me , after having been looking for basses in construction for so many years , it's mine now ...Yes it's a very special moment , i was dreaming of an alembic series2 for almost 20 years...
This flame maple looks very nice ! The heart omega is more than beautiful , in one word everything is fantastic !
..and even if i haven't seen the quilted maple top yet ( http://club.alembic.com/Images/2344/14158.html?1113766280 (http://club.alembic.com/index.php?topic=7827) ) , i ' m sure it's a true beauty !
I would like to say to you and your incredible team , one more time : THANK YOU ALL
Sincerely
ALAIN
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Hi Paul ,
...Hi can't find the words to describe what i'm feeling right now...i'm glued on the screen of the computer and can't get away from it !
I picked a quilted maple 5a top , as you know , and a flame maple back . The combination will be great , no doubt about it ! I 'm looking forward to see the top with those broad sausage...quilt ...sausages are a belgian speciality !!! ah ah ah ...remember sausage thing thread ?
ALAIN
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Hi Alain: I really like Mica's pix of the rough part of the shaping process. Obviously it's easier to get pictures of the stopping points in the building process, where the rough edges have been removed until the next step. That maple really looks exceptional. I'm looking forward to seeing your bass get built. You must be thrilled!
Bill
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Looking good Alain, even in that unfinished state.
Don't drool too much.
Mark, ago
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Mark ...he cant't answer your question. He went to the computerstore for an new (droolproof) keyboard.
Paul the bad one
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Hi BILL , Hi MARK ,
Thank's . Well , i'am really happy indeed . For instance , i'm glued on my computer screen...I spoke to Val last week and i could have my bass for end of june , hopefully...
I've never been so excited or involved for any other thing or even music instrument than for this alembic bass . I suppose It's the same for everyone of us .
Bill , i remember one of your post in which you were saying that having an alembic bass in construction and the delivery was a very special moment...i fully understand what you mean now...
Mark , i know your guitar is almost finished and as soon as you'll see the first pics , i'm quite sure you'll be mega-happy , it's a wonderful feeling...
Thank's for all folks
ALAIN
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Guys ,
What does drool mean ?
ALAIN
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Sorry Alain, drooling is when saliva drips out of your mouth, i.e. when one's mouth waters incessantly with desire! (I know I'll drool when I see mine!)
Mark, ago
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Not sure if you're a wallonien, but according to http://babelfish.altavista.com/tr (http://babelfish.altavista.com/tr) it translates to bave in French.
If you're a vlaming, it's kwijl.
Strange thing: BabelFish only comes up with kwijl if you ask it to translate bave from French to Dutch, it doesn't find an English to Dutch translation.
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Hi Adriaan ,
Nice try , yes yes yes , drool=kwijl=bave ou baver , le verbe...
I'm used to see people drool...i'm physical therapist and many , of my young and beautiful patients ( ladies of course ) can't resist drooling when they are in front of me...ah ah ah !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
...and i must admit i drool too...but not for the same reason...just for my bass !!!!!!! yeaaaahhhh !!!!!!!
ALAIN
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I forgot to add my own DROOOOOOL to the thread. This will be a monster.
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3 pics a day keep you fit every day !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
....so today , 3 new pics !!!!!!!!!!
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By the way ,
I asked for a small inlay at the first fret ; 2 letters : N N ...so I'm happy to introduce you all to ( her name ) : N N BASS
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Hi Val , Hi Mica ,
according to Val , i'm now deeply in the second category of customer...and the 3 first pics helped me feeling better indeed ...but now , i 'd like to feel good ...very very good , so the only medicine available to post 3 new pics...or , ( even better ) place several webcams into the manufacture to help musicians like me to follow their almost new-born instrument coming to life...What a great idea !!! ah ah ah !!!
More seriousely , thank's again for your great work !
alain
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Before the color:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/18471.jpg)
So you can finally see your baby's new face.
Can you imagine the old days, when you had to wait and wait and never see the instrument until you opened the case?
