Alembic Guitars Club

Alembic products => Factory to Customer => Topic started by: mica on June 18, 2004, 05:53:30 PM

Title: Nik's 33" scale 6-string
Post by: mica on June 18, 2004, 05:53:30 PM: Nice Superb Walnut top:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/10753.jpg)
Cool Myrtle body wood:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/10754.jpg)
The neck in the picture sadly blew up when we ran it through the shaper. Very small fractures deep in the wood appeared and they weren't too happy when they hit the shaper. We've never seen anything like it, I saved you a piece of this neck, Nik. Chip's get the new neck underway, but it's not in the presses yet.
Title: Nik's 33" scale 6-string
Post by: nick_bassman on June 21, 2004, 09:36:47 AM: Hi Mica

That top looks really great in place and the myrtle for the body is gorgeous. Shame about the neck but this stuff happens. I'm looking frward to seeing more as she progresses.

Nick
Title: Nik's 33" scale 6-string
Post by: mica on July 16, 2004, 08:31:09 PM: Tony finished carving your bass as I left Alembic today. Here's a shot from Monday I think of the fingerboard getting glued on:

(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/11245.jpg)
Title: Nik's 33" scale 6-string
Post by: nick_bassman on July 25, 2004, 02:27:20 PM: Hi Mica

Thanks for posting the update and the picture.
The excitement grows !!

Nick
Title: Nik's 33" scale 6-string
Post by: jeff on July 27, 2004, 08:59:22 AM: Hey Nick,

That Myrtle body wood is beautiful and should look great with the superb walnut top. I am curious though - did you chose the myrtle strictly for its appearance or is there some sonic reason for your choice?

Jeff
Title: Nik's 33" scale 6-string
Post by: nick_bassman on July 28, 2004, 06:09:28 AM: Hi Jeff

I have to be honest with you and say that I chose the myrtle purely for looks and I wanted something a little different. I think it will look cool with the walnut top too. The bass will have Series 2 electronics so I reckon I should be able to most any tones I want from the electronics.

I hope that answers your question.

Cheers

Nick
Title: Nik's 33" scale 6-string
Post by: nick_bassman on July 28, 2004, 06:13:16 AM: Hi Jeff

I chose the myrtle for the looks and because I wanted something a little different. I think the myrtle colour will tone very well with the walnut. The bass will have Series 2 electronics fitted so I don't think tonal variety will be a problem.

Thanks for your interest.

Cheers

Nick
Title: Nik's 33" scale 6-string
Post by: mica on July 29, 2004, 01:45:18 AM: This one is also from the 15th of the body halves before glueing to the neck:

(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/11570.jpg)

You can see the hollowed out portion is already shielded with silver. There's sealer coats on your bass now, so the next pictures I take will give you a really good idea of what the finished bass will look like.
Title: Nik's 33" scale 6-string
Post by: nick_bassman on July 30, 2004, 05:41:02 AM: Hi Mica

Wow that's looking good already.
Just getting the shape into the body makes all the difference. The walnut and myrtle really look great together. I'm looking forward to seeing the next progress pictures.

Thanks

Nick
Title: Nik's 33" scale 6-string
Post by: nick_bassman on August 12, 2004, 11:23:16 AM: Hi Mica

I was just looking at Derrick's gorgeous featured custom. In particular the stunning abalone ovals, very very nice. Anyway I wanted to ask is it too late for mine to get something like those ovals ?

Thanks

Nick
Title: Nik's 33" scale 6-string
Post by: mica on August 12, 2004, 04:45:07 PM: It's at least it's too late to add without refretting. So while we could add them, I'll hate to ask James to redo his fine fretwork so soon. Plus, you'd have to pay for the ovals and the refret, so I'd say it's not practical at this point.

Sorry I've been not posting many pictures lately. I did see you bass on Monday getting fretted. So that means there's only a few more coats of finish to go.
Title: Nik's 33" scale 6-string
Post by: nick_bassman on August 12, 2004, 11:22:09 PM: Hi Mica

I totally agree.
I'd hate to ruin all the good work that James has put in to it. Maybe on the next one ;)
Anyway I do have the inlaid logo to look forward to and I'm sure that will be spectacular. It sounds like it's getting close now roughly how long do you think it will be until I get my new baby ?

