Alembic Guitars Club

Alembic products => Factory to Customer => Topic started by: mica on November 04, 2004, 11:27:03 PM

Title: Gary's Balance K in Walnut
Post by: mica on November 04, 2004, 11:27:03 PM

Found your bass in carving this morning:  
(http://club.alembicguitars.com/Images/631/13894.jpg)
 The Walnut has great depth and the CWB look awesome.  
(http://club.alembicguitars.com/Images/631/13895.jpg)
 Tony was on break when I took this picture of the  rough sculpting of the heel.

Title: Gary's Balance K in Walnut
Post by: the_mule on November 05, 2004, 01:44:50 AM

And another wal-nut has entered the building! And ebony neck laminates also, tasty combination!
 
Wilfred

Title: Gary's Balance K in Walnut
Post by: mica on November 10, 2004, 12:14:10 AM

Need to fit a tailpiece on this new design. With the extra long scale and the Omega cut, it does limit the options. Here's two ideas:
(http://club.alembicguitars.com/Images/631/14064.jpg)
 
(http://club.alembicguitars.com/Images/631/14065.jpg)
  And in context:
(http://club.alembicguitars.com/Images/631/14066.jpg)
 
(http://club.alembicguitars.com/Images/631/14067.jpg)
  One other option is to make a post-style string anchor like Jimmy Johnson has.

Title: Gary's Balance K in Walnut
Post by: David Houck on November 10, 2004, 05:29:05 AM

That's such a nice looking bass!

Title: Gary's Balance K in Walnut
Post by: flaxattack on November 10, 2004, 10:15:35 AM

i vote for #2

Title: Gary's Balance K in Walnut
Post by: flaxattack on November 10, 2004, 10:27:07 AM

i vote for #2

Title: Gary's Balance K in Walnut
Post by: flaxattack on November 10, 2004, 10:46:35 AM

i voted twice in the election also-lol

Title: Gary's Balance K in Walnut
Post by: bsee on November 10, 2004, 10:59:24 AM

I would vote for #2 with the ends being a little more pointy.  Picture the bird tailpiece but without the two center points (forward and back) and then sweep the wings back just a bit more to follow the Omega.  Not as severe a sweep as on Val's custom, but a compromise in the direction of that design.
 
String-through-body might work, but the length could be a problem.  Has Alembic ever built a string-through-body instrument?
 
Oh.  Nevermind, I don't get a vote...I think you should put on whatever Gary wants!

Title: Gary's Balance K in Walnut
Post by: flaxattack on November 10, 2004, 11:59:49 AM

i like the subtleness of #2 bsee. it does not distract from the omega and ebony lams...
and it has a nice contour.but its gary choice- you cares what i think anyway-lmao

Title: Gary's Balance K in Walnut
Post by: David Houck on November 10, 2004, 12:33:30 PM

When the bridge is in position, number 1 will look better.

Title: Gary's Balance K in Walnut
Post by: adriaan on November 10, 2004, 12:39:44 PM

Like Dave says, #1 probably looks better so close to the bridge, but bsee's suggestion of making the ends more pointy makes sense too: the ends look a bit like lumpy book ends (may well be due to the close-up shot).

Title: Gary's Balance K in Walnut
Post by: David Houck on November 10, 2004, 12:51:59 PM

I like the way the wood grain fans out around the tailpiece and the omega.

Title: Gary's Balance K in Walnut
Post by: bigideas on November 10, 2004, 01:24:40 PM

with the way the grain flames at the omega (which, as dave pointed out, is very lovely) #1 looks like it's pinching the wood. i like that. i think it looks cleaner too.

Title: Gary's Balance K in Walnut
Post by: bsee on November 10, 2004, 01:33:09 PM

I see the points on #1 and am starting to agree.  I think I just prefer them pointier rather than round, though.  I'd still want a tighter radius on the corners facing the omega.

Title: Gary's Balance K in Walnut
Post by: gary on November 10, 2004, 01:49:58 PM

I think I would prefer a modified version of #1 with more bird like shaping. Slight point front  
center, slight wing tip points downward on the sides. Look at the flame pattern that shows around the edges of the Omega cut, WOW just jumps out at you, and it dosn't even have any finish yet!!!
I am soooooooo jazzed. YAHOO, IT'S MY BASS...

Title: Gary's Balance K in Walnut
Post by: hollis on November 10, 2004, 02:38:11 PM

Hi Gary,
 
Way to enter this group!  Welcome. Your bass is amazing!

Title: Gary's Balance K in Walnut
Post by: bassman10096 on November 10, 2004, 02:56:03 PM

Hi Gary,
 
I, too am in love with your bass.  The flames around the omega are very unusual and look great.  Can't wait to see the rest of the figuring pop when it gets some finish on it.
 
Congratulations
Bill (TBO - the bass one)

Title: Gary's Balance K in Walnut
Post by: David Houck on November 10, 2004, 04:18:24 PM

Welcome to the group and congrats on a really nice bass!

