Alembic Guitars Club
Alembic products => Factory to Customer => Topic started by: mica on February 15, 2007, 08:42:36 PM
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This is such a cool neck:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/36331.jpg)
Up close, you can really appreciate the layout proportions:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/36332.jpg)
Maple Vermilion Maple Ebony Maple Vermilion Maple
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Nice combination Mica. What tonal characteristics will this give?
Graeme
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Super-cool! Thanks for the pictures.
This looks amazing...
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Nice combination indeed. My bass is going to have the same combo in the neck, except where you have maple pinstripes mine will be full laminates (being a 5 string neck). Can't wait to see how this turns out.
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Sweet!
Is this for a Darling? Im curious if anyone is ordering pinstripes w/ any other model?!?
Good choice in woods, Ez..... cant wait to see what the body lams will be!
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It's actually for a hybrid/custom project, sampling from a Skylark, Darling, and Further as well as previous Alembic custom instruments: Skylarkish body shape(Vermilion core Flame Maple top with Vermilion/Maple accent lam), body and peghead omega, neck volute, custom electronics, nickel plated hardware, Bird of Prey tailpiece on Ebony, continuous wood backplates and t-rod cover, etc...
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Sounds like a great project!!
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Hey Mica- Lot's of great pictures showing up lately- Just wondering if there is any news on the progress of my instrument...
ezra
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So this may be the first neck-thru Skylark-ish guitar!
Cant wait to see it all come together!
-Mike
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Any news?
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I post updates as soon as something interesting happens. This instrument has a custom body shape, and that means there's a pretty good delay while fixtures and templates are made, and checking and rechecking to make sure all the details are just right. Today, I saw the body in the glue press:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/39129.jpg)
Yesterday, I saw this chunk of Vermilion. Everyone else was gone, but I'm pretty sure it was for your guitar:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/39130.jpg)
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Thanks so much for the pictures- The vermilion is awesome! I love the color and vibrancy...
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Ebony framing veneers getting on the body now:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/39246.jpg)
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Ooh, that's gonna look so sharp, with the red of the Vermillion and the black of the Ebony!
Sorta seems like you've got... Pirate colors!!!
Arrrh, me matey! Arrh.
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Wow! Thanks again for the pictures- very very cool! Can't wait to see the top and pinstripes. I assume they're facing away from the camera in this shot..?
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Indeed. I'll try and catch them when the clamps come off tomorrow.
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Here's the body out of clamptown:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/39281.jpg)
And a closeup of the accents:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/39282.jpg)
The shpaing is just rough, and so don't mind the light burns or anything that looks uneven - it will smooth out completely in carving.
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Oh yeah this looks great! Feels super-good to see this coming together...
Mica, quick question if you have a sec? I was just curious where the wood backplates will come from? Susan mentioned something about nearest neighbor when we were putting the order together. Does that mean they come from a piece of vermilion that was sliced off of what became the body and will be lined up in a way that will make the grain appear seamless?
Thanks again for all the pics-
-e
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Yesh, it's the next slice of wood when the back isn't a separate laminate.
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Hey Mica-
If you come across this post- Just wondering where things are right now regarding the open items in the changes/additions thread and in general how things are progressing?- Thanks...
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Neck to body now:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/41386.jpg)
And the body up close:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/41387.jpg)
A normal omega flare is on the drawing but these will be cut away from the shape of the guitar (note the arrow). Just wanted you to have a peek at the form before it's cut out and carved away.
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Mica- This looks awesome- Thanks very much for the update- The top looks even better now than it did in the previous posts- Very cool asymmetry, I wonder if it will still read with finish?-
In terms of the Peghead bevel I think I would like to pass on it all together- Sorry for all the back and forth on it in the changes/additions thread- I love the way it looks on some instruments but just the omega cut on this one is quite stunning-
In terms of the body omega- I'm not entirely sure what the diagram is illustrating- It looks as if the omega (cut line) has been drawn a little lower than the edge of the body shape?- Is this correct?- If so do you think we should scoot it up a touch so that we get a nice chunk of the framing veneers and neck maple at the bottom of the omega- Then again maybe it's just the perspectival distortion of the photogtraph that makes the cut line appear a bit low- If so, then it's perfect the way it is-
Thanks again and I'll be on the lookout for an email from Susan...