Thanks

Nick
Title: Nik's 33" scale 6-string
Post by: nick_bassman on August 25, 2004, 05:25:18 AM: Hi Mica

How are things progressing ?

The excitement is really getting to me !!

Thanks

Nick
Title: Nik's 33" scale 6-string
Post by: mica on August 25, 2004, 05:18:09 PM: It's so close, but so far away! Right now it got sent back to the shop for a minor modification - your neck dimensions were wide enough that our standard 6-string pickups were not able to catch the B string evenly, so the cavities are being enlarged for wider pickups. Will probably be ready to ship the week os September 13th.
Title: Nik's 33" scale 6-string
Post by: nick_bassman on August 26, 2004, 05:23:19 AM: Hi Mica

Thanks for the report.
Do you have any more recent pics ?

Cheers

Nick
Title: Nik's 33" scale 6-string
Post by: the_mule on August 29, 2004, 12:01:25 PM: Nick, is there any particular reason why this 6-string has a 33 scale length instead of 32 or 34? I'm seriously considering a custom order of a 32 6-string, that's why I'd really like to know how you came to this 'compromise'..?

Thanks!
Wilfred
Title: Nik's 33" scale 6-string
Post by: nick_bassman on August 29, 2004, 01:52:51 PM: Hey Wilfred

You hit the nail right on the head with the word compromise. I have for some while now been playing mostly my 36 scale AJ (see miscellaneous forum). Time and arthritis have taken their toll on my hands to the point where I'm having trouble playing some lines on the 36 due to bending fingers. I do have 35 basses too and have the same problem and just lately I have been noticing similar signs on my 34 basses as my fretting pinky is now developing an alarming bend !! I have a 32 four string and love the ease of this but I wasn't convinced by a 32 B string. So using some twisted logic I thought 33 would be a good compromise. I also found out that Matt Garrison plays a 33 five string tuned EADGC which he drop tunes to play a low B on and having seen him in action it seemed to work. Now I'm not saying that a 32 B string won't work, it may be very possible with an Alembic and a beefy enough string (and there's probably someone who does it with a light string) but I want to play with light strings.

All in all probably not a very logical criteria in some respects but when you are desperate to continue playing when your body is collapsing around you anything seems worth trying.

Cheers

Nick
Title: Nik's 33" scale 6-string
Post by: the_mule on August 30, 2004, 09:20:48 AM: I'm sorry to hear about your personal reason for 'downscaling'. I've just got small fingers and have found the 32 scale the most comfortable to play (I also own a 30.75 and a 34). Thanks for your very clear and detailed answer. BTW, your bass looks great!

Wilfred
Title: Nik's 33" scale 6-string
Post by: nick_bassman on August 30, 2004, 09:56:50 AM: Hi Wilfred

Thanks for your kind thoughts.
I think the bass will look cool too and it is only a few weeks away from my hands !!

Cheers

Nick
Title: Nik's 33" scale 6-string
Post by: mica on September 01, 2004, 12:28:45 AM: Here's the bass with the larger pickups, ready for the calibration:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/12368.jpg)

(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/12369.jpg)
The satin finish turned out really nice, hard to tell in the pics. My dad's got Barry's to finish first, then 2 repair upgrades that have been patiently waiting. I'll let you know when we're doing something other than waiting.
Title: Nik's 33" scale 6-string
Post by: palembic on September 01, 2004, 12:41:01 AM: LOve this design! Europa's are nice!!

Paul TBO
Title: Nik's 33" scale 6-string
Post by: bassman10096 on September 01, 2004, 03:55:10 AM: Wow. Nice combination. The top looks great, the myrtle is very rich looking and interesting and the satin finish really works!

Congrats! Can't wait to see final pix on this beauty.

