Alembic Guitars Club
Alembic products => Factory to Customer => Topic started by: mica on May 21, 2009, 04:44:21 PM
-
Just taking form:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/65437.jpg)
Peghead "ears" getting in place:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/65438.jpg)
Flame Maple figuring is intense!
-
Omg (http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/65444.gif)
Do you have a fire extinguisher within reach?
Looks awesome, thanx!
-
Breath Flip.... Breath........
-
Thanx for the advise!
Btw:I love your new OO style (http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/65462.gif)
-
Get down Flip!!!!
-
Wow, looks good wonder how mine is coming along.
Flip so are you going with no bridge block? I know you made a few changes like the black Tahitian MOP inlays from Newsted's Elan. I cant remember if you told me if you went with the bridge block or not.
In the spirit of getting mine 100% spec correct I went with no bridge block.
-
Elans just kick. I so enjoy mine (thank you Elwoodblue). Oddly enough, the guys in the worship band prefer it's quality of sound to the 20th Anniversary.
Go Flip, go!
-
Yowsa, yowsa, yowsa. Looks extremely promising - but I thought you were getting ebony neck lams?
-
Awesome Flip!!
-
Thanx!
Ebony lams were out of my $$$ reach (I blame it on the fretless, so there were no hard feelings at all)
For full disclosure, here's the complete specs list:
HLB5 Elan Long scale 5 string bass
34 scale
Maple core
3 Purpleheart neck lams
Classic Taper/Comfort taper fingerboard (not sure yet)
Outside flame Maple neck laminates
Black Tahitian MOP ovals
Flame Maple top
Sheer Black finish clear high gloss back of neck Jason Newsted style
Standard Alembic brass nut, Bird Tailpiece, Bridge and bridge block
Half Moon brass truss rod cover
Black plastic backplates
Alembic Logo and Script above nut
FC inlay @ 12th fret
Elan road case
JPJ pickups
Jazz pickups with pan control
P pickup with on/off switch
Three 3-position Q for each pickup
3 filter controls on each pickup
3 internal gain trimpots for each pickup
master volume
mono out
-
Dude, three filter controls per pickup? I don't think the Shuttle is that complicated. Can't wait to see this build, vicariousness never flet so good.
-
Insane ey?
It is what the Custom quote says, but I think your right.
Mica: I'll settle for one filter per pickup :-)
Full disclosure supplemental:
Instead of previous mentioned electronics:
JPJ pickups
Jazz pickups with pan control
P pickup with on/off switch
Three 3-position Q, one for each pickup
3 filter controls, one on each pickup
3 internal gain trimpots, one for each pickup
master volume
mono out
-
You can't back out now! We want you to want it....hehehehehe.
-
On the neck classic or comfort, which are you leaning towards?
My MK 5 I bought specifically for the comfort taper, I'm an old Fender JAzz guy. But ironically I find my Series-2 5 with the classic feels better. I don't have very large hands so I guess thats why.
OO
-
I love the classic taper on my Elan...
Flip- are you sure you can still change? When I originally placed the order for my Elan it was for a comfort taper, but then I got my hands on an Alembic with the classic taper. I asked to change and they had already made the neck- they had to scrap the comfort taper neck and start from scratch to build me a classic....
(Message edited by tbrannon on May 22, 2009)
-
I'm leaning towards Classic taper, I have both styles (4 strings, the fretless has the comfort taper, the rest the classic taper)
and I like 'em both.
For the classic looks I think I prefer the classic taper, but I'm not going to make 'em make a new neck.
I thought string spacing might be an issue, but after seeing Markus' (which apparently has the classic taper) I think it will be fine.
Comfort also has some great benefits: More wood and more brass, nothing wrong with that either.
Whatever it will be, I'm sure my hands will adapt ;-)
-
Mooie plank Flip, goed om te zien dat het project eindelijk van start is!
(Nice piece of wood Flip, nice to see that this project has finally started)
Wilfred
-
Congrats on the Elan, it should be a monster!
-
Thanx! Edwin heeft het over een "Superkanon", "Beest van een bas" en "Monster" Ik denk dat hij gelijk gaat krijgen :-) (Have fun with Google translator if you don't understand Dutch)
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/67146.jpg)
I can't wait to drool all over the Flamed Maple neck, must look awesome when finished. The "Sheer Black finish clear high gloss back of neck Jason Newsted style" will make me drool also, same for the electronics package and Purpleheart lams :-) My "Wall of deaf" is eager to enter the battlefield (stage) with this monster also
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/67147.gif)
@ Mica/Susan: I've decided to stay with the standard Case, so no Roadcase for this monster ;-) And are we almost ready to start thinking about the 12th fret marker? (Message edited by fc_spoiler on July 09, 2009)
-
I assume it will be ready for shipment this Friday?
(just kidding, trying to get an update) :-)
(Message edited by fc_spoiler on August 12, 2009)
-
so how's this one coming along, Mica?
~Taylor Watterson
-
I'd like to know also...
I must say I'm a bit worried as stated in my prev. (unanswered) mails to Alembic.
-
this is definetly the FTC that i've been waiting for. what about Jason(blackelan)'s Elan? i saw a thread for it for around one day then it disappeared. hope everything is going well Flip.