Title: Gary's Balance K in Walnut
Post by: mica on November 11, 2004, 12:15:57 PM

Here's what Mike cooked up for the more bird-like shape:
 
(http://club.alembicguitars.com/Images/631/14199.jpg)
Yikes, that snapshot is really poorly exposed, but you can still see the form of the mock-up tailpiece.

Title: Gary's Balance K in Walnut
Post by: gary on November 11, 2004, 02:02:13 PM

Yup, thats the right shape. I'd imagine Mike will put the screw holes back of the centerpoint left & right of the A string slot/1 above the B string slot/1 below the G string slot.Might have to widen ever so slightly to put screws at either tip???Really responded well to my suggestion on that.
Do my eyes decieve me or is that already some finish on the wood? Gidyup!
This is such a creative arrangement of allowing the the construction to be monitered, your company is as unique as the instruments you make. I'm likin this...

Title: Gary's Balance K in Walnut
Post by: bsee on November 11, 2004, 02:44:17 PM

That looks great.  You might want a little more metal than that in front of the B string, though.  It's probably fine, but it looks like there's so little there!  
 
I suspect there will be four bolts holding it in and located in the spaces between the strings rather than any outside of the outside slots.

Title: Gary's Balance K in Walnut
Post by: jeff on November 12, 2004, 08:33:34 AM

Gary,
 
The bass is looking like a real beauty.  Mica's previous shot illustrates just how wonderful the basket-weavy, flamey walnut and the ebony neck lams will look with that gold hardware.  Nice job.

Title: Gary's Balance K in Walnut
Post by: mica on November 12, 2004, 05:46:28 PM

The tailpiece is usually anchored with three screws, I'm not sure how many Mike decided on with this design. Don't worry, there's plenty of metal in front of all the strings. Mike hand milled your tailpiece last night.   Finally had some good timing and got the bass before it was prepped:  
(http://club.alembicguitars.com/Images/631/14259.jpg)
 Chip did a great job as usual positioning the wood on the front.  
(http://club.alembicguitars.com/Images/631/14260.jpg)
 Kinda hard to appreciate without the backplates, but the back has a burst-like color change, it's remarkable.  
(http://club.alembicguitars.com/Images/631/14261.jpg)
 

Title: Gary's Balance K in Walnut
Post by: flaxattack on November 12, 2004, 11:08:27 PM

sweet

Title: Gary's Balance K in Walnut
Post by: gary on November 13, 2004, 01:53:38 PM

I'm absolutely delighted w/the beauty of this walnut,the more finish applied, the more eye popping the flame pattern becomes.
Any suggestions about making the final clear coat satin finish or gloss???
 I've seen you guys achieve incredible results both ways. The gloss is fabulous, but I personally love the satin.
Heads up everyone, the famous Amp & speaker designer/Bass player Phil Jones has started peeking at this project. Wouldn't be surprised if his own custom order ends up gracing the factory to customer pages here soon...We both find the very best hard to resist.

Title: Gary's Balance K in Walnut
Post by: mica on November 28, 2004, 09:14:26 AM

Gloss is better on dark woods. We can leave the neck with a satin feel if you find that you have a tendancy to stick to gloss finishes.   Tony has carved another Omega for you:  
(http://club.alembicguitars.com/Images/631/14750.jpg)
 Now you'll have that other plane of symmetry you were after.  
(http://club.alembicguitars.com/Images/631/14751.jpg)
 These pictures were taken right after he carved it - those rasp marks will be smoothed away of course. He rounded it out a little so you could see the Ebony laminates and reinforce the similar look at the two ends.

Title: Gary's Balance K in Walnut
Post by: gary on November 28, 2004, 02:04:13 PM

WOWHOW! The miniature omega cut just as I'd imagined it. Such a little detail, such titilation. Nice artistry Tony. I predict this option will be bigger than gold teeth.
Mica, I believe you're right about the gloss finish for this bass. And the satin for the back of the neck. By all means...
Just out of curiosity, what is the CWB???

Title: Gary's Balance K in Walnut
Post by: dadabass2001 on November 28, 2004, 02:21:54 PM

That should be Continuous Wood Backplates, allowing us to see more of the figuring and color shift on the back.
 
Mike
P.S. Have I mentioned I LUV walnut!

Title: Gary's Balance K in Walnut
Post by: mica on December 08, 2004, 07:22:21 PM

Logo inlaid:
 
(http://club.alembicguitars.com/Images/631/14946.jpg)
 
James did the preset on your bass today. That's where he does a complete setup, then takes all the hardware off. Over the next couple of days, Chris will buff and polish the brass and then we'll send it out to the gold plater.

Title: Gary's Balance K in Walnut
Post by: jeff on December 10, 2004, 05:55:00 AM

I really love the grain pattern and color of this walnut, and that logo is stunning.  This bass is just darn good looking.

