Alembic Guitars Club

Alembic products => Factory to Customer => Topic started by: mica on June 08, 2005, 07:12:34 PM

Title: Paul's Burl Redwood Series II Bass
Post by: mica on June 08, 2005, 07:12:34 PM: We had a great visit yesterday with Paul. He had already picked out his top and back, and we were just going ot go over the custom inlays and other details. Well, that was before he got a look at a recent Redwood acquisition:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/19079.jpg)
My mom chalked in the body and rough control locations.
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/19080.jpg)
Check out those blistery burls - fantabulous!
Title: Re: Paul's Burl Redwood Series II Bass
Post by: foth on June 09, 2005, 05:48:54 AM: It's always great going to Alembicland...kind of like going to the Emerald City. You all are healers as well as artists and friends.

This is a northern California bass and the burl coastal redwood top wood is from a primeval northern California tree. I call this bass the sun bass.

Another good catch to Chip for remembering the extended horn template that was already made up. That saved a lot of time!

Paul
Title: Re: Paul's Burl Redwood Series II Bass
Post by: David Houck on June 09, 2005, 06:29:04 AM: The Sun Bass. I like it!
Title: Re: Paul's Burl Redwood Series II Bass
Post by: palembic on June 09, 2005, 08:58:05 AM: hehehee ...Long live the Paul's
Title: Re: Paul's Burl Redwood Series II Bass
Post by: mica on October 12, 2005, 04:43:07 PM: Hi Paul, Chip has finished working out the kinks for your peghead:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/21518.jpg)
and with some notes:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/21519.jpg)
Hopefully you'll be able to see where the original shape outline is, and how we had to shrink the cutouts for the knobby part to allow for the rays. We can also move the logo up a little more, and get a little more length out of the rays if you like.
Title: Re: Paul's Burl Redwood Series II Bass
Post by: foth on October 13, 2005, 04:32:16 AM: Hi Mica!

The peghead shape is perfect. You should move the logo up to the tip of the green arrow, splitting the difference between the top of the peghead and the cloud top's current position. The rays will look best with a longer length, the longer the better. I apologize in advance for the inconvenience of sanding inside those small cutouts!
Title: Re: Paul's Burl Redwood Series II Bass
Post by: kmh364 on October 13, 2005, 06:07:26 AM: Burl Redwood! This is gonna be very nice indeed! Congrats, Paul!

Cheers,

Kevin
Title: Re: Paul's Burl Redwood Series II Bass
Post by: jalevinemd on October 13, 2005, 08:09:45 AM: My Orion is burl redwood...beautiful choice for a top!
Title: Re: Paul's Burl Redwood Series II Bass
Post by: katana_6506 on October 13, 2005, 11:54:53 PM: Is this going to be a left-handed bass?
Title: Re: Paul's Burl Redwood Series II Bass
Post by: foth on October 14, 2005, 03:42:36 AM: Thanks Kevin!

Jeff, those chalk drawings are a bit confusing aren't they? We were talking about a lot of things, body inlays and continuous backplates and such, while Susan was drawing those. It's a right handed bass.
Title: Re: Paul's Burl Redwood Series II Bass
Post by: katana_6506 on October 14, 2005, 09:10:43 PM: Thanks for clearing that up.

I can't wait to see the end result-the wood choice combined with the Triple O body shape=droooool.
Title: Re: Paul's Burl Redwood Series II Bass
Post by: foth on October 15, 2005, 04:04:25 AM: It'll be a somewhat unusual triple O, with an extended horn and a stinger tail.
Title: Re: Paul's Burl Redwood Series II Bass
Post by: bigbadbill on October 15, 2005, 05:00:13 AM: You know, I considered asking for an extended horn before ordering mine, but wasn't quite sure how it would work out. Obviously I should've gone ahead and left it to the masters......best of luck with this bass, I'm sure it is going to be fantastic (Triple O's are my favourite...)
Title: Re: Paul's Burl Redwood Series II Bass
Post by: mica on October 27, 2005, 01:51:12 PM: Some more Burl Redwood goodness! First, a stack of lams with covers cutout:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/21817.jpg)
Next, the new peghead, living on the end of the neck:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/21818.jpg)
Finally, here's the body ready for all those laminates:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/21819.jpg)
Title: Re: Paul's Burl Redwood Series II Bass
Post by: eastcoastepic on October 27, 2005, 07:25:41 PM: Paul,
Outstanding choice of wood...if I may ask, why the extended horn? Was this an 'appearance' decision, or a balance issue?
Chris
Title: Re: Paul's Burl Redwood Series II Bass
Post by: foth on October 28, 2005, 04:50:39 AM: Hi Mica, happy paislies! Thank you so much for the pics. It looks like I could play 'air bass' with it right now.