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Very nice quilt!!
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Beautiful. Would these be considered large sausages, or maybe something like sand dunes? (depending on the angle, some look like innies and some outies).
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Hi Mica , Hi Val ,
Thank you so much for this new picture...it's really gorgeous ! It looks really far better than expected ! ...Mica , i only own one alembic actually , but i can say now , it won't surely be my last one ...I fully understand this disease : GAS ...and the worst thing about it is that there are no treatment or medicine for it !!!
Thank's again
ALAIN
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...by the way , Where is the dimmer ?
Thank's
ALAIN
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...ooops...hum hum ...and the 3 position switch for the led's...? That's it : i'm scared now !!!
Glup...Can the dimmer and the led's switch be placed after the coating finish ?
Thank's
ALAIN
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Yes they can be drilled after finish and traditionally are. What you see is the standard routing pattern, add-ons are added on with a hand drill.
Glad you like the look, of course, it's the old story of it's more beautiful in person.
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Hi Mica ,
Thanks for the confirmation . I really do love the large sausage quilt , this instrument is truly fantastic and no doubt the wineburst finish will be terrrriiiffffiiiiiccccccc !
Do i have to tell you how i would like it ?
ALAIN
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Looking beautiful Alain,
What's the second category of customer? I'm intrigued.
Mark, ago
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Hello Mark ,
Thank's...what about your guitar ? no pics ? no news ? i'm looking forward to see your new baby !!!
...according to Val and if my memery is good , there are 2 categories of customer...and it's very simple...: 1 ) musicians preparing their custom order and still in discussion about all the specs and so on , ...finalizing their order , but not yet done . In this category , you find 100 % happy and patient musicians... 2 ) once you 've ordered firmly and your instrument is in construction...then the patient musicians sometimes become a bit less with time , month and month of long wait...some are still cool but some may loose a bit of their patience ...
Anyway , we're both in the second category , and we're cool...an i become a very happy impatient customer ! ah ah ah ! ...honnestly , they 're doing such a great job there !
ALAIN
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Hi Alain,
No pics, no news, but my patience is still strong!I've sworn to myself that I will not hassle them. A hand-made, custom instrument takes as long as it takes, and hassling them isn't going to speed up the process. Staying cool's the thing!
Mark
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Hi Mark ,
You're totally right ! I must also say that having some pics posted is very special and re-fuels or reload you with patience ! my english isn't perfect , i hope you understand me mark !
ALAIN
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Hi Alain,
Your English is perfectly understandable. Light years ahead of my French or Flemish (or any other language)!
I've only myself to blame as I keep thinking of new inlays to include. The only problem is seeing pix of other folk's Alembics has a tendency to induce GAS. it also helps sharing the joy of others (such as your good self) when they see the first pix of their new instrument.
I actually feel privileged just being allowed to acquire an Alembic.
And the wait allows me to build up a good supply of drool!
Mark
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Hi Mark ,
...if you think of new inlays to include , do it ! Give a call to Valentino , he is such an understanding person , he will say to you if it's still possible and give you advices regarding the shape , location...of what you want ; he did that for me , i wanted an inlay consisting in 2 N N ...he sent me different shapes and gave me the best location possible to do it , which was not the one i choosed at first ...and what he told me was the best solution ! You can really trust him , he 's 200% reliable !
...now , about GAS ...i have a very bad news for you : you're already sick my friend ...you wouldn't be here if you were sain !!! like anybody here , i guess we're all a bit GAS-contaminated !!!
ALAIN
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Thank's David ! ...it think that too !