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The up/down nature of the flame figure shouuld still read with the finish applied. I really like how this guitar is turning out.
The cut line was to show you the shape you requested will be what's left, not with the more fleshy tips we usually have on the omega. I'm standing just slightly above, and the line isn't terribly distinct (looks like I'm pointing to the lower one instead of the upper one). Plus, there's some carving after the cut, so it's a teeny bit oversized. No matter where the omega is placed, there's going to be the same amount of framing veneer and neck chunk. And it will be smooth with the bottom edge of the guitar, regardless of my photo or a quick cut line.
Glad you like how it's turning out too!
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This guitar is the sickest thing I have ever seen...it is the further shape without the curvature of the horns...that with the electronics make this one bad ass...good job ezra with this one.
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was it ever finished? how do the electronics sound?
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It's mighty close! In the setup room now, frets installed and just waiting for the control layout:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/43938.jpg)
Next stop is presetting for the nickel hardware. While it's back in finish, the custom electronics will get made.
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It's mighty beautiful!- The figure looks amazing with the finish, the body omega is super sharp and the little cutout on the horn for the strap lock is an awesome detail- Thanks so much for the picture Mica...
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Gorgeous!
Peter
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What a beautiful job they did of placing the maple grains around the Omega. I looks like the neckwood is cinching up on the Omega.
Awesome, Paul
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Yeah you're right Paul. I really like how the omega follows the body without the tips. The veneers between the neck and body are a nice touch too. They really highlight the neck. Are those ebony?
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Ezra:
I was at the factory today and saw your guitar. WOW!!!! HOLY S***!!!!! What an INCREDIBLE looking instrument. The top wood shifts patterns as the angle changes. Even the grain in the flames seems to change. The neck recipe is soooooo tasty. The ebony framed by vermilion with the maple pinstripes in between looks downright elegant! Mica pointed out the shape of the body and the Omega in relation to the Skylark. VERY cool! You're going to LOVE this one. Congrats on a truly beautiful and unique guitar!
Bill, tgo
(Message edited by lbpesq on September 14, 2007)
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Hey Bill-
Thanks for the update and kind words- It was a pleasure watching your latest instrument come to life as well...
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Ezra, it's looking really great! Nice color combination... the contrast looks great.
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Love the body style - the bulbous body really suits the horns and the omega. You've got a good eye!
J
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Rubout...
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/45614.jpg)
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Mica-
Thanks so much for the picture- I really dig the control layout and the top- Totally amazing! How are we doing with the electronics and the hardware..?
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Oh, is that pretty Ezra. Beautiful top, great looking neck combination and what a control layout... looks elaborate.
Play it healthy!
Art
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So, what are the electronics; or do we have to wait until it's finished?
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I really like the overall shape. The lower curves and the horns remind me a little of an Ampeg AMB1 (http://www.pro-music-news.com/html/03/e91202da.htm (http://www.pro-music-news.com/html/03/e91202da.htm)), but I like the slight offset and the shorter, sharper look of your guitar's horns better, The vermillion in the neck and body are just the right thing - they just look warm. Nice balance to the ebony, too. Can't wait to see what the electronics dept has in store.
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Thanks for the compliments- I am very pleased with how this instrument is coming along- The electronics are custom yet simple, Skylark with some added features- The shape is derived from the Skylark as well (interesting reference to the Ampeg Amg1, also quite similar to the Travis Bean shape)- It's basically the Skylark body shape without the carved top, trimmed to where you would find the accent laminate on a regular Skylark with a 3 piece top...
(Message edited by eardolin on November 08, 2007)
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The shape is a very nice adaptation of Skylark. Great look.
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To quote Ralph Cramden...
Hamna-hamna-hamna
Sweet looking axe sir! I thought I was done when I bought Further, this particular guitar makes me want a real custom. Congratulations!
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Getting close...
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/46460.jpg)
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/46461.jpg)
Really close...
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/46462.jpg)
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That tailpiece is cool....like Batman meets Alembic. The omega cutout on it is a nice touch.
