Alembic Guitars Club
Alembic products => Factory to Customer => Topic started by: mica on July 27, 2010, 07:08:33 PM
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Collecting these images from before of your African Blackwood you've seen before:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/83389.jpg)
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/83390.jpg)
and a couple of things you haven't seen yet:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/83391.jpg)
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/83392.jpg)
Your nice extra-thick accent laminates on the Vermilion core. Beautiful!
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Yess!!! I can't wait for the following pictures...
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This looks like it is going to be quite exceptional !
(Message edited by sonicus on July 28, 2010)
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I do like the thicker maple laminates like I've seen on stanley's bass. Does that mean you get a slimmer core of vermillion to keep the overall body thickness the same?
Jazzyvee
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Jazzy, as Mica said to me: use the 1.80 thickness if you want to have the closest possible look to Stanley's bass.
If we use the thicker 1.80 body, we can put the electronics all on one
side, like the older basses if you like (so only 2 backplates) - and about
the same thickness of the Koa bass you just got
Yes my bass will be thicker with only 2 backplates !
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tres bien!! i always loved those older alembics with the thicker body and one big accent laminate.
looking forward to the development of this bass. its gonna be exceptional.
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I agree, you this bass is going to be something elegant.
Jazzyvee
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Pierre,
My 1976 short body thickness is 1.70 and it has two plates, and my new 2010 bass, is exactly 1.80 with three plates...
I too, prefer a thicker bass.
Peace and Love,
Hal-
(Message edited by toma_hawk01 on July 30, 2010)
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This will be quite nice Pierre, congrats!!!
If I was to commission a new SI or SII, I'd probably request the vintage thickness, no accent laminates either.
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Congratulations Pierre-Yves!!
It is finally taking shape!!
I'm really happy for you
Just don't let anxiety kill you...
Greg
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This is a picture from today:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/83540.jpg)
And a little closer in:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/83541.jpg)
And some of the "leftovers":
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/83542.jpg)
Next week I'll be able to show you even more pretties!
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I really like the contrast of the woods!!
I'll be watching this thread closely.
Greg
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Thank's Mica, I hope my bass will be ready when I will go back home from Corsica in 4 days, wonderful french island in mediterranean see ! LOL !!
Thank's for all positive comments.
The contrast wanted is mainly realesed with the thicker maple accent.
The vermillon was choosen because Clarkee has the same (certainly for good reason other's than esthetics), because it's a dark wood AND because it's not to heavy wood. Initially, I wanted ABW for the body too but it was not possible. I hope the vermillon will be minus red than these pictures. I have one vermillon body at home and the vermillon is enough dark to married with ABW.
@ Greg: I'm not anxious, I observe, I read, I have a little experience with Alembic bass !
This experience FTC will command or decide for my next project, a totally Clarke replica (the same he play actually) but it's another story.
(Message edited by pierreyves on July 31, 2010)
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The Vermilion wood ages fairly quickly. It won't take long to get a nice rich brick red color. But it's a fairly dense wood (but not as dense as the African Blackwood of course!). Some more things to see:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/83937.jpg)
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/83938.jpg)
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/83939.jpg)
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I hope the vermilion will be darker with polyesther finish because it's to red for me. My SC deluxe with vermilion core is really dark, not so red...
Thank's for the news
BUT I'm coming back home from Corsica, I was waiting for my UPS tracking all the last thuesday LOL!
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That blackwood top looks great Pierre and the contrast with the maple stripe is dramatic. I can really see this being another fantastic Alembic.
Jazzyve
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Mica, please keep for me one nice leftover with the cream part. Thank's
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I love the contrast. This is shaping up to be a very special looking bass.
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Mica,
Just curious. What do you do with the leftovers? There are some beautiful pieces there, but not being the artistic type, I have no idea what you could do with them!
Loch
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Man, this is really going to be something special!
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something special, I hope !!
Here a picture wich show the vermilion color I hope after polyesther gloss finish: it's dark and well married with ABW.
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/84197.jpg)
Picture from Bengt Nyman
(Message edited by pierreyves on August 11, 2010)
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Pierre-Yves,
Rest assured, the vermilion will darken to a nice, deep shade of red over a period of a few months - and even faster if exposed frequently to direct sunlight.
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There isn't much (if any) scrap with the Maple parts. They are glued up very close to the finished size. The rest gets turned to sawdust as the roundover.
The other leftovers get put aside and used for other things. Maybe inlays, maybe tools, maybe wood samples.
The Vermilion changes color over time. The image you show in your post #654 isn't really accurate since the Vermilion is nearly all in shadow. It will get darker over time, turning a rich brick red/brown. But it does take time. I'm sure you don't want me to hold on to your bass until the color has matured Just know that it will get there.
(BTW - where is that image from?)
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Sorry, I ommited to mention the source,
http://www.flickr.com/search/?q=stanley%20clarke&w=97469566%40N00 (http://www.flickr.com/search/?q=stanley%20clarke&w=97469566%40N00)
Pictures of Bengt Nyman
I don't know if I well understood... the vermilion will be darker with the age ? But my SC deluxe is from 2008 and the vermillon core is really dark. Do you want to said that in 2 years, this core will take a nice dark red/brown ?
I will be happy to wait. Redtiger core is really dark too.
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Yeah! That looks great.
Pierre, I have a vermillion core custom, about five years old now. I'll take a look at it and maybe snap a photo.
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Ok, so, actually, this is pretty interesting. If you look at these photos, you'll see that the core is multi-colored -- I don't remember remarking upon this when I got the bass, so I assume what's happening is the wood is changing color.
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/84275.jpg)
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/84276.jpg)
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/84277.jpg)
And here's one of the top, you know, just because...
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/84278.jpg)
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nice bass Hugh! i love the stinger on that body
~Taylor
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this is the vermilion core of my sc eluxe from 2008.
It's very dark and not brick colored:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/84300.jpg)
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Those pics of Stanley's alembic on flickr are great. Interesting that he has those sticky markers on his bass for quick tone change reference. Wonderful looking bass he has thought. I think yours will be just as impressive Pierreyves.
Jazzyvee
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sorry but what mean impressive ?
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P,
I don't have this problem with the neck pickup volume control -- from either of my Alembics.
It don't sound right, get it fixed.
Peace and Love,
Hal-
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I cheked the vol pots, It's write on:
Alembic
475-006
200717
Claro Mexico (!!)
no answer from Alembic, here or in private mail
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You surely received an answer from my private email... my automated vacation reply. I am back at work today.
I understand there is something to sort out with the volume controls that you emailed to me while I was on vacation, and I will take care of that separately from this post. Please look for an email in a day or two with some troubleshooting instructions. But, I will let you know that the markings on the pots are normal, indicating they were made for us, by Clarostat in 2007. Their factory is in Mexico - it used to be in the USA when I was a child.
Guitars are probably the most difficult product to photograph aside from cars, and I cannot take a picture that is perfectly centered - I shoot to show the specular highlights on the edge, using office lights and natural lights. I purposefully stayed out of the angle of the photograph discussion, even though you posted the photos that you promised to keep private by email I chose to wait until you received the bass. Your email to us after you received the bass and your abbreviated version posted here seemed to indicate that you felt there was no fault with the bass that detracted from how amazing it is. I even asked several friends to come and try that bass out here, because it was really quite amazing even by our high standards.
Here's my analysis of the off-center tuning keys. I checked the template that we make the peghead from and it seems they are off center by 2 hundredths of an inch. The template is placed on the peghead and the shape is cut by a hand router. This is a working template, made off the master template and both the original and the working copy have this measurement. It seems we have always made them this way, but there are variances due to the actual handcrafted nature of what we build.
When it enters carving, the cut is smoothed, in your case, you requested a front and back bevel to the peghead. This bevelling process is done with sandpaper by hand and hand scrapers. It removes some of the wood at the edge, and any reduction in the size here will amplify any variances.
Your bass has Schaller tuners that you requested. We stopped using these tuners regularly when I was in high school. I noticed that the Gotoh tuners we usually install so not have the abrupt change in form like the Schallers. This is another small detail that amplifies the minor shift of the tuners.
There is another thing to consider in this discussion. Symmetry itself. It may be hard to believe, but guitars and bass guitars are not symmetrical, even Small Standards. They seem symmetrical, but by the very nature that the strings are different diameters, the instruments are not. The Crown peghead is actually not exactly symmetrical, even beyond the hole placement. These instruments are shaped by real human hands, and there are variances. In the future, I'll advise someone that orders a Crown peghead with front and back bevels with Schaller tuners that this typical variance may be more noticeable, then they can make a more informed decision about what they want and what tradeoffs each feature presents.