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Hi Alain,
May I just say that I personally would never have a coloured finish as I wouldn't wish to hide any of the wood. That being said, I must say your bass is just about the prettiest I've ever seen. I can't think of a superlative adjective worthy of it: congratulations. (And you're already thinking of your next one: GAS in a BIG way: LOL)
Mark
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Hi Mark ,
I agree with you , a so nice would should never be covered by any coloured finish...that's a perfect reason for me to buy a new one !!! LOL
Well , i hesitated a long time for the wineburst finish . I really do like that splendid colour thing going from yellow to dark red , i find this gorgeous ! On the other hand , i would have also prefer a quilted maple5a top but not with this quilt configuration . Ichoose this one because it has long sausage design that 's giving a kind of waves or flames that i found great with a coloured finish .
For a regular quilted5a with no finish on it , i would have choosen another type of quilt : http://store1.yimg.com/I/alembic_1848_16537648 (http://store1.yimg.com/I/alembic_1848_16537648)
This one is for me and by far , the most splendid type of quilted maple 5a i've ever seen .
So if i had the chance to rebuild one in the next few years , i 'd choose a plain quilt maple5a like this one .
I must also say that the result i saw on the last 3 pictures is for me really stunning and perfect , i do love that finish ...and i'd also love a blue one too : http://alembic.com/club/messages/631/13602.html?1107637847 (http://alembic.com/club/messages/631/13602.html?1107637847 target=_top)
...as you see , i'm getting GAS faster and faster , more and more everyday...
ALAIN
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Hi Mica ,
How are u doing ?
I know shipping is close and i only have one question : will it be possible to have some pics of the finished instrument with electronics and inlay , led's...?
I thank you very much for this !
ALAIN
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What a beautiful bass! The sunburst finish really accents the amazing quilt maple top. Best of all, it will sound better than it looks. Cheers!
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Hi Mica , Hi Val ,
Any three's series pictures available ...before shipping ?
Thank's for great work you all did !
ALAIN
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Of course, Alain. These are three from last week I forgot to post:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/19321.jpg)
Eeeeewwwww! Now you know how the glossy finish looks mid-rubout. That chalky appearance goes away once the buffing wheels kiss it.
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/19322.jpg)
Still with glue on them, and proud of the fingerboard surface, your "NN" inlays by Jonathon.
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/19323.jpg)
12th fret abalone oval with laser LEDs in place. Look for more photos tomorrow or the next day of the finished bass.
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Hello Mica ,
WAOUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUW...that is really amazing ! Over and over ...far beyond expectations !!!
Simply terriffffffffiiiiiiccccc!!!!!!
No words to describe how i find this beautiful instrument and even less words to congratulate you and your so-great team for the magnificent job you did !
Thank's again Mica !
...and ...of course , i'll be watching tomorrow and the next day for final pics...anyway , i'm almost glued on my screen for 9 months so , i won't miss a part of it !
Best regards from Belgium and mega-giga-happy customer !
ALAIN
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Your bass is probably at customs right now, Alain. Of course, you'll want a preview of the finished bass:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/19422.jpg)
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/19423.jpg)
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gasp
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Wow! What a beauty! May it travel safely and arrive at your home soon.
Congratulations Alain!
Tom
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wow
now that is the first painted bass i have seen that i want!
congrats alain
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Alain,
Seeing your bass is really weakening my willpower. Fantastic looking.
I'm always interested in extra switches and knobs; what do yours do?
Brad
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Hi Mica ,
Let me first thank you so much for what have been done to make my dream come true . I would also like to congratulate all your team ; that starts from the charming person who welcomes you on the phone ( mary i guess ) to every craftman for their skill and love of the well done job .
I would also like to thank with no reserve , your fantastic new ( not really new anymore ) specialist : VALENTINO !!! He's been so helpful and patient , never heard such a good source of perfect advices before ! Thank's again to all of you !
ALAIN
Hi Alembifriends ,
Thank's to you for the kind words . I also find this instrument awesome . It blows me up ! I don't know how they make such a great job at alembic's but they do it !!!
...regarding all the knobs ...well , i'd asked a dimmer + a 3 way position switch for led's ( front and side ) . I think they are just under the standard electronics of the seies 2 ...but i don't know what this little one close to the 5 pin connector is ? ...any suggestion ?