Lots of very neat little details on this guitar. I especially like the little maple wings on the omega tips.
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That... is one sweet looking guitar. Just awesome.
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Mica- Thanks so much for the update! The hardware is absolutely beautiful and the arrival of strings and activators definitely marks a turning point. Looks like all it needs are some guts and we'll be good to go...
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Nice choices eardolin! Chrome is not something I've seen much on Alembics. The tail piece is looking nice and heavy, and is there a thin piece of ebony under there?
And also ('cos I'm a guy I guess) I'd love to see the backside of that baby ;)
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I can't wait to see this one get finished. I really like the chrome. It looks like the infamous ebony shim under the tailpiece (a nice touch). Congrats
Bill
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Thanks for the compliments, everyone at Alembic is doing an amazing job on this- The hardware is actually nickel not chrome (nickel is a bit less reflective) and yes I think there is an ebony shim under the tail piece although it is a bit difficult to see in these smaller pictures...
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Hey Mica-
Did you happen to get any of my messages last week?
Best-
Ezra
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I'm going to go out on a limb here and predict a continuation of the current trend to guitar COTMs. Everything about this one just works.
Peter
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Sorry, Ezra. I did get your emails, and I meant to get back with you. After dad finishes up with Paul's calibration on Mele Aloha, he thinks there's just a couple of hours left to tidy up your electronics. He's really happy with the way they are coming out. This means that we're shooting for shipping on Friday for Saturday delivery if you think you'll be around. Otherwise, we'll coordinate a time that works our for you to get it.
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Thanks Mica-
No need at all for an apology, I know everyone is super busy. Glad to hear everything is coming along so well. Saturday sounds great! Maybe just give me a call before it ships so we can confirm the details...
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I just LOVE LOVE LOVE that Nickel Ezra!!!
Beautiful instrument.
Congradulations and Merry Christmas, Paul
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Sorry there, Ezra. Your electronics didn't quite make it for a pre-Christmas shipment. Whaddaya doing next Friday?
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Getting a new guitar?
Next Friday sounds great!
(Message edited by eardolin on December 21, 2007)
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Well, it's finally done!
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/47530.jpg)
I played and tested it thoroughly tonight. I think you are really going to like the way it plays and sounds. The neck is very nice.
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Mica-
Totally amazing! It looks fantastic!
Great to hear you got to spend some quality time with it this evening- Can't wait to do the same- Will give a call tomorrow-
Thanks so much for everything-
-Ezra
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On the way home I remembered that we need to put your custom knobs on the guitar. I'll make sure that happens before we ship!
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Yeah, I was kind of looking at that but couldn't really see in this picture if the ebony knobs were on it-
Thanks again...
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Congrats!! It's such a cool guitar, literally from top to bottom! The control layout looks really nice too!
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Hey Mica-
It arrived safely this morning and it's awesome!
The pictures on this thread, while very compelling, certainly do not express the intricate beauty of this instrument- The subtle stripes of gray within the ebony veneer on the peghead are stunning- The overall fit is excellent for me as well- My left hand tucks perfectly against the volute in the first position- It's super comfortable to play- And the sound, let's just say it goes way beyond my expectations- Ron did an outstanding job with the electronics- I've been playing guitar since I was 12 and it's as if I've never really heard what I was playing until today- The clarity is flat out amazing and the ability to blend the clean and processed sound via the wet/dry mix control is a really great feature- Please pass my sincere gratitude along to everyone that contributed to this project-
Thanks again for everything-
-Ezra
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That is stunning! Love the no-inlay neck too - very elegant!
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Beautiful!
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Do you have any sound clips showcasing the electronics?
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Wow, that's amazing. I love the tail piece. It looks like something batman would keep on his belt!
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What ever happened to Ezra?
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Hey, I'm still here. Work has totally consumed me for the past couple years (in addition to teaching I started a CNC/digital fabrication business) but browsing the Alembic club is one of my favorite distractions. Sometimes I consider posting but then decide I should probably just get back to work. The guitar is still fantastic. I don't get to play out much anymore but make a point of playing it as often as I can. Every time I plug it in it's a wonderful surprise. The sound is just so clear and strong. I'd still like to post some clips but the truth is that would probably consume the better part of an afternoon and the free time that I do have goes to the house, wife and kids (not necessarily in that order). Maybe it would be easy to do something with the flip video camera and youtube, we'll see...