~Taylor Watterson
-
Flip, as an Alembic brother in cyberspace, let me just say:
Your bass is with the best hands in the business, and believe me, the wait is hard because you know just what you are getting... An honest Hand Made Alembic original.
The best support we could ever give our Alembic professionals, are patiences, and maintaining a solid kindred spirits of forbearance.
Try reading other past FTC threads, and as you read them, you will find others expressing, and having the same exact concerns.
However, as you continue to read through their thread, (up to the point the product is finished) those same people, also became extremely pleased of the results, and very happy. Some were so happy, it brought tears of joy of memories of great joy from childhood.
Remember, I to have a FTC thread, and I know what it means, I am not going to lie to you, it hurts sooo good to wait for a kick ass guitar that says ALEMBIC on it!
I am going to enjoy your thread Flip!
-
Flip, you should have an email from Susan waiting for you. In the meantime, here's your bass awaiting the routing:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/69567.jpg)
Really nice looking top:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/69568.jpg)
So you can remember once the black paint is on it. Some pencil sketching for the single backplate:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/69569.jpg)
-
*repeat my first message in this topic* Thanx!
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/69650.gif)
I will remember that top, very tight looking flames. After the finish it will look something like this I guess?:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/69651.jpg)
Actually waiting for this one has not been too hard. Plenty of distraction on the wall here, I can take a few extra rounds :-) Just want to make sure everything is allright ;-) Edit: I got the mail :-) Looking forward to Jason's bass also, I just missed that FTC before it got deleted... :-( I guess they'll be sharing the spray boot now?) (Message edited by fc_spoiler on August 30, 2009)
-
(Message edited by fc_spoiler on September 11, 2009)
-
any new info, Mica?
~Taylor Watterson
-
There will be some updates soon ;-) Here are some pics of the bass that was the inspiration of mine, to make the wait a little easier:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/71063.gif)
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/71064.jpg)
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/71065.jpg)
-
that just makes it that much more exciting :-D, just wondering, did you go with 3 filters with 1 q-switch for each?
~Taylor Watterson
-
Yay! Black basses all over the world!
-
The darkness spreadeth!!
-
Allrighty then! :-)
@ Mica: I'm sorry I made you and crew let go of this beauty, I can be a little ruthless sometimes :-)
Should I make arrangements for pickup this weekend or would that be a little optimistic?
I hope you have some terabytes of free space left on the club's server (watch out for the showcase section)
@ Danno: Me is honoured to (almost) have a bass that's like a sister to yours, sharing the same dry rack and stuff. Awesome!
Very keen to see yours in full glory. Will she be seen on stage soon?
Greetings en thanx Y'all!
Flip
-
Should I make arrangements for pickup this weekend or would that be a little optimistic?
A lot of this is going to depend on customs.
-
Customs have been nice to me :-) These pictures were taken by Edwin (aka EvH)
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/91271.jpg)
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/91272.jpg)
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/91273.jpg)
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/91274.jpg)
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/91275.jpg)
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/91276.jpg)
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/91277.jpg)
Guess what me is going to do first thing tomorrow morning? :-)
-
Sweet! Have Fun!
-
hoi Flip
was bij Ed, heb hem gezien .....gefeliciteerd mooie bas,een beauty have fun with the bass...
nice color, nice wood enz enz enz enz
-
Very cool Flip!
Rustig rijden morgen, heen en terug!
(drive carefully tomorrow, both ways)
Wilfred
-
So you'll be racing down the A6 tomorrow? Remember to check http://www.flitspaal.nl/ (http://www.flitspaal.nl/) for speed traps!
Get a good night's sleep, have a proper breakfast. Drive safely. Hope for free parking space in front of Edwin's shop (nah, just kidding). Take a few deep breaths before opening your car door, don't stumble out. Once inside the shop, remember to greet your host, and give him my regards. The general idea is to prolong the delicious agony of not yet seeing YOUR bass, it enhances the experience once you DO finally get your first peek at it. You won't be able to take your eyes off that for a bit.
Enjoy!
-
What a beauty. Congrats......
-
Awesome that it arrived so quickly for you.
I think the best way to do it is to close your eyes when you first open the case.... get a smell first. The mixture of the lemon oiled fingerboard, the case lining and the new finish is WAY better than 'new car' smell to me. Then let your eyes have a look!
-
Wicked....!!
Let me know if your touring reaches England.
All the best with that lovely bass my friend.
Elan's Rule.
Jazzyvee
-
It's purple!!!
-
With black, you get to choose either a greenish black or a blueish black. We try for blueish. Combined with a bright flash and the CCD sensors in the digital cameras push it to look purply, which it really doesn't in person.
-
I concur with Mica about the effects of camera electronics and flash -- and even variations due to the angle of the light, natural or otherwise. My black quilted maple Spector sometimes looks purple. But either way, yours is an absolutely beautiful instrument. Congrats and have fun!
-Sam
-
Alrighty, the monster is loose in Europe! Congrats Flip, that is a beautiful Elan. Enjoy!
-
Congratulations ,Your Bass looks awesome and with the pickup and electronics configuration I can imagine that you will get the sound that fits your every hearts desire.