Chris, the extended horn was just a case of function dictating form. I have a 32 small body, so I know about balance issues, lol!
Title: Re: Paul's Burl Redwood Series II Bass
Post by: keith_h on October 28, 2005, 09:43:40 AM: From what I can see of the grain it looks really nice and it should look great once they get the finish on.

Keith
Title: Re: Paul's Burl Redwood Series II Bass
Post by: mica on November 01, 2005, 02:26:02 PM: Pete will be ready to carve your bass tomorrow, and we find there is some clarification needed on the bottom carving. The order states "Heart Omega" but we keep drawing stingers for it. I think the bass is trying to tell us something. Anyway, here's Chip's sketch of the 4-string stinger:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/21973.jpg)
And a rought heart and stinger sketched on your bass:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/21974.jpg)
Since I was there, you probably wouldn't mind seeing the front:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/21975.jpg)
The Mahogany inserts are just to keep things nice while scraping - they aren't part of the finished bass. Anyway, get back to me on the carving detail so the chips may fly tomorrow.
Title: Re: Paul's Burl Redwood Series II Bass
Post by: foth on November 01, 2005, 02:52:53 PM: Hi Mica
Hope you had a great Halloween!
The bass is to have a full stinger tail, using the 25th anniversary bass in your catalog as the model. It looks more heart-shaped to me than your above drawing. It also looks like a slightly larger cutout.
Title: Re: Paul's Burl Redwood Series II Bass
Post by: jerico on November 01, 2005, 02:55:04 PM: Wow that is going to be gorgeous! Well, it already is... but you know what I mean.
Title: Re: Paul's Burl Redwood Series II Bass
Post by: flaxattack on November 01, 2005, 02:59:31 PM: foth
chip was working on your bass while i was there.
let me tell ya... he was really really making sure that pistol grip bout was gonna come out right= chip is just awesome when it comes to wood
looks like another winner!
the wood is splenderific.... wait til you see it after spray.....
Title: Re: Paul's Burl Redwood Series II Bass
Post by: the_8_string_king on November 01, 2005, 05:20:00 PM: Boy, what a beauty!

Paul... I don't want to be presumptuous, as I don't know you... but... maybe you should get the stinger! Or at least think about it... once it's carved out... that's it...

It looks like it would REALLY look sharp...
Title: Re: Paul's Burl Redwood Series II Bass
Post by: mica on November 01, 2005, 05:36:50 PM: Stinger it is, and I'm working on the carving detail to mimic the Sterling Stinger with Chip. Here's the Sterling Stinger:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/21999.jpg)
And here's what I think is the heart shape Paul is referring too:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/22000.jpg)
The Sterling's Stinger is wider and more open than others we've done (including David's which I believe was the first one like it).
Title: Re: Paul's Burl Redwood Series II Bass
Post by: foth on November 02, 2005, 02:42:13 AM: Just remember, there are no mistakes...there's only custom!
Title: Re: Paul's Burl Redwood Series II Bass
Post by: jacko on November 02, 2005, 04:28:00 AM: Paul - this is looking like a really sweet bass - love the Burl redwood. I can't wait to see the finished article.