ALAIN
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Very nice Bass Alain. You're one lucky guy. Now where did I hide the kids' college funds?
graeme
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Great bass!! My guess is that the extra switch may be a mono/stereo switch for the 1/4 jack.
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Hi Dave ,
Is this switch common on series 2 ? For me it's ok , i'm glad to have it , but i thought it was there only if you ask it !?
Anyway , this won't change a thing to what i think : alembic's are sincerely and more than probably the most beautiful and sounding instruments ( basses ) i've heard...in one word the best ! Iknow there are plenty other brands that are also very good , so let's just say it's a matter of taste...even if i think they 're the best anyway !!! yeah !!!
ALAIN
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Alain; I'm thinking that you are right, that it's an option and not standard.
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Never been a big fan of sunburst finishes over beautiful wood but MY GOD! Alembic certainly has a way of changing a persons mind with such artistry and style!!!
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Hi Mickael ,
Thank's ...i was wondering how it would look , but the result is there : gorgeous !
Hi Dave ,
Well , i don't remember i 've asked for that , but i'm happy to have it...will i hear a strong difference in my sound if i don't use sound effects ?
ALAIN
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Hi Mica ,
Just for information , i think an entire page of this thread with several pics of my bass with the wineburst colour has disapeared ...? Or my computer goes wrong ...anyway , if it's normal , could it be possible for you to send them back to me on my personal mail address ?
Thank's a lot .
ALAIN
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Alain,
Look at the top of the page: a moderator must have archived the messages you're referring to. There are currently two archives for this thread, and the second one probably holds the pictures you're looking for.
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Hi Adriaan ,
You're correct , i've been so many times on it ...i don't see 'em anymore...probably due to the arrival of my bass next week !!!!!!
Thanks
ALAIN
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Rather than by a moderator, it was probably automatically archived by the software.
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Hi Alain, is that your bass in the group picture on the website of Edwin's store (new arrivals)?
I'm going to check out his new Alembic stock (15!) a.s.a.p. that's for sure!
Wilfred
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Hi Wilfred ,
.....YYYYEEEEEAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH THAT ' S HER !!!!!!!!!!!
I can't believe it ! I know now the surprise edwin was going to make for my birthday : 5 july !!!!!!
Thank's again Wilfried
ALAIN
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Hi Everyone ,
Great place to be this next saturday : at edwin's shop ( holland ) : i'll go and pick up my bass ...sure going to be a delightful moment !
ALAIN
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Alain, Congrats!!!!!!
When I visited the factory last month, your bass was on the bench in rub-out...... Seeing the pics of it complete w/ electronics, hardware, strings, etc etc.. is a sight to behold!!!!! I am extremely happy for you & hope that this beauty brings you a lifetime of enjoyment...
-Mike
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Wow Alain! Very, very sweet bass. Hope you enjoy it lots for a long time. Play it in good health!
Bill
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Hi Folks , after a small hibernation period , i'm back...pics of my bass will be on the showcase section very soon now !
ALAIN
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Very nice!
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Hi Alain,
The last inlays were decided on in March and I'm not going to add any more now as I've already got one on the headstock, one behind the bridge, and custom fret markers. You'll have to wait and see what they are.
Mark
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Hi Mark ,
...i understand now , you already have some almost everywhere on your guitar !!!...surely is a true piece of art !!! Did you ever call Val or Mica to know how far was your guitar in the construction process ?
ALAIN
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Hi Alain,
No I haven't called Val or Mica: that would be hassling which I've vowed not to do. I'm just going to wait patiently until I hear from them.
Alembic's inlay work is so awesome I just had to have some. I knew it would add to the build time but the wait will be so worth it!
Mark
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Hi Mark ,
What kind of music do you play ? Are u playing in a band ?