-
Thanx all!
Home safe:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/91338.jpg)
Must play now, first impression: #$&^%$#%$ stunning! :-)
-
Congrats again Flip!
-
WOW! A truly beautiful and unique instrument. Enjoy!
Bill, tgo
-
Glad to see it's finally home! It looks right at home with the other Alembics. What a great looking bass!
Color our world blackened!
-
Wow, that's nice! Congratulations!!!
Still have not had time to work on my series one fretless, BTW
Dave
-
Hey Dave,
Thanx!
Damn you must be busy, hope to see the fretless finished soon ;-)
Check out the showcase topic for my new monster: here (http://club.alembic.com/index.php?topic=8525)
-
Flip!! Beautiful bass!!!! I\m having one built too. Not quite the Jason, but along the same lines!!
I cant wait!!!!!
-
Very nice, Flip! Congratulations!
Alan
-
3 filters and 3 3-way Q's it will be (http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/71078.gif)
-
This is going to be an intense bass, I am extremely jealous of you
~Taylor Watterson
-
Can't wait to see this one!
-
So Flip is going to include an inlay of Jason's sticker? :-D
Keith
-
I would love to, but budget is too tight :-)
-
Forgive my ignorance but what is the difference between classic and comfort tapers, and how do I tell what my basses have. ( SC4, Elan 4 and Europa 5)
Thanks.
Jazzyvee
-
Comfort taper is more narrow at the nut and wider at the body than a standard taper. Think of a Jazz Bass neck as a comfort taper.
OO
(I Think that is correct)
-
In Confort Tapper the string got wider at Bridge.
http://club.alembic.com/Images/393/17952.html (http://club.alembic.com/index.php?topic=3305)
-
OO - I think you've got it reversed.
Standard has the strings closer together (think JimmyJ's spacing).
Comfort would be the Wide 5 spacing.
C-Ya....wayne
-
The standard neck for an SC model is the classic taper. The standard neck for a Europa would be the comfort taper. I'm not sure what was on the Elan. As Olie says the comfort taper is similar to what you would have on a Jazz Bass.
You can see the neck dimensions for the Europa (http://www.alembic.com/prod/europa.html) and SC (http://www.alembic.com/prod/sigdlx.html) here.
Keith
-
Ooops, sorry... (Thanks, Wayne)
-
The taper on my Elan 4 is Classic, I'm almost sure that is/was the standard for the Elan model.
If I'm not mistaken, the Comfort taper was introduced with the Essence and Europa in 1990...
-
Hi there, anything happening here?
-
Flip,
It's Thanksgiving today in the States- I doubt anyone will be in the shop until Monday.
-
Hey Toby, thanx!
I hope to hear something next week...
It's better to hear that it will take two more years to complete than to hear nothing at all...
Waiting will be a lot easier if we can get the 12th fret inlay design done and the case case (http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/73234.gif) settled (standard or roadcase)
-
...anything?
-
Flip, sorry if this gets you excited, but wasn't sure how to contact you, i was just checking out some Damaged Justice clips on youtube from Illinoise and wanted you to send me an e-mail or post on here somewhere if ya'll come to North Carolina :-D
~Taylor Watterson
P.S.-you guys are awesome
-
Flip, you should have an email from my mom with some detail review to get your bass moving again.
I am getting a quote for the case, but that will take a few days still. Once I have the information, I will let you know.
-
Check! (http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/73565.gif)
I also made a special picture request: I would love to see a picture from the back of the neck and one from the back of the headstock.
It would really make my day if you let your photographic skills loose again on those parts of my bass ;-)
@ Taylor: Thanx dude!
No worries, this was an effective way to contact me. I got the message, thanx!
-
Back in carving after the front and back routing were completed:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/74015.jpg)
And one of Jack sanding away at the peghead:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/74016.jpg)
-
YES!!! this is getting me sooooo hyped for when this beast is finished. Flip, I'M SO JEALOUS!!!
~Taylor
-
YES!!!2
Jack is doing something wrong though... Superunknown, wearing a mask and still identified! :-)
Almost ready to get blackened I guess?
Cheerz & thanx!
-
Flip,
are you getting your initials inlaid on the fret board?
~Taylor
-
Quite possibly the last time you will see the bass unblackened:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/74761.jpg)
With the sealer coat, you can see what a great piece of Flame Maple you've got.
-
Omg, burned right through my display :-)
Thanx!
-
Wow,what a beautiful wood
-
This one will have PUNCH with a CAPITAL P!
I can't wait to see the knob lay out .
Flame Maple for days !!!!! nice _________________
-
Punch, that's what I'm after :-)
I know Hal and Alembic can do a better job, but I think it's going to look something like this:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/74814.jpg)
@ Mica: I bet you've noticed my request for the old style knobs?
Gonna be a killer bass :-)
BTW: I bet there must be some die hard Alembic geeks here who see the hidden custom feature in Mica's picture...
(Message edited by fc_spoiler on December 30, 2009)
-
I love it !
-
Flip,
the 9 control objects on your bass, are perfectly arranged.
I like the fact that your selector switch is similarly positioned where my switch is located -- on my Toma_Hawk .