Bill
Title: Nik's 33" scale 6-string
Post by: David Houck on September 01, 2004, 03:56:05 AM: The Walnut and Myrtle are both really nice! With the clean fretboard, Purpleheart lams and SII controls, this is a very nice Alembic!
Title: Nik's 33" scale 6-string
Post by: nick_bassman on September 01, 2004, 10:37:18 AM: Hi Mica

What can I say but ........ wow !!!
That is looking so good. I'm really pleased how the myrtle and walnut go together and the finish looks great too. How does the inlaid logo look ?

Thanks for posting the pics !!

Nick
Title: Nik's 33" scale 6-string
Post by: nick_bassman on September 02, 2004, 02:51:44 AM: Hi Mica

I just wanted to ask about the mono/stereo switch for the jack output. I couldn't see it (but then I could be looking I the wrong place), is this something your Dad sets up ?

Thanks

Nick
Title: Nik's 33" scale 6-string
Post by: rklisme on September 02, 2004, 03:43:01 PM: Nick

I just saw your bass this afternoon and all I can say is WOW! I think you should be very happy to receive it! I hope you have a strong back if you plan on standing with it, it is a handful! I was there planning my next bass when I got the chance to see yours. I am sure you are counting the days.

Rory
Title: Nik's 33" scale 6-string
Post by: nick_bassman on September 03, 2004, 12:53:21 AM: 14,13,12 ........... no I must stop !!

I'm glad you like the bass rkl. Judging by the pics I'm going to be very proud. I'm guessing it can't be heavier than my Fodera AJ, at least I hope not !!

Cheers

Nick
Title: Nik's 33" scale 6-string
Post by: palembic on September 03, 2004, 01:16:04 AM: I think I would also go for this body-style in stead the Balance K when choosing a 6 string. Although I would choose the front capping to be bookmatched to center.
Curious how you will like the sound!

Paul the bad one
Title: Nik's 33" scale 6-string
Post by: nick_bassman on September 09, 2004, 09:37:21 AM: Hi Mica

Sorry to repeat I was concerned this would get lost in the huge amount of posts.

I just wanted to ask about the mono/stereo switch for the jack output. I couldn't see it (but then I could be looking I the wrong place), is this something your Dad sets up ?

Thanks

Nick
Title: Nik's 33" scale 6-string
Post by: bassman10096 on September 09, 2004, 09:52:21 AM: Hi Nick: The stereo/mono selector is a switch on the DSR5 power supply. I believe battery powered operation (through the bass's 1/4 output jack) is always mono.

Bill
Title: Nik's 33" scale 6-string
Post by: mica on September 09, 2004, 10:19:00 AM: The switch is optional and not drilled by the NC machine. It's drilled by hand right as we're installing the electronics. Sorry for the worry!
Title: Nik's 33" scale 6-string
Post by: nick_bassman on September 09, 2004, 11:36:18 AM: Thanks Mica that clears it up nicely.

How's everything else going ?

Bill - You're right the standard for the jack is mono but you can still have stereo or switched.

Cheers

Nick
Title: Nik's 33" scale 6-string
Post by: mica on September 12, 2004, 01:23:36 PM: Got one of the logo for you:

(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/12620.jpg)

And now we'll just be waiting in line for the final test/calibration procedure. It likely won't be on dad's bench until early October, there's quite a few in line ahead of yours. If there's any change, I'll let you know.
Title: Nik's 33" scale 6-string
Post by: palembic on September 12, 2004, 01:50:21 PM: ***sigh*** she has a pointed headstock ...well, I'll have to live with that (mmm ...that is to say ...you'll have).

Paul TBO
Title: Nik's 33" scale 6-string
Post by: nick_bassman on September 12, 2004, 11:56:35 PM: Hi Mica

Thanks for the update and the picture. That logo does look beautiful. The top piece is very cloud like and the bottom piece looks kind of like a cliff face with sky above and the sea below. I'm really looking forward to the day it arrives in it's new home. I understand that you can't rush genius !!