I don't mind having this discussion in public, but because of the translation barrier we face, I would appreciate if others will not detract from our exchange here.
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Mica:
Sincerely, what an excellent response.
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Mica hello
First of all I never promised to keep those images private as you do not have ever asked me. You confuse with the images of the other bass walnut and maple that you asked me to keep it to myself before the release of custom of the month.
Then I thank you for that comprehensive answer.
I reported this problem on 17 May and the answer arrives today, I also asked in the same post 842 if it was not possible to change the tuners to the problem is less visible, I have never received an answer.
Instead I got the jokes and revenge, and approval of certain others.
I looked at my other bass tuners are perfectly aligned. Put yourself in my place is on the bass of my dreams there are problems.
I've never had a proposal from you.
Regarding the neck, I asked to a similar neck like my deluxe SC 2004. The neck is much wider by about 3 mm ...
I also asked that the pickup selector is reversed (position pointed down) which is not the case.
I have watched the Peghead, if the holes were done correctly, the strings were wrong, which would have been worse.
I wrote when I got the bass to make compliments to you, Susan and Tony, no answer. I wrote still another time, I had an auto-reply.
So yes this bass is great, you did not explain why I have this problem with the pickup selector volume position both.
This bass is great with the choice of wood, by sound, by the curvature of the neck. It could have been perfect, that's what I regret. The koa bass is perfect, it's the best I've ever had, except that the woods are not of my choice.
On my SC and my MK deluxe deluxe, alignment is perfect and the holes too.
I no longer speak of the position of buttons that, apart from aesthetics, is not a problem.
If you had explained the difference between shaller and Gotoh, I would have chosen this model but now it's too late because the holes are not the same place.
http://www.g-gotoh.com/international/?btp_product=gbs510 (http://www.g-gotoh.com/international/?btp_product=gbs510)
Best regards
(google translate)
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You are of course correct about the photos, I was confused. On March 11, I sent you photos of other basses under construction, asking that you keep these private. When I sent pictures of your bass on May 12, I had intended to ask the same, but my email record shows that I neglected to do so.
On May 13th you emailed and I replied about the length of the tongue on the back of the peghead where it transitions to the neck. We were talking about the photos of the bass that I emailed to you.
The first question about the tuner alignment was your May 17th post here. It's also when we learned of your holiday schedule, and the day we decided to hold the shipment until you returned, because UPS could not guarantee delivery before your departure. I received no private email about the tuners, you chose to discuss it here.
After you had the bass on June 8, you sent a longer version of the post you made on the Club. I certainly appreciated the news the day before I went on vacation myself. Since there was no question posed, I figured I would communicate with you on my return this week, after you had the bass a few days and you began to know the bass as well I as do.
You've never been shy with your opinion here, and so it's not surprising that others might not be shy with their opinion when you offer something for public discussion. My opinion is shy, slower, and requires analysis.
The difference between Gotoh and Schaller tuners, is evident from your own experience, and obviously you chose the Schallers for your own preference. The tuners were mounted on the bass when you noted the variance. It's not a variance that we detected, but we were looking at the bass in front of us, I did not look at the photos to find a flaw. The difference between the tuner types was important when analyzing the variance.
The position of the strap holders is the same on any bass with Ebony as the center neck laminate. It's not wise to mount the holder in the endgrain of this wood.
You mentioned in another thread that my family comes first. I suppose this is the same for nearly every one. Without going into details, because of critical family matters from May 23 through May 27, I did not answer many emails or Club posts. And while my family comes first, everything Alembic comes next, as Alembic is made from my family.
As I said in my post 7362, I will send you some troubleshooting information for the electronics by today. That will be by email, so please look for it later on. Once the electronics issue is behind us both, it's hard to think that you won't think this bass to be the jewel of your collection.
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Thanks Mica to spend time to these answers.
For me, gotoh machine heads had only one look, the same I have on my SC deluxe:
http://www.g-gotoh.com/international/?btp_product=gb350 (http://www.g-gotoh.com/international/?btp_product=gb350)
If I had known this, but I chose Gotoh the other model, now we can not change, so be it.
I never spoke about strap holders but I appreciate the explanation.
I really want to know you more and assisting the development of this bass.
I hope the troubleshooting will be behind soon.
Have a nice week-end.
Google blabla...
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Yeah, I didn't like those Gotohs design much. When we got our regular order, the style was changed without notice. Then they started to make them with the cylindrical shaft, we asked them to make them for us in the older style, both is the shaft shape and the decorative shape, like Didier's bass (http://www3.alembic.com/img/inst/14035_pegheadL.jpg). I like these best and I was so happy they made them for us.
When you talked about the buttons, I thought you meant the strap holders, such is the way with translating!
I'll be away the rest of the day (2 birthday parties!), but I'll look for your email on the first question of the troubleshooting tomorrow with my coffee.
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Ok here are some news: Mica will send me after the 4th of july new electronic set because it's not possible to fix the problem with an easy way like mail, sound example and pictures I sent.
Anyway, more I play this bass, more I find it fantastic and I find some sounds that go beyond imagination!
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The electronics is now here, I will change it tomorrow with a friend and I will get some news after.
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I just spent 2 hours to change the electronics, I made two solder points and there is no change! What do you suggest now?
I think this is a problem of resistance connected in series or Parallel posing this problem.
We cannot compare the two basses because the blackwood is a serie I with a master volume and koa bass is a series II
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We've already exchanged emails on this, but to update everyone else, dad is thinking about the problem. It might take more than a few days, but it's something we have been discussing together (mostly him talking to me - I'm no engineer), and I'm sure he'll figure out this mystery.
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I changed the card preamp some weeks ago (from the Koa bass) to follow Mica's recommandation, = no change.
I'm waiting now for new linear pots, will change and try again... Hope it will work fine after.
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I just changed log vol pot for linear vol pot sent by Mica = NO CHANGE.
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At the end of september, the problem reported in June is still present despite the hard work of Dad...
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At the beginning of october, the problem reported in June is still present despite the hard work of Dad...
I play with an instrument that has only 60% of its potential .... I love it.
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that was a necessary post.
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I will gladly trade you an '81 G&L L-1000, even-up, for your defective Alembic.
John
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Or I'll give up a '97 Yamaha RBX360 for it.
Peter
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we can finally close this issue because by changing the pickups just now (Mica sent me last week a new pair), the bass now works perfectly, it's a jewel. Too bad it took all this time ... It was only a phase problem, the neck pickup was reverse phase
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Great news Pierreyves I hope you can now enjoy your lovely bass more.
Jazzyvee
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Wonderful for you Pierreyves to have resolution.
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impressionnant
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So here's a familiar look neck in the press:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/84607.jpg)
and a little farther along...
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/84608.jpg)
There's a little detail that I didn't talk to you about, but instead of the usual Walnut veneers in the peghead, we used Ebony. It's super hard to do, but for your bass, it just had to be this way. I hope you like it.
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Ooops! I almost forgot to share this one of the peghead veneers in the clamps:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/84617.jpg)
So just slightly out of order.
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Mica, you have all my confidence for this nice work. Thank's, It will be a great bass.
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Nice touch on Headstock, you're fortunate Pierre.
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Hey Pierre, are you planning a fancy inlay on this bass?
Perhaps a Jararaca all over the neck?
Greg
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I don't know if I'm fortunate but I will certainly very happy at the end of this nice story !!
No inlay, just something sober, abalone simple inlays.
I don't have jararaca but european adders, one baby bite me 5 days ago ... no pain... nothing, just like a wasp...
here they are:
http://www.batraciens-reptiles.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=50&t=1092&start=15 (http://www.batraciens-reptiles.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=50&t=1092&start=15)
I have more dangerous, a mexican copperhead:
http://www.batraciens-reptiles.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=50&t=1101 (http://www.batraciens-reptiles.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=50&t=1101)
But I must be very carefully with me....
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Your copperhead is amazing...
We've captured last week, with the help of professionals, a rattlesnake crossing my street (Crotalus durissus collilineatus).
But back to your bass, that headstock is going to be beautiful!!
Congratulations!!