For me, the design layout is, perfect and very intuitive.
Oh yeah, the 3rd pickup, makes this bass distinguishably a unique dream bass without question.
(Message edited by the_jester on December 30, 2009)
-
i like the control layout because if someone somehow manages to not notice the third pickup, it just looks like a bass with Signature electronics with an added master volume and LED switch. this baby is going to be amazing to play. i have loved Jason's Elan since i saw his bass solo in Seattle '89, and now ,Flip, you have that bass and more, nothing could make this bass better, well getting blackened will ;-)
~Taylor
-
My little eye spots preparations for a rounded truss rod cover.
-
RE: Mica's post #6522: that surely can't be coincidence that the term unblackened was used for a bass that seems to be very highly inspired by the ...And Justice For All Newsted/Metallica era. If it was, somehow, an intentional pun, then mucho kudos!
-
Good eye Adriaan,
I didn't see that.
-
Just like Newsted's original
~Taylor
-
Check, a must have traditional Elan feature :-)
I think this is the second or third bass they've done in quite some time with the round truss rods cover...
No Alembic die hards who spot the ultra hidden custom feature?
I have not seen an Elan with this one yet... (http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/75318.gif)
-
Flame maple neck lams?
-
Sustain block?
What a beautiful bass.
-
Yes that might be right , sustain block!
-
nah... that aint it. Adriaan was hot with the flames ;-)
-
I'm stumped :/
-
OK - hot with the flames, so: close but no cigar. So did they keep the flame maple laminates in line, so the figuring is continuous across the neck?
Then why the #*@%! will this all get covered up in black?
(Message edited by adriaan on January 12, 2010)
-
Purpleheart stringers?
Peter
-
Look at the picture and remember all woodwork has been done, look at any Elan in the Elan showcase (except my Stormburst, it's not so obvious on that one) and compare.
Second clue: It might be mentioned once somewhere in this FTC
The back of the neck will be left blank with a high gloss finish to show off those awesome (I presume (subtle pic request hint for Mica ;-)) flame Maple and Purpleheart lams ;-)
-
No elbow cut.
Peter
-
Bingo! (http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/75342.gif)
-
Congratulations Peter!
I hope you are feeling well again.
Wolf .
-
I was so thinking Elans don't have an elbow cut, Elans don't have an elbow cut I eventually started believing it myself.[:D]
-
I know I said you would see a blackened bass next, but I spied it with the holes drilled and just had to share:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/75892.jpg)
Next time blazing with black for sure!
-
Alright, thanx! (can't get enough of those flames)
-
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/76018.gif)
-
-
i just had a slight heart attack from all those flames, looking good Flip!
~Taylor
-
It's a blackened beauty:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/76160.jpg)
The back of the neck is taped off for the clear/satin part.
-
she's.....beautiful!!!!
~Taylor
-
Looks great, thanx!
Please change the clear/satin part to clear/high gloss part ;-)
I'm used to the high gloss neck finish (I have one with the satin neck and three with a high gloss neck) and it will make the flame maple lams look even better :-)
-
Looks good.....
Congrats
-
How about the 12th fret inlay and some info on the roadcase? ;-)
All new guitars in my Metallica tribute band :-)
Our Jaymz bought a LTD MX-130, Hetfield style Explorer (pre law suit, real explorer shape) with diamond plate top and our KRK bought a LTD Ouija Kirk Hammett signature.
Soon I'll join forces with my tribute to the Jason Elan :-)
(Message edited by fc_spoiler on February 16, 2010)
-
Flip, sounds like you guys are pretty legit about all of this, how about as far as amps and effects being the same?
~Taylor
-
For my gear look at www.fcbass.com (http://www.fcbass.com)
Kind of Cliff/Jason gearmix :-)
Our Jaymz: Mesa Mark III - Mesa Rectumfrier 4x12 - TC Electronic G-major
Our KRK: Mesa Mark IV - Marshall 1960 4x12 - Tube screamer - Crybaby from hell and I think a Boss multiffect processor (either Boss or Roland)
Additional Metallica approved guitarz: USA Jackson Randy Rhoads and a Gibson V (white)
When the Elan arrives, we're gonna go to a pro photostudio and take some neat gearpics :-)
I have the Brasso and Alembic Supreme polish standby:
-
It will soon be your turn... now my Mesa Boogie friend.
-
I hope so, we have figured out the 12th fret design :-)
For Taylor: Here's our current correct Metallica gear pic:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/77063.jpg)
For more info see: www.damagedjustice.nl
(Message edited by fc_spoiler on March 01, 2010)
-
Do you guys have your own therapist yet?
Soon your dream will arrive. I bet you a cheese danish you get yours first!
-
Flip, you guys are as legit as it gets. Its awesome that there are people out there who love their favorite band some much they start a tribute! keep rockin'
~Taylor
-
@ Danno: Are you applying for the job? Bet is on, I say yours is ready to be boxed at the end of the week. (http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/77094.gif)
@ Taylor: Thanx, we will keep on rockin'! Had a great gig saturday, all 4 Alembics got some stage time :-)
-
Just wondering, which song did you use the fretless for?