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Nice to hear from you again Ezra. Glad that you're still enjoying this beauty!
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Hey Mica-
Not sure if it matters just yet but I thought I'd let you know what guage strings I prefer- I usually go with DR or D'Addario strings guaged around 10-13-17-26-36-46- Every once in a while I'll go with something a little heavier on the bottom 2-3 strings ending with something like a 49 or a 52-
Also just left Roger at THG a message as I am still interested in having ebony control knobs made for this guitar- I assume it would make sense to order them soon?...
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Just to follow up on this- I went ahead and placed an order for 5 Ebony knobs today from THG- Roger estimates that they will be completed next week and they will be shipped directly to Alembic-
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Perfect! I'll be on the lookout for them. Please confirm with Roger that there will be 2 set screws per knob. I'm not sure if he does this as a standard or not, but it sure makes for better set knobs.
Your string gauges are right about what our normal 10s are. If you want to start out with your specific strings, we ask that you send us a set.
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Yes, I requested 2 set screws per knob- Also, regarding the strings, I think I'd like to go ahead and try your normal 10s-
Thanks...
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Hi Ezra,
We're getting ready to drill the electronics for your guitar, and need to review the layout. This is the same patternthat you supplied, but the controls are placed with enough room for the circuits on the inside, and the large footprint of the jacks:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/43934.jpg)
The only difference besides the spacing is the switch positions - with where the knobs had to land, orienting the string more vertically would have the switches awfully close to the bridge pickup.
The sharpie line on the front shows the control plate shape, and the mounting lobes for where the screws for the backplate will fasten.
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Hey Mica-
Thanks for setting this up for me to see- I'll probaby post a similar comment in the build record but I must say this looks absolutely beautiful!-
I see the difference in the control layout and I think it works- By having the line of switches follow the contour of the body shape we also wind up with a little more space around the master vol control- This seems to make sense as I'm pretty sure that control will be used most frequently- So yes to it all, let's make some holes...
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Hey Mica-
I was wondering if it would be possible to round both the front and back perimeter of the peghead on my guitar similar to what is seen on this month's custom Hot Lava- This is a feature I had been thinking about a while back but forgot about when putting my order together- I think it would be especially nice now after having spoken with Susan last week about the peghead laminates- I assume there would be costs associated with both the front and back peghead rounding and I would like to know if it is possible to basically substitute these carvings for the inlays I had specified in the initial order- This would leave my guitar without any inlays on the face of the fingerboard, a look that I have been considering for some time now and think would be the best way to go- Please let me know at your soonest convenience if this would be possible (I assume it would have to go through Susan)...
Of course this all depends on where things are at in terms of production?- Also as usual, a general status update on the project would be awesome (maybe pics too)...
Thanks-
-Ezra
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Doing the bevel on the peghead will work, but we'll need to check that it will clear everything around the omega. Here's a 5-string bass that had the bevel only near the tip:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/39125.jpg)
I don't have an example handy of it beveled all around, but I think this will give you enough of an idea.
Right now the body is getting glued up (there will be a photo of it in the press in just a few minutes), and Bob confirmed the Omega peghead shape with me yesterday. I'll leave him a note for Monday about seeing if there's enough clearance around everything to do the bevel and let you know on Tuesday (I'm goin to be out of the office all day Monday).
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My FTC thread has pics of a fully beveled peghead:
http://www.alembic.com/club/messages/631/19070.html (http://club.alembic.com/index.php?topic=7578)
Bradley
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Thanks, Bradley.
I didn't get with Bob today about the bevel. Hopefully I'll get you an answer tomorrow.
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It's not possible with the reduced size peghead - the holes for mounting the tuners are too close to the edge to make it work.
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Does this also rule out the top and omega only bevel as seen in your post #4498?
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We can do a similar bevel to post #4498.