Mica - the last two pics don't load ;-(

Graeme
Title: Re: Paul's Burl Redwood Series II Bass
Post by: tbrannon on November 02, 2005, 10:44:19 AM: Beautiful bass! That peghead has got some serious depth and movement going on. I love the purpleheart accent laminate. It really sets off the top. very slick indeed!
Title: Re: Paul's Burl Redwood Series II Bass
Post by: mica on November 02, 2005, 11:36:16 AM: Paul, confirm that this is the particular Stinger you areinterested in. Okay, let's try those pics again!
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/22015.jpg)

(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/22016.jpg)
It helps to save in RGB mode when you want to display on RGB monitors (previous pics were in CMYK-oops!).
Title: Re: Paul's Burl Redwood Series II Bass
Post by: foth on November 02, 2005, 02:04:37 PM: Confirmed by phone. My good luck that you answered, Mica. Sorry to take up so much of your time! A pleasure talking to you. You're such a wonderful multifaceted person.
Thanks for your comments everyone. This bass will be busy with details, as I remember the very first Alembics were.
Flax, the guys in the back finesse wood like Jerry finessed strings, don't they? I think a lot of it has to do with that big ol' room with the high ceiling and the great sound system...
Title: Re: Paul's Burl Redwood Series II Bass
Post by: mica on November 15, 2005, 11:51:23 PM: Here's the template for cutting your Stinger

(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/22376.jpg)

It will look a bit different after the roundover and carving, and Peter is aware of your desire to have the tips carved thin like the Sterling in the big picture in the stairwell.
Title: Re: Paul's Burl Redwood Series II Bass
Post by: foth on November 16, 2005, 03:43:45 AM: Thanks Mica. It's starting to look real shamanistic. Your mom speaks highly of Pete's attention to detail.
Title: Re: Paul's Burl Redwood Series II Bass
Post by: mica on November 18, 2005, 04:58:36 PM: The real thing:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/22535.jpg)
And a detail shot, so you can see how all the laminates lined up:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/22536.jpg)
Title: Re: Paul's Burl Redwood Series II Bass
Post by: David Houck on November 18, 2005, 06:14:24 PM: The detail of the laminates is really nice! I like how not only the bookmatch to center top but also the Maple and Purpleheart body laminates wrap around and give strength and color to the Maple omega tip from the neck-through.
Title: Re: Paul's Burl Redwood Series II Bass
Post by: kmh364 on November 18, 2005, 07:05:42 PM: Sharp as all Hell!
Title: Re: Paul's Burl Redwood Series II Bass
Post by: jlpicard on November 18, 2005, 07:16:29 PM: What impresses me the most about this stinger is the incredibly tiny width of burl redwood that runs down the top of the stinger! I have often wondered how Alembic would do a bookmatch-to-center w / stinger body. Now I know. Very impressive carving skills, but then again I have come to expect nothing less from Santa Rosa!
Title: Re: Paul's Burl Redwood Series II Bass
Post by: jerico on November 19, 2005, 05:53:20 AM: That is off-the-charts cool!
Title: Re: Paul's Burl Redwood Series II Bass
Post by: 811952 on November 19, 2005, 06:46:29 AM: Wow. I'm glad it's not mine, because I am not worthy. Very, very nice. And to think we're talking about physical appearance here. Just imagine the sounds that are going to come out of this monster!

John
Title: Re: Paul's Burl Redwood Series II Bass
Post by: eastcoastepic on November 19, 2005, 09:22:17 PM: Unreal craftsmanship; almost like if I didn't see it myself, I wouldn't have believed it.
Just beautiful.
Congratulations Paul!

(Message edited by eastcoastepic on November 19, 2005)
Title: Re: Paul's Burl Redwood Series II Bass
Post by: foth on November 21, 2005, 02:06:02 AM: Wow! The idea was to create the illusion of a thin tapered stinger and you nailed it. The burl top lam and the maple pinstripe are needles! Nice goin' Peter! The stinger is still substantial though, with a butcher block end. I think there's an ebony neck lam hidden in there somewhere. The purpleheart accent lam was Susan's idea.
It's nice to see the extended horn. It looks like the strap pin will be over the 14th fret.
Title: Re: Paul's Burl Redwood Series II Bass
Post by: mica on December 05, 2005, 05:24:40 PM: It seems I'm always in the shop when something interesting is happening on your bass, Paul!
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/22994.jpg)
I caught your bass right after the front routing.
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/22995.jpg)
And here getting the mounting holes drilled.
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/22996.jpg)
Here is cleaning up the routing and getting ready for the final carving. Next step, sealer coats!
Title: Re: Paul's Burl Redwood Series II Bass
Post by: kmh364 on December 06, 2005, 05:18:21 AM: This one just keeps gettin' better!