~Taylor
-
I used it for Nothing smells better (or something like that)
On the original recording Jason used a fretted bass, but I wanted to give this beauty some stage time :-)
We are working on Until it sleeps, till then I will use it for NEM (Until it sleeps is tuned 1/2 step down, so I can't do both)
'88 Spoiler is tuned ADGC for Sad but true
Elan for Jason pick style, '83 Spoiler for Cliff fingerstyle.
-
ahh nice, right now my only stage bass is a Gibson Victory Artist, mainly because the actve/passive switch just for safety reasons ;-), but once i FINALLY get a Spoiler, i believe the two will be switching spots(though i'll continue taking the Gibson as a backup because she's my baby).
i LOVE playing 1/2 step down, perfect tuning in my opinion.
what is the Newsted going to be tuned to?
~Taylor
-
I wondering what's involved in shipping a cheese danish across the Atlantic.
-
Dave, I know it's not cheap but from my experience of having a guitar shipped from USA to UK, it's not the shipping charges that are painful, it's the import tax and duty you pay at customs.
Flip you may find the cost of going to the USA to collect it directly from Alembic, cheaper than having to pay import duties plus you will get a chance to have a look around where your bass was built.
I wish I'd thought to find out the duty before shipping as I could have had a nice weekend in Texas then collected my guitar and brought it home on the plane.
Jazzyvee
-
You still have to pay import duties, you can always try to walk through nothing to declare
But if they catch you, you'll have to pay the duties plus a huge fine... :-(
-
I have walked through nothing to declare with my guitar many times and no-one challenged me.
Yes I'm sure if you get stopped they may try to charge you, but I think you might be ok if the guitar is for your own personal use and not for sale? If you are a musician I think they will assume you are carrying the tools of your trade rather than importing something.
I've been on tour many times with various guitars in the passenger cabin and in the hold or just to have one with me on holiday and never been once challenged about the guitar in customs.
You could always take the receipt from one of your other alembic's with you and show that one to them to say It wasn't bought in the states How many custom officials know what alembic is never mind what model it is?
Or you could be really devious and take an old empty case and transfer the barcoded luggage tags to the new case when you are coming back, leave the old case in the alembic trash can. Bingo.
Be devious, Go for it and have a look round the factory.
Jazzyvee :-)
-
Actually devious does suit me (http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/77267.gif)
But I will play it by the rules on this one, (almost) all has been paid for last year and I won?t have the time for such a trip until July/August?
If I go (don?t think it will be this year though) I will also visit Petaluma (Mesa/Boogie) of course San Francisco and maybe some forum members from the area. So that?s gonna be at least a 2 or 3 week trip.
-
Going through the rubout process:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/77369.jpg)
And yes - the neck will be glossy too!
-
The show keeps getting better and better
~Taylor
-
You're one lucky fella, Flip.
It just keeps getting better and better, as Taylor said!
Can't wait to see it finished.
Greg
-
Looks great and thanx for the glossy neck notification :-)
-
Any luck in finding info on the roadcase yet? And I would love to see a "get a load of that neck" style picture:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/78102.jpg)
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/78103.gif)
(of my bass of course)
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/78104.gif)
-
uhhh... Please? (http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/78744.gif)
-
As Danny knows black is very finicky in the final stages of the painting process, just because we are so darned picky.
With that being said, your neck was seen yesterday:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/78748.jpg)
It's not yet out of finish, but looks like it might escape there soon.
-
That is an awesome looking neck there !
-
The way the neck get's thinner next to the headstock makes those PH laminates appear to move. It is almost an optical illusion!!
Greg
-
Uhhh... Droooool!
Looks extremely great! Thanx! :-)
I noticed the darned pickiness on my fretless, the finish is nothing short of perfect. (also on my older Alembics, but they were worn in when I got them)
So darned picky is well appreciated here, no matter how long it takes ;-)
The angry smile was more intended for the extreme long wait for the roadcase quote.
That's settled now, she will be laid down in the best protective case Alembic offers. :-)
Needless to say I'm happy :-)
(Message edited by fc_spoiler on April 15, 2010)
-
Flip, I was wondering if there is any reason your guitarists don't use Alembic Guitars?
Jazzyvee
-
JV,
I would guess it has to do with what Metallica uses. Their guitarists use ESP guitars. Flip is just lucky that he plays bass so he can use these wonderful instruments.
Keith
-
Wowee!! That's gorgeous!
-
Gorgeous indeed, I love it! :-)
Thanx for the nice words all!
Our guitar players have EMG equipped guitars -> LTD, ESP, Jackson, Dean, Gibson and Galama (Dutch builder in the eighties)
Must have for the Metallica sound.
I'm lucky indeed, very lucky I must say :-)
And a bit Spoiled I guess (hence my nickname) I don't think I'll ever (can) play anything else than Alembic... They're tha bomb, both in sound and playability.
@ Mica and gang: Please use this picture for the Logo + script placement:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/78851.jpg)
-
Hi Flip,
Looks like its coming along nicely! Let me know if you do end up coming to the SF Bay Area.
-Jason
-
any info here?
~Taylor
-
I hope so...
Did you sent the invoice for the extra options when I requested it? (and has it been paid already?)