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Hey Mica-
I really like the way the bevel in post #4498 looks but I'm a little worried about how the bevel will impact the two little points that flank the peghead omega. By peeling back the laminates with the bevel cut do you think the points will be significantly weakened? I think it's inevitable that at some point the peghead will bump into something (a table, a chair, the bass player etc...) and I would really hate to snap one of those points off. My structural intuition tells me that the laminates definitely strengthen the points but to what degree? It would be great to get your feedback on this. Could we maybe take a look at and evaluate the peghead omega when it is cut?
Thanks-
-Ezra
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Hey Mica-
Just wondering where we are with the Peghead/Midi items?- I'm assuming the build should be coming to a point where these things will need to be finalized soon?? Thanks...
(Message edited by eardolin on June 21, 2007)
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I'm posting a photo on the build record of the guitar with the peghead, so check that. I think omega tips are structurally on the weak side no matter what, they've got little pointy ends hanging out there, so clad in veneers or not, because the area is small, even a small bump stresses a small area.
For the Roland, mom will email you more about this later today. We're to the point where we're ready to route, and Bob is holding off until we determine just what will be installed.
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As per my post in the build record I would like to scratch the peghead bevel- Sorry again for any inconvenience.
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Hey Mica-
Sorry to be bothering you so much on the FTC. I was just wondering whether you think it would be possible to add a Roland midi pickup to my guitar? I've seen one on a Tribute in the custom archive (A Fitting Tribute). If it would be possible I'd like to know how much it would cost?
Thanks so much-
-Ezra
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While it's possible to add the GK2 kit pickup, I think the control layout will need to be adjusted. I'll email you with some pricing options on how this can be done.
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Thanks Mica- I'll look for your email...
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Please go with a graphtech or a rmc as they are a lot better than the roland...they are peizo vs the mag of the roland. the axon mkII is a lot faster than any other of the synths. trust me on this one as I have graphtech on my guitar and would never wish the roland upon anyone.
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Thanks for your input oso- It's my understanding that piezos aren't an option on an Alembic- I think I remember reading this on a few past threads?-
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I have the RMCs on both my synth guitars - my Alemfer and a Godin LGX-SA. They are great. However they replace the saddles in a strat type through-body string load type bridge. Doesn't work with Alembic.
Bill, tgo
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I have had the ghost tonepros type of saddles/bridge and it works well...I have had one of those tonepros stripped of the saddles and placed onto a gibson style bridge by phil gawen and it was on one of his wolf type guitars. I would think that it could be done on an alembic...
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Take a look at this photo of an Alembic bridge-
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/39815.jpg)
I think the saddles are a bit different than what are used on Phil Gawen's guitars or in Tonepros or Tune-O-Matic bridges for that matter- The Tonepros type saddles seem to have a centered set screw while the Alembic saddles seem to have a rod with an offset set screw and a customized slot for each string- Don't get me wrong I think a piezo setup would be superior to the Roland but I'm not aware of a way that it could happen beyond using a non-Alembic bridge (something I don't want to do) or having custom piezo saddles made (something that Graph Tech won't do, they have a 1000pc. minimun for custom saddles)- Maybe RMC would do custom saddles or piezify some Alembic saddles, I haven't had any luck getting in touch with them...