(Message edited by kmh364 on December 06, 2005)
Title: Re: Paul's Burl Redwood Series II Bass
Post by: kmh364 on December 06, 2005, 05:18:44 AM: The PH lam just glows against that spectacular burl redwood!
Title: Re: Paul's Burl Redwood Series II Bass
Post by: foth on December 06, 2005, 02:55:44 PM: Action shots...cool!
Kevin, that accent lam really does glow in that top pic, almost like there's a light behind it.
Mica, is there anything you can do at this point to ensure that I'll have truss rod action with low tension strings like TI jazz flats? I've already had my SI up for a heat bend, and my rogue is always at it's limit over here in the land of dry. Thanks for the pics!
Title: Re: Paul's Burl Redwood Series II Bass
Post by: bigbadbill on December 07, 2005, 10:54:17 AM: Somebody make it stop!!!!! I wonder how may of these I could buy if I sold my house????
Title: Re: Paul's Burl Redwood Series II Bass
Post by: mica on December 07, 2005, 10:08:15 PM: I'll let James know about the TI Jazz Flats. Meanwhile, your bass got its first sealer coat:
Title: Re: Paul's Burl Redwood Series II Bass
Post by: foth on December 08, 2005, 05:10:22 AM: Hey, it's back!
Very riverine. I've always been fascinated by the relationship of wood and water.
Title: Re: Paul's Burl Redwood Series II Bass
Post by: kmh364 on December 08, 2005, 07:15:15 AM: Say it like Scotty would: Fookin' great, Captain!
Title: Re: Paul's Burl Redwood Series II Bass
Post by: mikedm on December 08, 2005, 08:14:40 AM: Gasp-argh-wheeze...I don't know how you guys manage to wait these out? The anticipation would drive me nuts. Stunning bass, Paul.

Mike
Title: Re: Paul's Burl Redwood Series II Bass
Post by: bassfingers on December 08, 2005, 09:32:43 AM: Oh my giddy Aunt!!,that is truly a thing of beauty.I'm excited on your behalf Paul.Way to go mate!.
Title: Re: Paul's Burl Redwood Series II Bass
Post by: crgaston on January 29, 2006, 10:24:10 PM: Please show us more!
Title: Re: Paul's Burl Redwood Series II Bass
Post by: palembic on January 30, 2006, 12:57:50 AM: It COULD be my PC at school but IMHO in the two last pictures that georguous bass (haaaa it IS good to be a Paul) turned in a little white square with a red X in it ...really funny how basses can change HA!

Paul TBO
Title: Re: Paul's Burl Redwood Series II Bass
Post by: mica on January 30, 2006, 06:32:51 PM: There were a couple of days when the picture index went haywire, and my investigations haven't yet lead to an answer. So, here's the missing picture I last posted:

(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/24694.jpg)

Maybe Paul can post his last image too.
Title: Re: Paul's Burl Redwood Series II Bass
Post by: foth on January 31, 2006, 02:27:10 AM: Ok, now we're caught up.

(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/24708.jpg)
Title: Re: Paul's Burl Redwood Series II Bass
Post by: crgaston on January 31, 2006, 05:18:25 AM: Now that's some serious customer service!
Title: Re: Paul's Burl Redwood Series II Bass
Post by: foth on April 26, 2006, 03:29:38 AM: Here is a couple of full bass shots from today's visit. Thank you for your time Susan and Mica!
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/27524.jpg)

(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/27525.jpg)
Title: Re: Paul's Burl Redwood Series II Bass
Post by: kmh364 on April 26, 2006, 06:46:49 AM: Stunning!
Title: Re: Paul's Burl Redwood Series II Bass
Post by: jeff on April 27, 2006, 07:56:02 AM: This bass is simply incredible. I love the shape and I really admire this wood. The bass reminds me of one of my former beloved Alembics, and makes me yearn to go down that path again.
Title: Re: Paul's Burl Redwood Series II Bass
Post by: David Houck on April 27, 2006, 05:35:45 PM: Impressive!
Title: Re: Paul's Burl Redwood Series II Bass
Post by: jlpicard on April 28, 2006, 01:34:21 PM: It looks like hot volcanic carmel!
Title: Re: Paul's Burl Redwood Series II Bass
Post by: foth on January 04, 2007, 01:56:44 PM: I took this pic a couple of days ago. The logo is really colorful, like a stained glass window. There's something like soap swiped across on the left.