If not, there could be a problem due to the extreme devaluation of the Euro... :-(
When I ordered, I was told the bass would be finished in September/October (2009) (At least that was Susan's guess -> The bass will be done this year I think Septemer or October at the latest is my guess)
We have some huge gigs late June till August, will she make it in time? Would be nice ;-)
-
Btw: The sands of time made my preference for gold tuners change to a preference for black tuners, if possible please go for the black ones.
-
That\s an awesome looking Elan their Flip: the flame Maple in the neck and back of the headstock looks great too!
-Rich
-
Thanx!
Awesome was what I had in mind when I ordered this monster :-)
-
Anything happening here?
There are some unanswered questions here (like about 85% of my emails to Alembic in the last year)
Some features were missed because some questions were ignored in this FTC (see Changes / Additions and the last picture from Mica in this thread)
Finish is taking about 7 months now... I paid 24th of April 2009 and was told it would be finished in October at the latest, that's six months... (!)
Either something has gone terribly wrong or nothing is (has been) done to this bass, so what's up?
I've seen other basses completed here in less time, including some elaborate Series instruments.
I'm kind of losing patience here...
-
Sadly, the black finishes do seem to take the longest. I saw your bass in the spray booth today. Looks like it was ready for a clear coat. Hopefully the rubout will be successful this time. I imagine that your patience will be rewarded with a truly outstanding finish, rather than one that attracted some unsightly defects.
The last part always seems to take the longest.
-
Sir Flip. as a veteran of now 6 black finishes, I can understand and feel your emotional stress. When it comes it will all fade like the pain of childbirth. Or for us hernia surgery. I'm going for that this July. You have a brother in solidarity here in Joisey. My wait continues but I am not bothered. I told you. you get yours first and I'll be happy for you. So Cliff out while you wait my dude!
-
I was very fortunate at how fast my Alembic came about. If it took 5 times as long, I'd be equally as happy with the outcome...and 5 times more impatient. =). Alembic won't let anything less than bitchn' leave their hallowed halls. Totally worth it. Keeping my eye on the progress of this thread.
-
This is from about a week ago:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/82102.jpg)
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/82103.jpg)
I adjusted the exposure so you could see the almost blackness despite the underexposed original image. Your bass is curing again, waiting to get a (hopefully) final rubout.
-
i can't get over that crazy flame maple neck and that finish, if i get a custom it will deinitely have an almost black finish to it
~Taylor
-
That it reflects the other instruments is pretty cool.
-
Made it safely to setup:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/83548.jpg)
Working out the engraving for the truss rod now.
-
OH MY GOSH!!!!! IT'S BEAUTIFUL!!! care to order me one, Flip? ;-) i'm VERY jealous
~Taylor
-
Lovely Bass FC.
Jazzyvee
-
Wow!
-
Yeah,congrats!!!!
-
Looks Great!
Hat style knobs look perfect on your bass. Gold script on only the center p/up looks cool too!
-
Looks great, thanx!
I was not expecting an almost completed picture this soon, took a while for me to regain breath :-)
I prefer a uniform look for the pickups, either all all black or all with the golden script. (slight preference for the last option)
Can the Elves make it so Mica?
And I would love to see the 12th fret inlay + a full frontal of the headstock when the logo and script are attached.
Thanx! She looks like a killer bass :-)
-
BEAUTIFUL!
Those FAT Old School knobs on your bass, is what you need to control all that FAT sound out of those MESA amps -- All that thunder requires a good grip.
Like Greg said (once upon a time ago...)
Earth Quakes coming.
Peace and Love,
Hal-
-
This Bass should come with a Roll of Toilet paper cause you're gonna shit striking the 1st note!!!
-
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/83580.gif)
@ Hal: I have my Mesa gear ready for this monster, also bought a Mesa Abacus midi controller to make my effects case a bit heavier :-)
I see now why you have so many Quakes over there with Santa Rosa and Petaluma in the area (!)
-
Flip, I'm absolutely speechless. Your bass is looking unbelievable.
Congratulations, you are one tasteful guy!!!
Greg
-
Thanks Greg! (better late than never) :-)
Mica: Can you please re-read my post no 1142? ;-) (And if possible give a reaction)
And:
Working out the engraving for the truss rod now on July 30 and an estimate of 3 weeks for the case, this should ship out very soon right? (maybe even make it to the next huge gig we have in a month)
-
The pickups are a bit tricky The P shaped ones are ABS plastic shells that are hot stamped in gold. The 5-string JZ pickups are cast in the traditional polyurethane and have no markings on them.
We have molds for casting the P pickups in polyurethane, but they are a matte finish and have the name ALEMBIC engraved in them. So, without making a new mold for the P pickup (a little expensive), or a new injection mold for the 5-string JZ pickup (very expensive), the variety presented above is the best compromise.
Sadly, that road case is still about a month away, if it lands here any sooner I'll let you know.
-
So I guess these pickups are wider than the one on the Tiger Emerald (http://club.alembic.com/index.php?topic=8537)?