Greg
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[off topic]
Hey Pierre, do you know that one of brazilian's most respected zoologist is Paulo Emilio Vanzolini is also a poet and music composer? He lives in S?o Paulo (as me and Greg) and wrote in 1951 the lyrics of one remarkable samba-bolero called Ronda (translates as Inspection or maybe Prol).
As far as I know, he owns the biggest collection of brazilian's frogs and reptiles. He is retired now, but teached in USP (S?o Paulo State University) and co-wrote musics with Chico Buarque de Holanda and Toquinho (big names in brazilian popular music from the 60's and 70's).
(Message edited by mario farufyno on August 20, 2010)
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I knew Chico Buarque but not Paolo Vanzoli, great guy and thank's Mario to make my knowledge bigger. If Brazil was not so far (I hate plane...) I would come...
(end of the off topic)
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Mica, a little update ?
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Miiiica ??
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Your custom truss rod should arrive in the next week or two. Once that's here, we can glue the fingerboard on the neck, then cut the peghead shape, then glue the body to the neck. Everything is ready to go, we just have to wait for that part.
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custom truss rod? I'd love to hear the details...
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I'm guessing dual-action trussrod. Prevents the use of the phone book!
Pierre-Yves, I really had a lovely time with Yves-- you should come with him to NAMM some time.
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...hum...hum...effectivly, in the final invoice I have signed I wanted a single dual action trussrod, but after I have said I don't want one trussrod but 2 standard dual action trussrods. Anyway it's like that now, c'est la vie Mica !! Just a little mistake.
All my basses in my life (exept Alembic) had one trussrod, Stanley has always 1 trussrod, and my african blackwood bass will have one DUAL action trussrod, and tailpiece centered !!! LOL
Bradley, thank's to write my real name and Namm is a little far for me, I hate plane !! Maybe one time with the pleasure to meet you, but not in Namm, It could be too expensive for my eyes
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Heading straight into carving:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/86314.jpg)
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/86315.jpg)
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/86316.jpg)
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/86317.jpg)
Looks pretty cool.
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Very nice,
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Niiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiice.... waaaaaaaawwwww !! Just two questions: the little mark on the maple body part will diseapear I hope ?
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/86332.jpg)
and the beveled of the peghead stop at this part or will follow all the line ?
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/86333.jpg)
Really nice work, thank's
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Those burn marks on the body will eventually be gone. Those are from the router during the intitial rough shaping. Go over and take a peek at the FTC thread on my new bass and you can see before/after pictures of the same burn marks:
See Mica's post #6891 (http://club.alembic.com/index.php?topic=7260)
See any picture laying out the controls (http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/85932.html?1284497115)
I'm not sure about peghead bevels as none of my Alembics have one.
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Nearly forgot: That bass is looking outstanding. Love all the darkness going on.
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Thank's Brian, I had no really doubt on the issue of marks
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Imagine all that Ebony with finishing done... Dark Shining!
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Brian is correct about the Maple burn marks, they will be a distant memory once the hand sanding is completed.
There will be a bevel in the place you've circled, then it blends to the top flat part so there's a place to mount the nut.
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Thank's to take time to give me explanations. Is the bass ready now ?
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Hi Mica, is my bass completed ?
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Mica, I was waiting for my bass in my mail box because it's MY BIRTHDAY today
but no bass... So so sad ... Sniiif...But I have a little
Hope because it's in 10 minutes
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Happy Birthday Pierre-Yves!
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Happy Birthday !
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Happy Birthday!
Incredibly cool bass wood selection.
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Happy birthday! It always takes a little longer than you might expect, but as you know, it's worth it in the end!
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Happy Birthday, Pierre-Yves!
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Don't be so sad, your Bass is going fairly fast compared to some (poor Austin...).
Anyway I hope you had a happy birthday. Congrats from Brazil, Pierre-Yves!
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thank's for all wishes ! 54 now.... burk
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any update would be appreciated a lot !
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Charting the control layout:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/87602.jpg)
and the template prepared for building the custom wiring lengths on the harness and plotting on the bass:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/87603.jpg)
Holes drilled soon!
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drill Mica, drill
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drilled Mica, drilled ?
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Hi, I saw this plate when I was there last week. They want it to be perfect to the MM. So you have to be patient......
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(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/87991.jpg)
sorry but what is MM ?
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Sorry.... what you use as drill engine ? 1/
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/88000.jpg)
2/
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/88001.jpg)
or 3/
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/88002.jpg)
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thats a lot of drilling!
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Miiiiiicaaaaaaaaaa ?
(142.1 k)
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Hi Pierre-Yves,
As I emailed you yesterday, your bass is in spray. If my timing isn't good, I can't take a good picture because when the bass is sanded and ready for the next coat of finish, there isn't anything to see except a bunch of dust.
Today, I was lucky (I a suppose you were too) since I found your bass in preset - this is when the bass is about one third of the way through finish and we install the frets and make the hardware ready for the plating.
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/88955.jpg)
Looks beautiful!
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The contrast between the body, the accent lam, and the top is wonderful!
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That is seriously stunning! I love the wide accent lam.
So, I am curious what JDS stands for. I've noticed that in a number of instruments. Also what does the other writing mean?
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Humpf, Gasp, waaaaawww, Arrrrgh, Slickt & Co !!!
Marvellous... Hope it for my little Christmas
Yess Edwiun, Mica, What mean JDS ? Thank's for update Mica.
How many stage of spray you do on your instrument ?
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So, I am curious what JDS stands for. I've noticed that in a number of instruments. Also what does the other writing mean?
I'm guessing that JDS is someone's initials who maybe routed the body - or at least did something on the instrument to this point.
I believe the 14759 is the numeric bit of the serial number. Only lacking the year and letter code.
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I believe the initials are probably the person who carved the instrument. And I'm thinking the number is not the serial number but the work order number. Those are my recollections from past threads.
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Pierre I really believe you made a wise choice with the blackwood top and that wide maple laminate. It looks like it will be a sweet looking bass.
Jazzyvee
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Pierre
Great looking bass.
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I believe I was incorrect about the serial number.
Dave is correct. It has something to do with the work order.
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Hi Mica,
when I look at this picture
the master volume is beside of the humcancelling from about 2cm and the pickup position is the standard position (on the red tiger). For my bass, the master volume seems to be positioned (?) 2 cm in front AND my pickups are more close of the fingerboard.
On your post Nr 7001 your design on the paper give not the same position as the design on the wood.
Why this difference ?
Could be possible to have a picture of the peghead and the logo ?
Best regards and thank's for this nice work.
(Message edited by pierreyves on November 10, 2010)
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The paper one probably has the tracing of the template, which has the pickups positioned like the Red Tiger bass. The template is made specifically for your bass, so that's closer to what is actually drilled. We don't reference off the pickups, so their positions do not matter for drilling. Both images look pretty close from the edge of the body.
I'll get you some more pictures this week. I don't think the logo will be in just yet, but I will keep my eye out for when that is done.
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Thank's for your answer Mica, have a Nice day.
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sorry double post
(Message edited by pierreyves on November 18, 2010)
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Hi Mica, it seems to be the end of the week... Thank for sharing some pictures.
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Sorry, I wasn't in the offices much this week, so I didn't catch any great pictures for Factory to Customer threads. However, I can tell you that the logo is now inlaid, and the hardware is installed for the presetup.
I should be at work full time next week until the holiday Thur and Fri.
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Thur & fri mean thursday & friday ? But we are thursday...
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Hi Pierre; today is a major holiday in the US. The shop is closed until Monday.
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Hi Mica, the turkey was good ?
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/90520.jpg)
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Thanks! We had a great feast with family and friends.
Not much of an update on your bass. The hardware was all installed, except the Schallers which we were waiting for. They arrived yesterday so we can proceed!
Here's your black beauty hanging out on the 24th as she waits for the machine heads:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/90595.jpg)
It's very likely the bass will return to spray this week and the hardware will get sent to the plater so that the plating and the finish will be done around the same time.
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I could appreciate some other pictures like other thread...
The peghead for example.. no ? The back (another example) no ?
Thanks in advance
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Here's your bass this evening:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/91005.jpg)
I can't get any closer because it's wet, and the row of instruments I'm standing near is wet too.
Pictures all depend on timing and what I think looks interesting at the time. There is no formula - I just walk through and see what I see. I caught a lot of very interesting shots o fyour bass in the early construction. I would love it if I could draw and take pictures all day, but I have other duties to perform here as well.