Title: Gary's Balance K in Walnut
Post by: bigbadbill on December 24, 2004, 08:49:30 AM

You know, I just love these Balance Ks more and more....stunning. Can't wait to see it finished!

Title: Gary's Balance K in Walnut
Post by: mica on January 24, 2005, 12:32:19 PM

Gold-plated hardware came back recently and it's installed on the bass now:
 
(http://club.alembicguitars.com/Images/631/16017.jpg)
Lighting in this area isn't that hot, but you get the general idea.
 
It should receive the electronics this week, but then it's a good line before the calibration. Yours is on the schedule for the week of February 14 - let's hope that everything goes smoothly before then.

Title: Gary's Balance K in Walnut
Post by: gary on February 26, 2005, 03:31:33 PM

Hey Mica, appreciate the updates along the way. Just like Rory's Coco Bolorequest Could I see a full clear shot of my bass not only for my own archive, but for friends & family all over the country to see. They've followed the progress & would love to see it complete or nearly so.
                       thanks soooo much. Gary

Title: Gary's Balance K in Walnut
Post by: gary on February 26, 2005, 03:34:29 PM

Hey Mica, appreciate the updates along the way. Just like Rory's Coco Bolo request, Could I see a full clear shot of my bass(maybe front& back) not only for my own archive, but for friends & family all over the country to see. They've followed the progress & would love to see it complete or nearly so.
                       thanks soooo much. Gary

Title: Gary's Balance K in Walnut
Post by: mica on March 01, 2005, 11:35:12 PM

Here's the pictures you requested:  
(http://club.alembicguitars.com/Images/631/16807.jpg)
 You'll get both truss rod covers with your bass, the goldplated one that's in the photo and the wooden one. When we ship, the wooden one will be installed, and the brass one will be packed separately.  
(http://club.alembicguitars.com/Images/631/16808.jpg)
 The back is actually my favorite part - I mentioned it before, but the natural color tone reminds me of a sunburst, only this one's created by Nature.   Enjoy!

Title: Gary's Balance K in Walnut
Post by: palembic on March 02, 2005, 12:33:34 AM

This IS one of the most stylish basses Alembic ever made. I just wonder HOW it would have been in a bookmatched to center set-up.
Congrats to the crew!
 
PTBO

Title: Gary's Balance K in Walnut
Post by: mica on March 11, 2005, 12:25:25 AM

Ack Gary - I left the memory stick with your bass on it at work. I'll post the finished pics when I arrive tomorrow. In the meantime, here's the before picture of the little power supply:
 
(http://club.alembicguitars.com/Images/631/17113.jpg)
I didn't get a chance to check on the power supply today, so I'll check it out and call you tomorrow.

Title: Gary's Balance K in Walnut
Post by: mica on March 11, 2005, 03:45:04 PM

Here's those snapshots I told you about on the phone earlier:  
(http://club.alembicguitars.com/Images/631/17134.jpg)
 
(http://club.alembicguitars.com/Images/631/17135.jpg)
  The bass looks and plays and sounds fantastic! Tony finished up the custom little power supply, and dad tested it after lunch, so I'd say we're good to ship on Monday. It's my preference not to ship on a Friday, since the bass just winds up sitting in some lonely warehouse over the weekend. I believe you are in a 2-day delivery area, so that means you should see the bass on Wednesday. Will call you with the tracking number when it's available on Monday.

Title: Gary's Balance K in Walnut
Post by: mica on March 11, 2005, 04:16:06 PM

And an after picture for the mini power supply:
 
(http://club.alembicguitars.com/Images/631/17137.jpg)
 
The outputs are both on the front. When you use the bass/mono alone, you'll get both pickups. To get each pickup separately, use the treble and bass outputs. If you use only the treble output, you'll only get the treble pickup.  
 
The 1/4 jack on the bass is wired so that it's always mono and ready for any standard guitar cable.  

Title: Gary's Balance K in Walnut
Post by: gary on March 18, 2005, 12:00:17 PM

I recieved my bass, and let me just say,I have  
owned or at least played nearly every significant brand high end bass of the last decade, including some exotic boutique brands.
Tobias-Padulla-Lakland-Zon-Kubiki-Warwick-Smith & others.  
It's a given that my Alembic is stunningly
beautiful, the pictures on the link give a hint of that. But I'm convinced, it has the fastest neck (absolute razor) & smoothest feel/action of all of them. Then there's that legendary sonic character of this instrument. Words fail me___ THUNDERSTICK?
I think we'll have to go away & be alone for awhile. Yes, I believe its love...

Title: Gary's Balance K in Walnut
Post by: bracheen on March 20, 2005, 12:59:42 PM

I've fallen behind on my Factory to Customer reading and all I can say is Uhhh. That is magnificent.  The Omega headstock really takes it to another level visually.  Being a Series it's already on it's own level sonically.
Congratulations.  
 
Sam