Cheers

Nick
Title: Nik's 33" scale 6-string
Post by: nick_bassman on September 13, 2004, 12:04:23 AM: Oh Paul, Paul, Paul

While I understand and admire your adherence to Alembic tradition I have to say that IMO for the more modern Alembic bodies the cone peghead is right. Especially with the side benefit of more straight string path to the tuners. I'll happilly live with it especially knowing that you won't be !! ;) ** gloating and maniacal laugh **

Cheers

Nick
Title: Nik's 33" scale 6-string
Post by: palembic on September 13, 2004, 12:45:25 AM: Oh well,

She has a BEAUTIFUL body so ...we can always drop a towel over her head
goes a rather sick joke over here in the macho part of Belgium.

I'd love the 4/2 set up on an Orion-styled pegheadfor the Elan body. I think the strings can go as straight as here.

But ...well ...it IS a good thing that tastes differ so much in the world. The place would be rather boring if everybody has the same.
Can you imagine everybody having an Alembic?? OK ...earthquakes ...superior low frequencied sounds, but OTOH ...you would paying A FORTUNE for a Fender Squier!!! HA!!!!

Paul the bad one
Title: Nik's 33" scale 6-string
Post by: nick_bassman on September 13, 2004, 09:09:44 AM: It's OK Paul we each have our own thing and thank goodness as you say. I've never been big on assymmetrical headstocks so the 4/2 thing would work for me I'm afraid.

Hey and what's wrong with a Fender Squier ...... apart from .... no I'd better not go there ;)
Title: Nik's 33" scale 6-string
Post by: palembic on September 13, 2004, 09:43:34 AM: Oh-oh-oh ...I am the PROUD owner of a Korean Fender Squier: Broomstick!!!!!!!
I bought her for 100$!!!!
As probably you would remember when I got her she sounded as a broomstick-on-washthub bass and played as baseball bat strung with rubber luggage binders.
After changing to 'd Addario flatwounds and giving her the Brother-Joey-setting-up-routine she plays as a womans leg but still sound as the broomstick-on-washthub bass. Oh well ...she has that ...something old sound.
It's ok!

Paul the bad one
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/12683.jpg)
Here you see Broomstick while I was jamming with my future sun-in-law. (No I didn't use the Miele dishwasher as an amplifier HA!)
Title: Nik's 33" scale 6-string
Post by: keavin on September 13, 2004, 10:40:59 AM: Hey playin in the kitchen?,,you guys must have really been cookin!
Title: Nik's 33" scale 6-string
Post by: nick_bassman on September 13, 2004, 11:22:46 AM: Groan !! ;)
Title: Nik's 33" scale 6-string
Post by: dannobasso on September 13, 2004, 08:07:45 PM: Personally I love the look of the exposed neck laminates. I also love that body style. It has some great lines and curves. IT took some getting used to the cone head because the Crown was so traditional, but it does work beautifully with the string tension line on the nut.
You have a true work of classic art there. Congrats! Play it in good health to the awe and envy of many.
Danno
Title: Nik's 33" scale 6-string
Post by: nick_bassman on November 22, 2004, 09:44:49 AM: Hi Mica

I was just wondering if there was any further news ? Xmas is coming and I think I deserve a big present ;)

Cheers

Nick
Title: Nik's 33" scale 6-string
Post by: palembic on November 22, 2004, 01:04:54 PM: Hohohohoho ...have you been a good boy Nick????

PTBO
Title: Nik's 33" scale 6-string
Post by: nick_bassman on November 23, 2004, 05:53:10 AM: No offence Paul but if it comes to sitting on someone's knee ............ I'd prefer Mica's to yours ! ;)
Title: Nik's 33" scale 6-string
Post by: palembic on November 23, 2004, 07:09:33 AM: True ...but I have (the start of ) a long white beard and white curly hair.

Paul TBO

PTW: I'll come and sit next to you!!!
Title: Nik's 33" scale 6-string
Post by: nick_bassman on November 28, 2004, 10:31:46 AM: Hi Mica,

Just in case you missed my question.

I was just wondering if there was any further news ? Xmas is coming and I think I deserve a big present ;)

Cheers

Nick
Title: Nik's 33" scale 6-string
Post by: nick_bassman on January 27, 2005, 07:03:09 AM: Hi Mica

I hope you are all moved and settled.

I was just wondering how things were going with my baby ?

Cheers

Nick