Note that this bass is now in the long wait. When the bass is in spray, there's not much to see until it's in the final cure area, which could be 2-3 weeks away.
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This bass represents to me a gentlemen in a tuxedo. The blackwood is the jacket, the maple the shirt, the ebony stringers a bow tie and the vermillion the flesh.
This has to be one of the sharpest and classiest instruments I've seen in a long time.
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Nice, so nice, I' will be happy when I could look at the beveled peghead and the inlay ! Thankx Mica, thanks 2400wattman for your positive comment.
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There is a picture of the beveled peghead on the first page of your build record.
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Pierre-Yves, when you first started talking about this bass, I thought it sounded like something that, visually, would either really work well, or really not work at all. Now we know; it really works well!
Peter
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Mica, I know all my pictures but I would say finished beveled head with logo inlay
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Wow Pierres-Yves!!! Magnifique cette nouvelle basse! Sure it would be a thunder sound weapon!!! Congrats! Do you still own all your other Alembics??? I would be happy to have a little bit of help in french regarding the specs of Series II electronics!
Cheers and hope to hear from you soon!
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pierreyves. So far you have 24 pictures of your build on this thread. Some poor folk get less than a quarter of that number on theirs. Don't forget that these FTC threads are a bonus that Mica creates as a favour and not something we're paying extra for (and presumably not somethng that's in Mica's job description either). At the stage your bass is in now, if it was mine, I'd prefer to wait to see the finished product unveiled in all it's glory.
Graeme
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To compare:
My last FTC thread (http://club.alembic.com/index.php?topic=7553) had four pictures total. That includes the picture of it finished hanging on the wall at the Mothership. Five if you want to count the picture used for doing the electronics layout.
My current FTC thread (http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/83394.html?1292436617) has ten pictures.
I'm extremely grateful for every single picture that Mica is able to capture and share during the build process. I also *completely* understand that this is a lot of work for her that is above and beyond her real work. This is extra bonus stuff.
Would it be cool to have daily pictures during the entire build? Sure, I guess. But it also is never going to happen. I'd encourage being thankful for the pictures/updates you do get. In the end you're going to have a fabulous instrument that will last a lifetime (or two).
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Briant, your first bass was done in three month. I take all this (mine include) with fun and a lot of patience.
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Take a good look. The first picture in the first thread is probably three to four months into the project... if not more. My current build was two months just in discussion and thats far from some of the posts we have seen.
Your bass looks really nice.
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Well, pictures do make everything better!
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/91748.jpg)
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/91749.jpg)
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/91750.jpg)
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/91751.jpg)
These last few weeks are always the hardest part of the wait. Your bass looks done, but there are many hands and hours left to complete the project.
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Pierreyves,
Such a lucky man you are , the attention to detail on your Bass will make you so happy ______ And the Bass that you will own will be what your heart desires .
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Very nice bass indeed, Pierre-Yves.
as for the pictures, looking at the number of pictures for Pierre-Yves' bass and my custom, I had thirty total Photos over a nearly four year build period. This includes the date I ordered it (December 5, 2005) to the date I received it (December 9, 2009). I don't know when Pierre-Yves ordered his bass, but he has almost as many pictures in six months (27) as I saw in four years or so.
This being said ... My take is who cares? I'm sure Pierre-Yves is as anxious as anyone here who orders a custom to see pictures of the work in progress. As Mica noted, she gets pics when she can, where she can, based on where the instrument is in the build process, and if the photos will be good. Obviously she's had opportunities to take pictures of Pierre-Yves' bass that she perhaps didn't have with mine or someone else's. So be it - all I know is that I got the bass of my dreams, as I'm sure Pierre-Yves will too. I think we should all, as Alembic owners be happy about that.
Alan
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MY GOD......WAAAAWWWW..... THANKX
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We may disagree about Iraq, Pierre-Yves, but we can agree on Alembics!! ;-)
Congrats on your custom.
Alan
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of course Alan, and thanks to write my name correctly
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Take a good look. The first picture in the first thread is probably three to four months into the project... if not more. My current build was two months just in discussion and thats far from some of the posts we have seen.
This is very extremely correct.
Pierre-Yves, your bass is beautiful.
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I was so fortunate for my bass to come through in a very short time. I ordered it at the most down time of the economy etc. and the build went very smoothly. If I thought it was going to take a few years, I'd still totally would have ordered it. Mica had some very good luck catching my bass at good points to take photos. The FTC thread is an amazing part of the Alembic site and service in addition to phone calls and emails that makes the experience so personal and worth it. In fact, looking forward to a session later with my Rogue 6-string fretless.
Pierre-Yves, enjoying keeping track of the progress of your new bass!
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Beautiful bass
Mpingo is such wonderful wood.
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mpingo: http://www.africanblackwood.com/english/index.asp (http://www.africanblackwood.com/english/index.asp)
enjoy
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Elegant... if it sounds half as good as it looks, this will be a special instrument.
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Happy New Year new basses for 2011!
Something news for the new year ?
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Hoping to get the rubout scheduled in the next week or two. The finish looks nice and hard now with a good cure.
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sorry but what mean rubout scheduled and looks hard with a good cure ? My english does'nt perform that
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The finish is already nice and hard, but they're letting it rest (cure) for at least two weeks, before doing a rub-out.
Here's a quick overview of how they do finishes, from the Factory Tour (http://www.alembic.com/family/spray.html target=_blank) on the main site.
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thank's adriaan, I understand now, but Alembic could change pictures of this factory tour, not a great publicity regarding the quality of the instruments
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the fact that they put up pictures and explaination of the process is awesome, they could just leave you guessing on how they do things and at least you see that they are hand sprayed and not put in some machine that can make it uneven, guess i'm confused on how this reflects poorly of them
~Taylor
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I'm just guessing Pierre is referring to the quality of the pictures on the factory tour page, as they are obviously a bit dated. seeing how mica has been updating other pages on the site recently, I'm sure she'll get around to updating that when she can.
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exactly darkstar, maybe my meaning was not too much clear ?
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Mica, any news/update ?
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Just a couple of more instruments in line before yours. With just one person doing setup, there is a little queue, but your bass will be ready soon.
I do need to update those old pictures! I haven't even looked at those pages in quite a while. There's lots of web updates that are in the works at this time. Good stuff!
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All? ??
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we will be soon at the end of the week Mica
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Now it's complete except dad's final calibration:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/100035.jpg)
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/100036.jpg)
As I explained in my email, he bounces between 2 upgrades at a time in case one is "mean" to him he can go to the other one. So your bass and Rich's bass are on his bench right now.
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Thank's Mica, effectivly so niiiiice bass BUT I have asked for gold plated hardware. Anyway, what is done.... is done... next time maybe ?
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sorry but I have a doubt, a friend of mine say no it's gold, it's the picture effect... So what is it ? On my computer I seen it white, specially on the nut and machinehead
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It's looking really sweet pierreyves. Not long now! To my eyes the hardware looks to be chromed but it really sets off the dark woods perfectly. I think you're going to be really happy with it.
Graeme
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Very elegant. Personally, I really like the look of the Chrome (but I can understand your disappointment if it wasn't what you wanted).
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I agree the chrome too with this bass but I don't like the gold on the pickups with chrome... anyway... it's done !
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Sorry that I didn't get that change noted on the work order.
It won't be a long delay (just a few days), but I can have either plain or engraved pickups made for this bass.
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ok Mica, let's go for engraved pickups ONLY if there is no change for delivered delay.
Thanks
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Pickups have changed for engraved 3 days ago.
Waiting for Mica's pictures and departure (take off) of my bass this week (I hope, Mica said)
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Pickups have changed for engraved 3 days ago.
Waiting for Mica's pictures and departure (take off) of my bass this week (I hope, Mica said)
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Any idea when you will get your hands on this bass as i'm really looking forward to some video clips of you playing this bass. I bet it is going to sound as beautiful as it looks.
Jazzyvee
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Hi Jazzy, maybe this year ?? Lol... I'M WAITING MICA, the week of the hope is gone. I can't promise you some video but I will try.
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Dad is still working on the final electronics calibration. This bass is harder than most have been for him. I'll post again tomorrow to let you know if he's completed it or not.
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May I know the reasons of this harder calibration ? Other basses have same problem ?
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I wish I knew... some are easy and some are hard. It's a complicated bunch of engineering that my dad does for each one.