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Hey Mica-
Not sure if you've had your eye on this thread but over the past week I looked (totally out of curiosity) into the possibility of a piezo midi set-up and found that there isn't really much out there- Anyhow I'm still totally interested in having a Roland GK-KIT-GT3 pick-up installed so if possible I'd like to look into some of the options you mentioned a couple of posts ago- Specifically I am interested in having the pick-up, on/off toggle, volume pot, and jack installed- I don't really see the need for the midi push-button controls or the led- If for some reason you need my email address please let me know-
Thanks-
-Ezra
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(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/38379.jpg)
Hey Mica-
Just wanted to post this diagram illustrating the signal path I had in mind for my instrument- In the drawings I initially submitted I provided a control layout but no specific information regarding a signal path- This may be entirely premature as I'm not sure what state my instrument is currently in(??) but it's been on my mind so I figured I'd put it up here- While I'm certainly no electrical engineer I have wired quite a few of my own instruments and fx projects and have a general understanding of circuit design-
The specific reason for posting this diagram is to illustrate the sequencing of the various controls I have specified- All this may be totally obvious to the people in the electronics dept. but I want to make sure that I have not miscommunicated the intention behind my selection of controls-
Specifically I am interested in the way in which the fx loop will be integrated into the signal path- As I assume you know I specified a wet/dry mix (fx loop pan pot) for my instrument and I wanted to verify that the mixing pot can be placed after the loop in the signal path thus mixing either the fx send signal with the dry signal or the fx return signal with the dry signal- In essence by having the wet/dry mixing occur after the fx loop the fx send signal will remain static, which, in my opinion, is the whole point in having an fx loop (constant send signal going to the fx, playing dynamics aside)-
Additionally, I would like to specify that both the neck/bridge pan pot and the wet/dry mix pan pot have the locking 50/50 position notch-
Sorry for the lengthy post and any inconvenience-
Thanks-
-Ezra
(Message edited by eardolin on April 03, 2007)
(Message edited by eardolin on April 03, 2007)
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I'll have my dad review this within a couple of days. We did a modification on Scott Law's Owl guitar that I think was similar.
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Mica-
I would like to order some custom knobs for my instrument from THG and I'm wondering what size knobs Alembic pots need 1/4 in. or 6mm?
Thanks-
-Ezra
p.s. please also see my post in the new electronics thread...
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Don't worry about this one- Roger from THG saw this post last night and has already contacted me regarding the pot diameter- According to him the pots will be 1/4 inch...
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I can confirm that the pots are 1/4 but please ask Roger to supply with 2 set screws per knob.
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Hey Mica-
Sorry for the barrage of c/a posts- One other thing that I wanted to verify was the carving for the body of my guitar- When I placed the order a while back with Susan she had mentioned the option of both a tummy carve and an elbow carve and said we could decide on those options when the guitar was in carving- Not sure where things are exactly but I've thought about those options a bit and I think I DO want the tummy carve but DO NOT want the elbow carve- Just wanted to throw this out there in case the work order stated something different-
Thanks-
-Ezra
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From what I've seen, you had better call Alembic on the telephone if you want to prevent something irreversible.
These threads are fun to watch, but you can't be sure that someone from Alembic is checking in regularly.
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I've made certain the work order reflects your wishes for a tummy carve only.
You can be sure that I check the changes and additions pages regularly. I don't always check the discussion pages in teh FTC threads.
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Mica/Susan-
A while back when I first began the ordering process my drawings included ebony pinstripes between the neck and body wings- Assuming the body hasn't been glued to the neck yet, would it be possible to put these pinstripes in- I think they would help define the difference between the maple top and the maple neck lams- Please let me know when you get a chance-
Thanks-
-Ezra
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Ezra,
If it were me, I'd email Mica direct with that. It seems as though they've been flying through instruments lately and if you're not sure where they're at in the build process, I'd send an email to make sure she gets the message ASAP. If this is the only place you've made it known, it might be a few days before she notices (?). Either way, probably better safe than sorry.
Just my $.02- I'll be living vicariously through your build process (just like I do w/ everybody else's!) enjoy~
Toby
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Thanks Toby- Will definitely follow up with and email...
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I'm at home, but I do recall your order specifying the Ebony framing veneers for the neck, which I think are pretty cool - hey, I have them on my bass! So unless you specifed to delete the veneers, I believe they are on the work order, but I will confirm as soon as I am in the shop next.
As of last night, your body was not yet attached to the neck.
The Changes / Additions pages are the perfect place for me to find important details about changes or additions to orders currently in progress. Email is probably the worst way to get last minute changes to me, since I receive a great many emails a day, and I respond to Club posts and phone messages before emails. A phone call is the most direct way to notify us of changes. Any verbal changes are later documented on the Changes / Additions pages for reference.
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Thanks Mica- Sorry to have bothered you on a weekend- I don't believe I ever deleted the veneers just didn't remember hearing anything about them the last time I went over my order with Susan- Glad to hear they will still be included as I think they will really look great- Thanks again...
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I checked and the neck framing veneers are confirmed on the work order. It should look very smart.
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Thanks Mica...