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Hi Alain,
I'd've thought my user id here would imply what music I like. I attempt (poorly) to emulate the style of the late, great Jerry Garcia. I used to be in a band called The Herb Cowboys. The bass player is now with The Cosmic Charlies having moved to London. But I'm hoping my new guitar will inspire me to great things.
Mark
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Hi Mark ,
...hum hum...yes , i should have guessed it !!! We are actually building a website for our band and i don't find that so easy ...we'll include some live pics and video clips , but i don't know when it' ll be ready . Playing live live is what i prefer from everything else ; so good to share music you like with an audience ; did u ever come to Belgium ?
ALAIN
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Hi Mark.
What's the live music scene like on the north yorks coast? It's taken me the best part of 4 years to find a decent band since the last one split up. There seem to be plenty gigs up here now though. 4 years ago edinburgh seemed to be a cultural wasteland for rock music.
graeme
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Hi Alain,
I couldn't agree more about playing live: to quote Jerry, he said Making an album is like making a ship in a bottle, whereas playing live is like rowing a boat on the ocean. I visited Ghent a few years back and thoroughly enjoyed it, even though I don't drink beer.
Hi Graeme,
It's always hard finding people to play with, but there is a lot of music round here. There is a local deadhead bassist but he's more into ships in bottles than rowing! Did you attend any of the Wembley 1990 shows? I've just acquired them.
Mark, ago
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Hi Mark ,
Next time you come to belgium , we could try to meet with other belgian alembicians like paul ( tbo ) !!! Should have a nice time !!!
Still no news from santa rosa ?
ALAIN
...i'm looking forward to see your new guitar !
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Hi Mica , Hi Valentino ,
...just a simple question : will it be possible to see a picture of my finished bass before shipping ?
I thank you very much in advance .
ALAIN
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Well, it has taken me awhile, but I finally had a chance to look at this page. First, allow me to congratulate you Alain on your choice of woods for this bass and second, please forgive my bass-envy as that quilted maple is simply stunning.
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Hi Jeff ,
Thank's for the kind word . It's my first custom made series 2 alembic and i must admit that i 'm far more than happy ! Actually , i can't wait for it ...this month is going to be long , very long...i should have it in end of june or july...
I also looked at your terrifffffffic bass , i can't find words ...no one on earth has a bass like yours !!!!!!!!!!! great instrument jeff !
I really hope mica is going to post one ...or several pictures of my bass in its final state with the wineburst finish and all the electronics...i keep fingers crossed !
Thank's again Jeff
ALAIN
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Hi Valentino ,
Once again and never tired of this , it was such a pleasure to talk to you yesterday ! Thank's again for your smart advices given in all the process of building a custom bass .
...i appreciate you take great care of my health by hesitating to post new pics of the finished work ( :-)))) ) , but as you know , i took all my pills at the same time , so you can drop them all now , i'm readyyyyyyyy !!!....and here in belgium , we have NO FEAR !!! ah ah ah ...ask Paul TBO !!!
ALAIN
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Pictures seem to come in threes for you:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/18916.jpg)
If you ever doubted your finish choice, you mind should be at ease. Looks stunning.
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/18918.jpg)
You can take in the whole thing. Enjoy!! (oops - peghead pic was waaaaaay too big) (Message edited by mica on June 02, 2005)
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(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/18920.jpg)
On this one, we masked over the logo since the darker parts of the wineburst finish would obscure it weirdly. I think it's turning out great.
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A Maze Ing!
Congratulations, Alain!
Reid
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Hey, Alain,
It can't be long now: those latest pix are lovely. The quilted peghead is particularly awesome.
Mark, ago
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i agree. I particularly like the way they've masked the logo so it didn't get sprayed. I thought it looked a bit odd when they sprayed over the logo on steves maple Europa. http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/13602.html?1107637847 (http://club.alembic.com/index.php?topic=7040)
graeme
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Hi Mica ,
I love counting by 3 or threes...