If he didn't want them all to come out so good, I'm sure it would go faster. In fact, yours did get to the very minimum acceptable level of noise reduction, but my dad has never left one at the minimum level and he doesn't want to start now. So he's still working on it.
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Difficult for me to understand, a sort of Dad's mystery ! Alembic is really the only name for this instrument.
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I went through the same period of waiting for calibration. I have to say that it was worth it! This bass is so quiet, even with maximum Q on the filters.
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bump
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Done.
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/102070.jpg)
Don't worry about the reflections on the finish - they are just that. I promise there is no extra knob on the upper body half.
Looks lovely!
I will resist the temptation to bring your bass with me tomorrow.
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Amazing! Enjoy (and I know you will)!
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Awesome !
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:>)
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Thank's Mica. Please don't forget I will play this bass with ADGC tuning: please put these strings with the case, thank's
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ADGC = 085, 065, 045, 032 or 030
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what's new doctor ?
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Very nice, and very classy. Enjoy it in good health.
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Done!
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/102659.jpg)
Though I still have to ask James to restring for you before we ship it on Monday or Tuesday.
I wish I could have Stanley play this bass. It's the most responsive bass I ever remember hearing. You are going to be able to hear every thing you do on this bass. I love it completely - I just wish I could hear someone better than me play it.
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Okay, Mica. Don't mention gum unless you brought enough to share with everyone... ;>)
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Very cool, I like the whole recipe!
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Congratulations all around !
(Message edited by sonicus on April 22, 2011)
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Hi Mica, thanks for posting and hope you keep the date of shipping.
The wood is fantastic, I agree completly my idea and choice. It's the first time I see it with correct light.
However, there are two things that annoy me: a less serious is that the hardware is chrome, and other more serious (I mentioned) is the position of buttons that do not match the choices offered and agreed. The buttons are too far apart and too far forward. I said I don't need place for q-switch because I don't really us it. Apart from these two aspects, it is a wonderful bass.
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/102674.jpg)
this was your design I not see today.
C'est une magnifique basse autrement !!!
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Might be a perspective thing Pierre. I can't see a difference between your bass and the one in your last post.
Graeme.
p.s. The chrome looks fantastic against the darker woods.
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Graeme, it's not. if you look at the position of the master volume, is it at the right edge of the bridge pickup on the pattern of Mica (on the red tiger bass used for example; in reality, it is up to the pickup phantom. If you look at the pickup selector, it is between the bridge and the bridge pickup, while on my bass is in the middle of the bridge pickup. Everything was removed from 2 cm to allow more room for manipulation of the q-switches. Anyway, my overall expectations are met as evidenced by the basic design that I like the idea and actual realization. dream.....................................................................................................................reality !! (best ...!!)
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/102789.jpg)
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/102790.jpg)
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When I see it from the angle of Mica's previous post, (post 7292) I see an entirely different situation. From the angle shown on (7315) the final photo it would appear that the distance from the bottom of the bass to the string tree has increased by a factor of 100%. Though it does appear that the q switches are spread, I wonder if perhaps it is less severe than the last photo would suggest? Then look at post her post 7001 and most importantly 7078 from November of last year. Very revealing. Camera angle is everything.
Anyway, I want one just like it only series one layout.
Congratulations on a beautiful bass.
(Message edited by skyboltone on April 24, 2011)
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(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/102818.jpg)
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/102819.jpg)
thank for your positive comment
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Control layout withstanding, that is a gorgeous bass and Mica's comments about it's responsiveness have got to make it all that much more difficult to wait for the bass to arrive.
Enjoy it- I know it's hard waiting on a custom, but the wait will be worth it!
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Hi Pierre, I can understand your frustration. A dream realised is fantastic but part realised is irritating. I had a look through the archive to see if there was a better picture of your wishes. Here are some pics that may clarify the discrepancy.
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/102852.jpg)
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/102853.jpg)
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/102854.jpg)
Pierre if you find the bass is not to your liking when you have had a chance to play it. please email me. I may be able to resolve the issue. Jazzyvee
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These pictures confirm my observations. You have a solution? Yes I know ... as for my Serie II LOL!
But if you look at the design on the paper, it's not the same reality on the wood.
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Hold on here- the bass is mega expensive, right? This is a total custom bass and you have been very clear in you custom requirements, and the layout on the bass is not as attractive as the orange bass. Then if I can see the difference in the control layouts, then you have every right to be upset.
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mega expensive is a little word....
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After reading Paul's comment about every right to be upset and Mica's comment about I wish I could have Stanley play this bass .. It's the most responsive bass I ever remember hearing, and seeing the pics that Jazzyvee posted, I went back and glanced at a few of the prior posts to this thread.
The middle picture that Jazzyvee included in his post was originally published to this thread on November 5; it is the first post-drill picture. On November 6, in Pierre-Yves' first post after seeing the first post-drill picture, he stated that it was marvelous. On November 10, Pierre-Yves did ask Mica why the resulting drill pattern looked different from the red tiger drawing. She immediately posted an explanation; and then he thanked her for the explanation. There have been a number of pictures of the bass since then, and Pierre-Yves has posted a number of comments; but at no time since Mica explained why the drill pattern was different has he expressed being upset with the bass. Indeed, in rereading his posts from today and yesterday, I don't believe Pierre-Yves is upset at all, and is indeed quite happy with the bass. From all accounts, this is an amazing bass; it is not everyday that Mica has such high praise for the sound of an instrument.
So Paul; I think all that we have here is a small bit of cultural and language translation issues. The drill pattern issue was discussed and dispensed with some five months ago. Pierre-Yves, in his own inimitable fashion, has chosen to now revisit this issue again; however, I'm pretty sure that Pierre-Yves is rather happy with this finished instrument. This is an exceedingly amazing bass; and it is a testament to the work that Pierre-Yves and Alembic did together in making it a reality.
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Dave, I may have a unique style, I do not go back on what has been said or done, I see the result and this, apart from esthethic and musical considerations of this bass. The results of positioning the buttons should have been done better. I spoke with Mica, I do not quite understand the answer.
I'm just disappointed to have buttons positioned like that. Anyway, what's done is done, the shema designed by Mica on Redtiger is not the reality on my bass.
Next time, if there is one, I will not ask the master volume.
Dave, is my unique style that I do not react too compared to my request to have the gold plated hardware and I have chrome now.
(google translation)
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Je ne sais pas l'accord entre Pierre et l'alambic mais, si c'est juste un malentendu, je ne peux pas le voir ?tre difficile pour que l'alambic enl?ve le mat?riel de chrome et de le remplace par l'or. Cela apporterait au moins la basse plus pr?s du r?ve de Pierre. (traduction d'imper de pomme)
I do not know the agreement between pierre and Alembic but, if it is just a misunderstanding, I cannot see it being difficult for Alembic to remove the chrome hardware and replace it with gold. That would at least bring the bass closer to Pierre's dream. ( apple mac translation)
jazzyvee
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We cannot replace chrome by gold because the inlaid logo is in silver (I think, but no answer about it)
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Well I hope when you get it home, your dream will be a happy one.
Jazzyvee
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I know people are passionate here in our own little Alembicworld. Starting with the folks here at the shop and all the way to each computer that each reader of this forum is sitting at. I suppose our passion is a good portion of the reason each of us spends time here.
It's our passion that every instrument we complete and send out into the world is an excellent instrument in its own right. I haven't gotten to the bottom of the change in the distances between the pots from the drawing to the bass, but since the holes are drilled, there's not much to be done about that at this time. Still, we want to find out what the problem was so it's not repeated in the future.
As for the gold hardware, if you would like us to change it out for gold plating, it will just take some more time, that's all. You know I can't say an exact date, but I would expect about 3 weeks to get it to the plater and returned to us. The logo is sterling silver, as it usually is on Series I and II basses. We do not offer gold inlaid logos. The ones that are a more golden color are bronze. Otherwise, we're planning on shipping this to your dealer tomorrow.
Everyone gets to peek at the Factory to Customer section and the goings on here, when things go good and when they go bad. Of course I wish that we didn't ever make a mistake, but that's not an achievable reality. It's my hope that the variances on the changes to this bass will be a minor chapter in its history, because it's a truly amazing creature.
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Thanks for your answer Mica, we do not place the same importance in the same way. Please take usual pictures and send me the bass quickly, not necessary to change hardware for gold. I will have huge pleasure with this instrument.
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...although for the price paid I feel there is no place for error...