Heck, so be it. Thanks anyway. ;-)
Looking at ?Rami's new fretless? I should be lucky if the case is just a month away :-)
Have you also seen the part before ?Thanx! She looks like a killer bass :-)? in my #1142 post? Some of the requested pictures would make the wait much easier ;-)
-
Man O Man, if Mica lay that bass down on the finish Burgundy couch, what a joyful contrast in colors it shall bring.
I am very happy for you Flip!
Oh, my goodness gracious what a beautiful one, it is...
Peace and Love,
Hal-
-
bump
~Taylor
-
Bump2
It's been about a month (and a couple of days) ago since Sadly, that road case is still about a month away
Should I be on the watchout for the mailman?
Would love to see some pictures before shipping to verify all custom options made it to this monster ;-)
-
I guess I'm not lucky... :-(
I'm in the studio from November 25, we've been delaying those sessions for as long as possible to have this bass on the recordings.
-
Flip, let's just hope you'll have it in time for the tour ;-)
~Taylor
-
Thanx Taylor! The tour = Danno, Flip = Studio ;-)
For Mica (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aHN6AViJAvI target=_blank) ;-)
-
If the roadcase is more than 3 weeks (original quote) away from now, please cancel it.
Also I don't want to wait too long for a standard case, if there's a longer (than 3 weeks) delivery time for it I'd rather take Jazzyvee's and have another roadcase build here in Holland along the way (for half the price and ready in a week)
-
Roadcase is on its way here, should be on Monday or Tuesday. Your bass will be on its merry way to you next week. Yay yay!
-
aaarghh! I hope I survive this weekend :-)
Thanx!
-
Got a new camera (Sony DSC-W380) to capture the herd in all its glory :-)
Here's a digital panoramic view of my room:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/88928.jpg)
Ugly sight? (the void between the Elan and the fretless Orion) the rest in the pic is sheer beauty of course. :-)
Now I need to work out how to take those crystal clear high res. pictures with this camera, in the meantime the void issue will be dealt with rigorously I hope?
How about my request in post #1167 ?
Would love to see some pictures before shipping to verify all custom options made it to this monster ;-)
-
Told ya dude! Mine is still awaiting rubout I'm told. Use it in great health and with inspiration!
-
It's not here yet, cheese danish can still come my way :-)
I guess I shouldn't be guessing but I guess it's a neat case?
-
I'm afraid the pastry goes to New Jersy this time, though I'm still holding my breath.
Did you get my reply Mica?
Maybe the case fits so perfectly tight, they can't get the bass out for final inspection :-)
-
NO WAY DUDE. MINE IS STILL IN RUBOUT! The Danish or Strudel is yours. It's about 2 years since I put in the order, so folks can use that as a gauge. There is something special about black finishes that takes more attention to detail I guess. But it won't be long now for you. Ride the lightning!
-
My mistake, got the bet mixed up... (thought the winner had to give instead of take)
Allrighty, looks like the pastry is going to Holland then... (still, still holding my breath)
I'll collect it at your next European tour if that's ok with you :-)
-
Hope I don't stand on Mica's toe, but can't resist posting this pic. Sorry for the lame extraction tech., I'm learning :-)
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/90305.jpg)
Should be here early December
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/90306.gif)
-
Pakjesavond?
-
Looks great Flip!
-
Perfect example of why I love Elans... even black ones.
What is the engraving?
Jazzyvee
-
Yeah,beautiful Bass.
-
Thanx all!
Pakjesavond zou moeten lukken :-)
@ Jazzy: Blackened (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-pHKWd9ptZc target=_blank)
-
Got a quote for a Series II bass instead of tracking data...
Pakjesavond gaat het niet meer worden ben ik bang... :-(
We're running out of studio time, should I plea for some extra days or would that be a futile effort?
-
Here's a picture you will be very happy to see:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/90813.jpg)
and even a peek inside:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/90814.jpg)
With any luck , Blackened will depart on Monday. Cross your fingers!
-
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/90817.gif)
Thanx, looks great!
I will call for some extra studio time. (and warn our roadies) :-)
-
Oh my............. I want it!!!!! I'm hoping we can get a demo video eventually Flip ;-)
~Taylor
-
I will do my best ;-)
Btw: have you seen this one (http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=715015&highlight= target=_blank)?
-
dang dude his is pretty cool also, but i like your's because it's based off Jason's, but has some upgrades done to it for more tonal control, congrats Flip. i would love to have a 5 string, 3 pickup Elan almost exactly like yours(classic taper for me though) you lucky dog. hope that i'll be able to steal some of your ideas(as for the electronics) whenever i get a real job ;-). play her well, for all of our sakes :-)
~Taylor
-
Dude this looks beyond Killer... Congrats...
-
At long last your new baby will be on it's way home.
Great case for it too. I look forward to some you tube clips of your new bass too.
Jazzyvee
-
Congrats Man,hope she fits you ;-)
-
Seeing this done doesn't help my ever increasing desire to have my new black custom done and in my hands.
That's a gorgeous bass. `m/ `m/
-
This is one bass I'm very glad to see completed headed to someone I think is very deserving. Congrats, Flip.
-
Congratulations Flip!
With this one exception, I break my silences this one time.
Peace, and Love
Hal-
-
The picture of the bass in that case is pretty impressive.