I'm still alive after those pics...what can i say ??? tell me , help me ??? thank you ? : not at all ! great ? not even enough ! i prefer to say :liserfgilrgvvtap^?$*r568.68.s6cdftshgklimlljfgbrtyuoplkjhgfnbvcxiuyhguytr oazefo;....to make you understand how happy i am !
I'm not the only one in the case having the alembic-pathology ...but it's a kind of disease i prefer from all others...
It's simply greatly terrrriiiiiffffffiiiiiicccccc !
( thank you all ) x 999999999999999999999
I do love those pics and the skill of everyone at alembic's , it's reall out of common !
I ' m totally in love with the peghead and no varnish on the logo !!!!!! smart idea !!!!!
Altough i find the body a bit dark , there is no doubt the picture don't do justice to the real colour of the instrument , yes i like clear colours... i'm quite sure it's great and i have no doubt about the result : simply far beyond what expected !!!!
Thank's again to all the crew in Santa Rosa
ALAIN
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Hey guys ...We have on the news here that there is some kind of weirdo in the nieghborhood of Huy (Belgium) singing 24/24 and 7/7
superqualifragilisticexpeealidoces
We internated him in a resthouse.
Paul the bad one
mmm ........the new adress to send his new bass too is
Beekstraat 16
3051 Sint Joris Weert
I will be 50 in a little 2 weeks so ...
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Paul , i' m still laughing 5 min after your post...man ... sausage thing bassist you are is too much !!!!!!!!
You're the best paul !!!!!
I'm actually connected 25 hours a day , i'm in the exact conditions you described me a few months ago ...everyone around me is now driving nuts because a piece of wood : but what a piece...and what wood ... and what a bass !!!!!!!!!!!
let's say : ersguvroip?yoiv;?us63.9yinb
+9+
9z7u
+b7
+7
+y7
+stu7
+?9i7ulikftkzeka
ALAIN
...hope you understand
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Well I'm confused, but still got you three pictures today.
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/19082.jpg)
Fresh out of spray, needs to cure a little before the final rubout, but it really won't look too much different after the rub and buff.
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/19083.jpg)
Of course, you get to see the back too! I don't think you've seen these yet:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/19084.jpg)
You'll have to imagine them in place.
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Hi Mica , Hi Val ,
...these pictures are so great ! The front and the back look really wonderful , stunning !
The varnish coats on the wineburst make the body look so bright , so great ! ...and the flame maple is totally beautiful !
In fact , i love everything in this bass , every part is a piece of art !
Thank you so much for making my dream come true !
ALAIN
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Now that really is sweet. What a fantastic looking bass.
graeme
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Hi Graeme ,
Thank's for your appreciation ! In fact as i said , i was a bit surprised of the darkness of the finish , but with the varnish coats on it , it looks much more clearer and brighter !
I really do love this finish ...and already thinking to my next bass...spalted maple , burl maple , quilted maple 5a with a blue finish , coco bolo...??? still have many years to think about it ...not before 3 years...i have to pay this baby first !!!
ALAIN
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Alain,
wow this bass looks great.
I am eager to see the final result....
Oliver (Spyderman)
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Hi Oliver ,
I'm also looking forward to see it in its final state with pickups and red led's everywhere...!!!
By the way , you're everywhere on the net : on bass central : oliver is there , on alembic's : oliver is also there...you're a great alembic owner and it would be great to meet , belgium and germany are close...i sometimes go to k?ln...music store or shopping...let me know if it's possible for you !
ALAIN
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Alain,
of course. Anytime. I live in Dueren, approx. 30kms from the belgian border.
As said your new baby really looks great.
I am also anxiously waiting for my new Alembic:
a Dragon Wing in JE style, with bird?s eye maple top and back.....
Let me know when you have time....
Oliver(Spyderman)
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Hi Oliver ,
Dueren : great !!! i know this place : i was based in spich for my military service in 1988 !
We'll meet soon !!! ...and also looking every day for your new baby to come : i really like this shape of body ! congratulations !
ALAIN
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Love this one. She's a beaut!