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Passive aggressive much?
That's a nice looking bass.
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Brian, my role here is not to give food to polemics. I would not venture to give some psychological disgnostics (google translate) here because it's my true job in my life.
I'm only a requiring customer.
I repeat: this bass seems to me to be wonderful, I will be able to say more when I will keep it in my hands.
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Other problem that may arise is that by playing, I could touch unfortunatly the master volume, as it does sometimes on my koa bass.
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It's the most responsive bass I ever remember hearing...
I wonder if Mica Slap the bass around a bit also...
Excellent work Alembic Inc.
Have Fun P!
Peace and Love
Hal-
(Message edited by toma_hawk01 on April 26, 2011)
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I will have huge pleasure with this instrument.
...although for the price paid I feel there is no place for error...
There must be something lost in translation because it seems to me you're happy about the outcome and then you're not.
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I dont need to justify myself, I say only that they are two different concepts and complementary.
Pleasure Requirement
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I believe in Carma.
I remember all the positive and negative things people said about my Toma_Hawk bass build, and Pierre, for the most part, was very negative on the Toma_Hawk FTC threads, and yet this occasion was it suppose to be one of the best days of my life.
But you know, even after all that sh_t, I still wish you well bro.
Peace and Love,
Hal-
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we ship it on Monday or Tuesday .. Hi Mica, whats new about this ?
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Left us on Tuesday destined for your dealer. Should arrive to him today or tomorrow.
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Thank's Mica, and the usual pictures ?
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I took the pictures on Monday, and will email them to you soon. My lovely little toddler (aka The Disease Vector) has gifted me a terrible cold, so I'm steering clear of the office. Hope to be back on Monday.
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??? What is a toddler?? Kind of gremlin??
Take care and good week end
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Pierre-Yves:
Mica is referring to her adorable 3 year old son Erik. Enjoy your new bass. It really is spectacular looking.
Bill, tgo
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BEAUTIFUL bass!!!
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@ Bill: I know this kind of story, my gremlins are 18 & 22!!!
Spectacular, beautiful, huge, wonderful, awesome... I'm sure, no doubt... Just impatient to know his mind and for what SHE is able.... Under my fingers ...
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elle cartonne ta bass Pierre-Yves,
je comprend que tu soit impatient!
la classe
bigyouth
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I'm sure you'll love it. I don't think you've been unreasonable at all.
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(Message edited by pierreyves on May 02, 2011)
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(Message edited by pierreyves on May 02, 2011)
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HIGH VOLTAGE !!
in learning patience, nothing best some nice pictures!
Here's what I realized in the south of France this weekend.
http://www.batraciens-reptiles.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=26&t=1180 (http://www.batraciens-reptiles.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=26&t=1180)
and 3 weeks ago in my area
http://www.batraciens-reptiles.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=26&t=1178 (http://www.batraciens-reptiles.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=26&t=1178)
sorry for double post, something does'nt work here this morning
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Beautiful pictures! Obviously you've got a lot of patience to get those images.
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Very nice Pictures PierreYves. I know how difficult these photographs can be to take as I also have an interest in reptiles and currently own a Royal (ball) python and a 2.5m Boa constrictor. I've yet to take pictures of them that I'm really happy with.
Graeme
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Amazing photos!
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Hi,
this thread would be closed now, here is the new:
http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/103576.html?1304458203 (http://club.alembic.com/index.php?topic=8273)
The bass is always in USA, some details to finish and it will be soon sent to me.
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latest news: my bass arrived at the dealer who found that the coating finish of the neck that was not requested: I requested a standard satin finish and there is a gloss finish: why a gloss finish you never do on basses ?
why do not you check the instruments before shipment?
The dealer returned the instrument at Alembic without asking my opinion, what I would have refused.
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Oh no! That sounds terrible, Pierre. Your last sentence is unclear -- do you mean you did want the bass returned, or you didn't?
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sorry it's google translation.
I didn't want the bass returned, the retailer don't asked me.
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I have a gloss finish on the neck of my 76 small body, and it grips my playing hand too much...
Satin finish on my Toma_Hawk basses are much more comfortable, and FASTER too.
P, I am with you on having a satin finish... its worth the wait, if the bass was returned to Alembic to have this done...
Peace and Love,
Hal-
(Message edited by toma_hawk01 on May 10, 2011)
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Take one gloss finish neck and one piece of 0000 steel wool. Rub wool on neck = satin finish.
Bill, tgo
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This is a fact Bill!
Your suggestion will work excellently!
Peace and Love,
Hal-
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Sand paper No. 600 worked great on the neck of my 1976 vintage shorty.
Peace and Love,
Hal-
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Yeah, I was gonna say -- I thought the one difference between a satin and gloss finish was sanding.
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Ok guys, thanks for the explanation.
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We asked Tony to send the bass back to us so that we could make the satin neck as you ordered it. There is a little more involved than just sanding. One important thing is to not sand too much and to hit the underlying layer of finish. Then you must decide on the gloss / non-gloss boundary. We mask off the area near the body with fine-line tape and sand up to it. At the peghead end, we sand the entire Maple edge of the peghead as well - it looks best this way. If there is a bevel, we leave that glassy (as in this case).
We're coordinating with Tony regarding shipping the bass to you, and should have it all boxed up again tomorrow, ready to depart on Monday.
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Your bass bliss is near! Enjoy!!
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And a nice picture from our showroom area:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/104313.jpg)
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I have to say that what Alembic does with the satin finish on the neck is really perfect. The transition from gloss to satin is way better than just dulling the gloss with steel wool, it just looks and feels perfect.
Well worth it. With a beautiful instrument like this, everything should be just perfect. I'm tempted to hop in my car and drive to California just be able to check it out before it leaves the factory!
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Sooooooooo nice Mica..... thanks, lot of thanks and congratulation for the work.
You can sand, sand but not too much, but quickly
Edwin: don't touch my bass, just play it !? If you meet Stanley, he can also play with, but not too much...
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Such a beautiful bass. There is a lot to be said for understated elegance, isn't there? Looks like a bass wearing a tuxedo.
I'm happy for you Pierre-Yves. Especially since it appears as though that tailpiece is dead center too!!
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Well, I was joking. I live almost 2000 km away!
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I know you was joking Edwin I too
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I think Edwin really wanted to tell you he was going to drive up to the factory and kidnap the bass. That is how gorgeous it is! Who could blame him? Can't say I'm not tempted, thank the Lord I am on the east coast. I wanted to put a smiley face here but can't find them to insert. Any helpers out there?
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What kind of madness I can read here !!LOL !!!
I give you this one, please copy/paste
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whats happend now ?? No answer to my mails, I don't know if the bass is in the plane or not, I will start for hollydays on friday... I see now a new error very unsightly and quite serious in my opinion: we see the mechanism of the machineheads because the holes were not centered. I saw immediately that the holes were badly done, I did not think to say it because I thought it would not see too much. Now I have all the pictures I realize that it is visible. What do you suggest? Have you machineheads where we do not see that the mechanism (Shaller). For which reason the holes are not they placed correctly??
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/104589.jpg)
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/104590.jpg)
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/104591.jpg)
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I think this might be camera angle, Pierre-Yves; none of these shots are straight-on. Notice, for example, that in the finished front shot, you can see the left side, but on the right you only see the bevel. The same is true, to a lesser extent, on the back shot, and in the opposite direction in the unfinished shot. The variation in perspective not only changes what you see, but throws your photoshop boxes off as well. I think I'm right on this; I truely hope I am - she's just too damn pretty! Hope you have her safe & happy in hand soon.
Peter
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What a beauty! I think I would agree with Peter, if you look at the angle of the strings coming off the nut, they look perfectly symmetrical. Either way, you're got something special with this one! Enjoy
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ok please could you stop with this story of photo angle ? THANKS The back view is straight on and the red circle show clearly what I mean, even the last picture
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Chaos, rumors, hype, and theories!
A true makings of a reality show spectacle.
Nothing to see here... move on...
In the end, I am sure there will be a beautiful happy ending.
I have much faith here...
Peace and Love,
Hal-
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Pierreyves observations are 100% correct ;-)
I can find some of this neat little flaw details on all my Alembics.
To me it shows these instruments are made by hand and not fabricated in a mass production line.
None of the flaws on my Alembics bother me at all, the playing area has always been perfect on any Alembic I laid my hands on.
To me that's what really matters.