-
Congrats sir! Now can I have mine?
-
Left the building today! Danny's is the next bass in setup
-
Is it possible/advisable to have the initials cut out of the 12th fretmarker?
Something like this:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/75453.jpg)
-
BTW: I don't mind if there's little contrast and the initials are kind of hidden.
I think it's cool if it's only to be seen at close inspection, just like the Flame Maple top.
-
Here's a very poor visualisation of my take on the knobs layout:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/65459.jpg)
Also I would like to have the old hat style knobs.
(Message edited by fc_spoiler on May 22, 2009)
-
I'm having second thoughts on the P pickup on/off switch...
Can you see if it's possible and if it is quote me for a 4 way pickup selector switch?
1. P only
2. P with J (from the bridge/neck pan)
3. J only (from the bridge/neck pan)
4. Standby
Placed (Centred) above the bridge and neck Filter, under the bridge (downtown) :-)
Thanx
-
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/65897.jpg)
-
Just a quick preflight check... We want to drill holes, and since there's only one chance to get it right, please confirm that the June 4, 2009 layout is still the plan.
-
Check, check, double check :-)
June 4, 2009 layout is still the plan indeed ;-)
-
I have a feeling there will be more holes in this bass tomorrow than there are today :-)
-
Allright, thanx! :-)
-
Ok, there's more marks in your bass today than there was yesterday:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/75118.jpg)
The knobs have to be slightly closer together than in your rendition. Just another, redundant check before the drill touches wood. The black crosshairs are the centers of the holes, the white chalk line is the interior of the cavity.
-
Looks great, I say: Go for it!
Thanx!
-
I've send some emails, but see you've had some troubles with your server...
To be sure they reach HQ, here's the list:
*Elbow cut
*Blackened hardware
*Engraved truss rods cover
*Black tuners
+ the electronics upgrade (4 way selector), maybe the roadcase and 12th fret inlay.
Can we get this clear and quoted asap please?
Thanx!
Flip
-
Any news please?
Budget is shrinking again...
-
Repeat last message... please;-)
-
Flip; I think this is important enough to call.
-
Thanx for the advice Dave :-)
I'll might try that one of these days.
Believe it or not, I live in a Phoneless house. My last cell phone's tragic story is to violent to post here. :-)
To avoid waking Mica/Susan in the middle of the night (working hours on this side of the pond) for me, calling to the mothership involves some planning... Hence me prefer Email.
-
...
I've been waiting 7 months for a quote on the 12th fret inlay and roadcase now, maybe I can get a lead time for the quote? ;-)
(Message edited by fc_spoiler on November 19, 2009)
-
Hi folks, There seems to be many versions of the ?tongue? between the headstock and neck. Narrow versionse and wider versions with an almost flat bottom. It looks like Jason had the "wide flat bottom" version:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/65452.jpg)
This is what I mean with the narrow version:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/65453.jpg)
Can you re-create the Jason version? For tuner alignment: Please place the tuners inline with the headstock, like on my Elan:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/65454.jpg)
(not inline with the neck like the fretless) Also I like to have the high gloss finish on the back (fretless has the satin finish, all others have high gloss necks) Thanx a lot for building me this monster
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/65455.gif)
-
Mica or Susan can you please note this for my headstock as well on my Elan order.
Flip the reason I think there was variation in headstocks is because they went to CNC later so these were all hand carved? Maybe I am wrong.
-
Flip the reason I think there was variation in headstocks is because they went to CNC later so these were all hand carved? Maybe I am wrong.
You are in fact wrong.
The narrow version above is a volute which is/was standard on the set neck Alembics. The wide flat bottom version is the standard multiple wood laminates that all neck through Alembics get. They both do the same thing: add strength to the headstock scarf joint.
-
I'm pretty sure it's done by hand ;-)
Set necks have a volute and no laminates on the back of the headstock (unless custom ordered otherwise)
The shape of the tongue is determined by the headstock, profile of the neck and the amount of beers (or any other beverage) the carver had the night before I think...
@ Mica: This bass is not a replica, more a tribute to one of my favourite Alembics. I'm fine with whatever tongue your carver(s) can come up with ;-)
I'm pretty firm on:
Tuner alignment
High gloss finish on the back of the neck
Logo and Script above the nut
-
The neck is hand carved. The variation arises primarily from the width of the nut. In Jason's bass, the neck is a classic taper, so the nut is wider than the second example with the comfort taper. The individuality of the carver is also reflected in the final shape.
There are no volutes pictured on this page so far. Look at the back of an Epic to see the volute version (FYI these are also handcarved).
Jason's neck in the first picture actually looks a little funky to me - like the tongue is lower on the beck of the neck usual - but maybe it's just the angle of the image.
No prob on the tuner alignment, high gloss finish on the back of neck (though note Jason's were satin) and the placement of the logo and script.
-
Thanx!
-
I found this pic of an Essence I think it's about the same shape as on Jason's bass:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/68067.jpg)
If possible, I'd like to see this tongue style recreated ;-)
-
For th black/blank transition: Can you lower the edge of the black in comparison to Marcus' bass?
Here's a pic:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/71882.jpg)
Green pity excuse for an arrow points where I like to have the border.