(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/34969.jpg)
Title: Re: Paul's Burl Redwood Series II Bass
Post by: tbrannon on January 04, 2007, 02:03:28 PM: What a beautiful shot- Amazing craftmanship and some stunning Abalone/Paua.
Title: Re: Paul's Burl Redwood Series II Bass
Post by: jlpicard on January 25, 2007, 09:12:10 AM: Beautiful logo! The color of the abalone works so well against the wood and the general tone of the logo itself.
Title: Re: Paul's Burl Redwood Series II Bass
Post by: foth on January 25, 2007, 11:05:32 AM: Thanks Toby, thanks Mike. Yup, the work that comes out of Alembic is always inspired and visionary.
Title: Re: Paul's Burl Redwood Series II Bass
Post by: the_8_string_king on January 25, 2007, 10:45:31 PM: Awesome. Beautiful. INTIMIDATING!!!
Title: Re: Paul's Burl Redwood Series II Bass
Post by: mele_aloha on January 30, 2007, 08:45:35 PM: Definately the most beautiful logo I have yet to see!!!!!!!!!! WOWOWOWOOWWOWWWOWOWOW WOW WOW
The problem is----
I want one LOL!
Very RICH looking though, nice honest.

You get em bro, damn nice
Title: Re: Paul's Burl Redwood Series II Bass
Post by: foth on January 31, 2007, 03:02:38 AM: Aloha Paul! Mahalo nui loa.
I asked for a real colorful logo like their poster, and that's what they came up with.
Title: Re: Paul's Burl Redwood Series II Bass
Post by: estring on April 13, 2007, 02:30:14 AM: beautiful looking instrument! Im sure it It will sound equally as beautiful too!!WOW!!!!congradulations! if you ever get an oportunity in life to circle the earth in a spacecraft,make sure your fingers are doing the walking on this bass!! again!!beautiful instrument,congradulations-Chris
Title: Re: Paul's Burl Redwood Series II Bass
Post by: foth on January 24, 2008, 01:40:05 PM: Hi Mica & family

I was wondering where this one sits in the inlay waiting line for the new year...

P&GV (peace & good vibes) :o)
Paul
Title: Re: Paul's Burl Redwood Series II Bass
Post by: briant on January 25, 2008, 01:00:35 AM: That is an absolutely gorgeous bass... but three years? What has taken so long!? Was it just a lot of TLC between you and the Mothership (which I could totally see) or what? I have a feeling that Alembic #3 for me is going to be a very long term and ridiculous project even though on paper it will look so totally simple. Just wondering man... that is an incredible instrument.
Title: Re: Paul's Burl Redwood Series II Bass
Post by: 5stringho on January 25, 2008, 05:33:29 AM: This is gonna be OUTSTANDING! Good things DO come to those who wait. Over-the -top wood, one of the most exquisite inlays I've seen (and that's saying a lot, considering who we're talking about!), just stunning. Can't wait to see the finished product!
Have fun, Mike, tho =]
Title: Re: Paul's Burl Redwood Series II Bass
Post by: foth on January 25, 2008, 11:20:46 AM: Brian & Mike
It'll be cool when it's done! It's waiting for fretboard and body inlays.
Paul
Title: Re: Paul's Burl Redwood Series II Bass
Post by: wishbass on March 25, 2012, 07:29:48 PM: Are there any pics of this bass finished.I didn't see it in the showcase(just wondering).
Title: Re: Paul's Burl Redwood Series II Bass
Post by: eligilam on March 26, 2012, 07:07:10 AM: There's something sort of similar on ebay right now.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/ALEMBIC-SERIES-II-MAPLE-BURL-TRIPLE-OMEGA-BASS-AWESOME-/150783528800?pt=Guitar_Accessories&hash=item231b660f60 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/ALEMBIC-SERIES-II-MAPLE-BURL-TRIPLE-OMEGA-BASS-AWESOME-/150783528800?pt=Guitar_Accessories&hash=item231b660f60)
Title: Re: Paul's Burl Redwood Series II Bass
Post by: moonliner on October 09, 2012, 10:37:43 PM: Any shots of the completed bass? This thing is stunning!