To find those flaws in most cases, you really have to look hard. Once you've found them, they will seem to be more pronounced.
I think it depends from person to person how much this affects the level of joy you get from your purchase.
This wouldn't bother me, because it's only visible if you see the instrument straight on and when it?s completely standing/hanging still.
As I write, I'm looking at five Alembics hanging on the wall. None of them meet the above criteria (I'm not seeing them exactly straight on)
But that's just my opinion
Bass looks awesome, congrats!
I really hope you can see the beauty of the complete picture (the instrument) and enjoy it for at least a 100 years
(I'm not being realistic on that last part, but I can hope what I want) :-)
If not, I hope the replacement will be perfect and won't take too much time (they've showed amazing swiftness capabilities with Hal's Toma_Hawk)
There's a lot of $$$ involved, so you have the right to be picky
Either way I hope you will end up happy! :-)
Btw: Blackened also had some flaws (which I have learned to love) Mica was extremely nice and fast to get things solved.
(though I'm still waiting for a certain package, Mica?) ;-)
For instance: They must have mixed up our neck finish request? I got the Satin finish, though I was assured (also in the ftc) it would be glossy.
I was a bit shocked and disappointed when I first held her, but love it (the satin neck) now.
When I look at the Satin neck I smile and think of the extremely nice people (especially Mica) that worked hard to make my dreambass reality.
Most important: when I play it feels great!
I keep the other flaws for myself.
Maybe we can start a quiz in the miscellaneous section: find the tiny flaw in my Alembic
Bring on yer non centred tailpieces, crooked tuners etc.
(Message edited by fc_spoiler on May 17, 2011)
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My bet is that at E string's pole was moved outside to doesn't bend that string too much towards the center. The A string's just followed it and may be this explain why they are clearly moved outside (no angle could justify such un-alignment)... But this just doesn't explain why not assume the same at treble side (note how G string is angled towards center).
As far as I see by picture, it should be better to keep A and D poles closer to center, maintaining strings less angled (as in D string), and move E and G poles outside to keep the strings more straight (as in E string).
May Alembic could think about change their templates...
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Couldn't express my self better than Flip did
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sorry double post, discus error
(Message edited by pierreyves on May 17, 2011)
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thank you for your testimony fc-spoiler. It is true that I am not in the same state of mind because I think that the defects identified are inattention, and personally I would know how the holes correctly placed.
It is also true that one must have a look of experienced photographer as I am to find these defects and it is true that beauty is not too comprehensive affected.
It is also true that I have not found these defects in other low ... but I'm more attentive considering the price paid.
Getting back to some comments that I will not, if the bass was in my hands, these posts would not exist.
(google translate)
It might be the angle or the lenses or whatever else. Although the machine heads wrong position won?t affect the instrument I am just completely speechless that such mistakes can happen on an instrument I paid more than $17,000 (one year before delivery). This goes on top of other mistakes, communication issues. I am not even questioning the value I am investing for this instrument as I was aware of it from day one. But, the way the whole procedure is being handled is simple way out of what someone could expect.
Too bad. (friend translate)
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P,
Here's something to cheer you up Brother...
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/104617.jpg)
This simple mistake is now worth 2.7 Million dollars.
Clearly, perfection is not all it's cracked up to be...
Peace and Love,
Hal-
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Here is an abstract of some conversion I had with Susan few minutes ago:
I am delighted to have this magical bass (despite some flaws): I will now go on holiday look at what I can photograph in the wild: flowers, insects, frogs, lizards, snakes, vipers and landscapes. I'm going to Croatia is a beautiful country in Europe which unfortunately keeps track of the Balkan's war in 1991.
here is the page I did on my trip last year in Croatia:
http://www.batraciens-reptiles.com/trentin_croatie_batraciens_reptiles.htm (http://www.batraciens-reptiles.com/trentin_croatie_batraciens_reptiles.htm)
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Pierre,
you only requested that the tailpiece be centered in your work order... you made no mention of the tuning pegs!
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LOL, I hope the entire bass is straight !!
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/104630.jpg)
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I can't stand box cakes, or just add water crap...
I love stuff made from scratch. Some preconceived mistakes, are not mistakes at all.
Make me a cake from scratch, and just like that!
Break some rules, and create something different... that's what created the birth of the Blues.
Flaws keep you humble, and it helps you become enlighten to things that are more important in life.
Hand made, is hand made, flaws and all. It's still beautiful no matter what.
I bet you that bass probably sounds even better that way...
Peace and Love,
Hal-
(Message edited by toma_hawk01 on May 17, 2011)
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for some people who had some doubt:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/104640.jpg)
anyway, the peghead is wonderful
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Have a great holiday!
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My friend, I think you are failing to understand that these pictures are not right. The slightest of angle from the camera will create distortions. If this is the case, and I think it is, then all this worry is for no good! I can not believe that this Bass would leave the woodshop, not to mention the factory, if it was not correct. I believe, like Brother Hal, that the little accidents are the uniqueness of the instrument. The Flavor! The wonderful luthiers at Alembic would not send you this Bass if it was not Magnificient! All the best to you and may you love this beauty for all your days.
Nick
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I don't know... our basses are not mass produced by a CNC machine; therefore, they are subject to minor variations. On one hand it's evidence of a hand-built instrument, but on the other hand I understand any mounting frustration on Pierre's part. When you spend this kind-of money on an instrument, I can understand the expectation of perfection... as unobtainable as that might be. Camera angle IS distorting things a bit, but there is a definite deviation. I have some original artwork that I have collected over the years: one of my favorites is of a young woman looking seductively over her shoulder. I love the painting, but there is brushstroke adjacent to her back that looks a bit out of place. I don't think the artist completely mixed the colors prior to applying them to the canvas. But it is the artist's brushstroke and I accept that for whatever it is... intentional or not. I sometimes notice the area, but usually not. It's a beautiful painting from a very talented artist and it's mine... brushstroke and all. Enjoy your work of art Pierre... it is drop-dead gorgeous.
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Having been in the custom business for over 30 years with materials and assemblies that allow no chance at a do-over, I can fully sympathize on both sides... It looks to be a truly wondrous instrument in spite.
measure twice, cut once .
Nnek
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Pierre, your forensic analysis of the last two images does absolutely nothing except to prove that the photos were in fact shot from angles.
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I think we should stop taking me for a fool. I will prove what I watch when the bass will be there. Here, the biggest problem is when you said what's wrong with Alembic, you end up with 2 / 3 of the club on his back with a few exceptions.
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P,
You know what...?
I think Alembic, Inc. knew you were going to be a very tough customer to please from the start.
My hat goes out to them... for simply trying.
I said enough...
Peace and Love,
Hal-
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How can you say that is a angle issue on photo, Folks? Check the headstock's back shot again and dare to say that right tuning machines are not closer to the edge than the one at left... That issue may be not as disturbing as it looks on picture, but they are simply not symetrical. May be that the angle made it looks worst than it really is, but it is there, no question about it.
It is not a question about the superiority of that brand, we all agree on that (specially Pierre-Yves who owns a bunch of Alembic basses), he is just pointing out minor ou cosmetics defects that are there indeed. No one can blame a consumer for expect the most from who we all believe be the top of this market. This criticism is due to the respect we all have to Alembic (and by the price they have).
But I don't want to build that up. He likes it and will love it when get it finally at his hands, despite any of these minor flaws, and he is on his own right when gets upset by the delays or comunication issues. Hugs everyone and lets our buddy expose his impressions on that experience (it will be certainly usefull for new consumers).
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just one word Mario: THANK YOU
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I agree that this isn't just an optical illusion caused by camera angle. The placement of the tuners are definitely asymetrical. But, like the non-centered tailpiece issue that has been the subject of a previous discussion, I wonder if there may be a reason for this as, after all, the nut and the strings themselves are asymetrical with the A & E strings being substantially thicker than the G & D strings. Still an absolutely gorgeous bass.
Bill, tgo
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Hi,
the bass will be at home this evening, I will go in few time at UPS center in Geneva.
These picture show the straightness from the back.
I hope it will not be visible to the naked eye and I hope it will also and especially to correct the defects for future instruments.
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/106514.jpg)
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Pierreyves:
The minute flaws show the real heritage of the instrument. Even G-D had a flood. Don't worry about anything except for the sound. It is awesome!!!!!!!!. I would u hum acquire your bass in a minute and add it to my Alembic family, by hook or by crook!! Great Bass.
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Pierreyves:
The minute flaws show the real heritage of the instrument. Even G-D had a flood. Don't worry about anything except for the sound. It is awesome!!!!!!!!. I would uh hum acquire your bass in a minute and add it to my Alembic family, by hook or by crook!! Great Bass.
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I'm surprised at how defensive everyone is of Alembic. They are great instruments without a doubt, but i think at $17,000 for a bass, one is well within their right to expect perfection...
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I disagree with the last statement.
Money is relative... What's a lot of money to some, is nothing to others.
Wood is natural and didn't come from a mold. You can get perfection from a mold, but I doubt it would be worth much, nor would be called custom.
As long as the thing plays to perfection, and the appearances is not obvious to the eyes, I think it should pass inspection. I don't think it affects the music quality one bit.
However, I do agree P has the final say, and he has every right to make case, but to keep to continue posting pictures get annoying, so if that's his thing, I am moving on!!!
Peace and Love,
Hal-
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Even the finest diamonds and leathers have flaws. Certainly people do. This is not a defensive response, believe me, there are things I prefer about other basses as compared to Alembics and Alembic itself. When you deal with natural products and try to manufacture them into someting else, one has to accept a certain amount of defect. It's a part of the natural experience. Even Steinbergers, which I enjoy have defects. Is there blind loyalty to the brand? Yes I sense some of that in the club postings. That is wonderful, that people get so wrapped up about a tree or several trees that emanate a sound we enjoy. Better than shooting people!
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Well, that is not CNC made for sure...
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I wonder if that is because of wood being a living thing and as the bass gets made, the wood might shift a little bit so that when it's carved, it no longer follows straight lines along the wood joins. What matters to me is not so much the minutiae of the aesthetics of symmetry, but how the whole instruments works as a unity of its parts. I haven't check for perfect symmetry in my Series I, but it sure does have perfection of feel and tone.
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i think upset is an under statement of how i would feel if i paid that kind of money for an instrument and it wasn't absolutely perfect......
~Taylor
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so here's the latest news: blackwood bass is in my hands for several hours. I would firstly like to thank the whole team Alembic, especially the artisans who were able to produce a gem of an instrument of rare beauty. This bass is so pure, so perfect that I must be very grateful.
There are some small flaws that can not be since this instrument comes something fantastic.
I would also say that the experience of observation through the web and photoshop will allow Alembic to achieve perfection!
When I opened the package, I held my breath so I did not realize she was finally here, and as I know her from all angles, including that of tailpiece I was primarily fascinated by this simple beauty.
I plugged into my amp an hour ago and the sound is absolutely monstrous, huge, incredible, I've never had such a lot of sustain, is just amazing. There is everything as sounds, from crystal to the unctuous, as if Stanley was in my living room LOL!
I will try to record something decent solo next week.
I am extremely happy and relieved that my choice of wood is a pure success, to my taste.
Yes I can say now that there is no default, there would indeed never have had if I had seen making my eyes on the spot and if I had not had time any scanner with my Mac.
Right: a huge THANKS, this Alembic is the most fabulous bass I've ever played. (google translation)
(Message edited by pierreyves on June 08, 2011)
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That's the best picture I've seen of this bass so far. The next step is a gig picture! It sure is a beauty (love the maple laminate in the body.) and I'm sure the sound is way beyond the appearance.
If anyone comes to your gigs with a set of calipers and a protractor, just tell them to experience this bass with their ears instead of their eyes!
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magnifique
Jazzyve
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OK . Congratulations ! I am happy that you are happy too !
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Congratulations.
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If James Bond played bass, it would be that one! Classy!
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I love a happy ending!! Congratulations Pierre! It sounds like this was well worth the wait!
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Duplicate post
(Message edited by rustyg61 on June 08, 2011)
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I have a question, if Mica may answer thanks.
I have the following problem (which does not exist on the koa bass):
when the pickup selector is in position both pickups, when I turn the bridge pickup volume to 50%, the neck pickup volume staying on zero and when I gradually rises this one to 50%, I have a kind of free zone volume where the neck pickup sound does not appear. After the volume has exceeded the position of 50% or midday or 12, the neck pickup sound finally appears.
If I reverse the situation, the problem remains the same but with the bridge pickup.
On my koa bass, when I rise the volume of any pickup, the sound goes up regularly and normally.
Whats happend? Any explanation ?
Apart from this problem, the sound is monstrous ....
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Pierreyves I think that problem means you need to send it to me as a christmas present. :-)
I hope this gets explained and fixed quickly It is shame that such a beautiful bass is having problems.
Pierreyves I pensent que des moyens de probl?me que vous devez me l'envoyer comme cadeau de No?l hahaha :-)
J'esp?re que ceci obtient expliqu? et fixe rapidement lui est la honte qu'une si belle basse a des probl?mes.
Jazzyvee
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Every Alembic I've owned, and every one I've played, behaved in the same manner you describe. The volume pots act in a more logarithmic or exponential manner rather than a linear manner. Kinda in the same way Decibels are measured - a doubling of perceived volume with each increase of 6-10 (or so) Decibels.
I've always accepted it as part and parcel of the electronics design. Nothing else in the Alembic electronics chain acts the same way as all the others, so why should the volume pots?
But then again, I run everything wide open and control my volume with my hands on the strings.
Best of luck with a beautiful bass.
C-Ya............wayne
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What I dont understand is that the volume is linear on the Koa bass and not on the blackwood bass in which the volume appears exponential. I can accept everything if I understand. This makes it much more complex settings.
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In fact, if sound grows exponentialy we have to use logaritmic pots to change on same fashion. If Pierre-Yves is experimenting sudden change while increase volume this suggests that the Pots are linear, so it takes a long turn to start rising up the volume and suddenly jumps up near the end of its course. But this is really unexpected on any musical Instrument, are you sure about that?
(it would be a very childish mistake)
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to feel a volume pot as linear, as sound behave exponentialy we have to use a logaritmic (log) pot, but if it seems to change exponentialy, it means the pots are linear (lin). But this is hard to believe, can you check pots to see if they are log or lin?
ps.: My Rogue's volume pot behave as expected, never felt it increase as non gradual
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how may I verify, what difference between log or lin pot ? Is it possible I have lin on the koa and log on the blackwood ? What has Stanley (for Mica)?
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Hi Mica, as said by mail, I want a master volume but, when I use my koa bass I often move a little this knob unfortunatly... and the volume become greater of course !!
Have you solution to have a best position for this option ?
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Ok Mica, I changed MS PC for Imac and now I lost my photoshop !! Anyway, Mac is soooo best... I can wait to have the best picture editor.
Here is a picture for the position knobs/switch I want. If you have best proposition, I will agree.
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/84692.jpg)
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precision: put the stereo 5 pin and jack outputs at the same position as standard series I. Maybe just a little higher to let some place for the bridge pickup q-switch. But not like my koa bass :o) Thank's
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Mica please forget the first idea, I was thinking this night because not to much sleep.
This is the best idea for me:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/84709.jpg)
Please, position the pointer knob of the pickup selector as Stanley's bass, thank's
(Message edited by pierreyves on August 20, 2010)
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All? ? Somebody here ?
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I want to work on this layout a little bit, the bass pickup Q switch is awfully close to the filter, and the master volume looks a little stuck on so I need to relate it to something.
You want and LED on/off switch, but no stereo/mono switch for the 1/4 jack? If that's so, do you want the 1/4 jack wired in stereo or in mono?
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?? exist on serie I mono/stereo switch ? Or only on the red tiger I took for example ? No Mica, no switch mono/stereo, only mono jack output if both pickups are connected on, thank's. I want to be able to play with both pickup's sound with jack.
Work on this like you want if you respecxt the general idea. Yesterday night, I was playing with the Koa bass, 2 times I was hurting the master vol pot and change unfortunatly the volume... for less !
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OK, so here's some ideas.
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/87239.jpg)
This one is very much like yours above, but with some more aligning and a touch more room for the master volume plus a little more room from the Q switches to their neighboring knobs. The switches themselves are slightly closer together this way. Another idea:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/87240.jpg)
Leaves more room for the Q switches. Maybe this is more confusing with the bass pickup Q switch located where the treble pickup Q switch usually is, but everything has a little more room around it. You'll know which will work out best for you. And happy birthday!
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Thank for your wishes Mica !
Please take the way for the first solution.
I never touch the Q switches, but I could do it one day