Alembic Guitars Club

Alembic products => Factory to Customer => Topic started by: mica on May 07, 2010, 06:33:36 PM

Title: Rich's Custom Series Sans Filters
Post by: mica on May 07, 2010, 06:33:36 PM
Stuff in assembly now:  
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/79648.jpg)
 
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/79649.jpg)
 
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/79650.jpg)
 
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/79651.jpg)
  This is some really awesome wood.
Title: Re: Rich's Custom Series Sans Filters
Post by: David Houck on May 07, 2010, 06:36:43 PM
Very unique figuring!
Title: Re: Rich's Custom Series Sans Filters
Post by: tbrannon on May 07, 2010, 06:37:31 PM
Beautiful!!  
 
No filters?  There have been some very interesting series basses being built lately. Will Gunn's custom is another one that comes to mind.
Title: Re: Rich's Custom Series Sans Filters
Post by: mica on May 07, 2010, 06:41:00 PM
This is one was inspired by Will's.
 
(Message edited by mica on May 07, 2010)
Title: Re: Rich's Custom Series Sans Filters
Post by: rjmsteel on May 07, 2010, 10:50:32 PM
Will and all at Alembic have been nothing but insprirational in the design for this bass.  
Looking forward to progress on and continued support on the build of another unique bass... only by the masters at Alembic!
 
Superfilter-ing my two current Alembic basses, and this bass will also be a refinement from them, just sounds awesome.  
 
Mica: Looks great -  including the almost flame characteristics of the dark African Mahogany core. Thanks to all, I appreciate the kind words.
Title: Re: Rich's Custom Series Sans Filters
Post by: rjmsteel on May 24, 2010, 10:19:22 AM
Mica - Any updates? Thanks - Rich
Title: Re: Rich's Custom Series Sans Filters
Post by: mica on June 01, 2010, 05:38:53 PM
It's moving along...
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/81001.jpg)
 
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/81002.jpg)
 
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/81003.jpg)
Title: Re: Rich's Custom Series Sans Filters
Post by: artswork99 on June 01, 2010, 07:48:14 PM
I see a wizards face on the top (Gandalf).  Beautiful!
Title: Re: Rich's Custom Series Sans Filters
Post by: rjmsteel on June 01, 2010, 08:01:42 PM
Sweet... Thanks for the updates - nice to see the progress -- keep the pictures coming!
 
BTW: Mica, I\m thinking Black Tahitian MOP (oval fingerboard) inlays to match that Ebony neck lam........
 
                Wait till the finish hits!
 
    -Rich
Title: Re: Rich's Custom Series Sans Filters
Post by: mario_farufyno on June 02, 2010, 01:42:43 PM
I never get tired seeing such beauties
Title: Re: Rich's Custom Series Sans Filters
Post by: FC Bass on June 02, 2010, 01:59:45 PM
Wow, looks great!
 
Body shape looks almost the same as my fretless, I love it!
Title: Re: Rich's Custom Series Sans Filters
Post by: rjmsteel on June 18, 2010, 08:03:14 AM
would love some updated pictures
Title: Re: Rich's Custom Series Sans Filters
Post by: mica on July 01, 2010, 06:28:21 PM
Carve away!
 
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/82085.jpg)
Title: Re: Rich's Custom Series Sans Filters
Post by: mica on July 27, 2010, 06:49:12 PM
And now with some sealer coats:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/83379.jpg)
 There is a lot going on in this top. Layers upon layers.  
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/83380.jpg)
Title: Re: Rich's Custom Series Sans Filters
Post by: artswork99 on July 27, 2010, 08:34:28 PM
Whew... drooling. Beautiful
Title: Re: Rich's Custom Series Sans Filters
Post by: sonicus on July 27, 2010, 09:18:18 PM
Interesting neck laminates , nice contrast.
Title: Re: Rich's Custom Series Sans Filters
Post by: andbassforall on July 28, 2010, 12:50:49 AM
Beautiful! I dig.
Title: Re: Rich's Custom Series Sans Filters
Post by: bassjigga on July 28, 2010, 11:00:01 AM
really nice! i like that shortened horn...
Title: Re: Rich's Custom Series Sans Filters
Post by: briant on July 29, 2010, 10:40:51 AM
Rich - this is a fabulous looking instrument!
 
I noticed in the changes/additions section that you've requested a very blue shell for the logo inlay.  Brilliant minds... I did the same for my custom Essence.  Blue LEDs as well?
Title: Re: Rich's Custom Series Sans Filters
Post by: rjmsteel on July 29, 2010, 11:59:24 AM
yep...  
Brian, just keep in mind Mica said she\d try to keep the bluest shell paua. That could change, (colors), as they obtain/sand the shell material for the inlay. My hopes are for the bluest possible and thanks a lot too.
Title: Re: Rich's Custom Series Sans Filters
Post by: briant on July 29, 2010, 12:11:35 PM
Rich - what color hardware are you going with?
Title: Re: Rich's Custom Series Sans Filters
Post by: rjmsteel on July 29, 2010, 12:36:45 PM
I know, I know... just ordered the brass plain, the chrome plating like you\ve ordered was just getting to pricey.
 
Here are the basic specs:
Rogue Modified body, (shortened upper horn/lengthened lower horn)  
4 string  
34 scale
Neck dimensions: 1.5 at nut; 2.375 at 24th fret  
ebony fretboard (Black Tahitian MOP fretboard inlays)  
side LEDs in blue with external dimmer control  
Coco Bolo top and back
maple neck: 3/8 ebony/purpleheart stringers w/ maple pinstripes  
dark mahogany body  
orion style inline peghead  
continuous wood backplate  
all brass hardware/ bird tailpiece  
inlaid logo w/shell  
satin neck finish  
Series electronics sans filters  
Volume Controls: Master, neck and Bridge
 
-Rich
Title: Re: Rich's Custom Series Sans Filters
Post by: eligilam on July 29, 2010, 01:44:34 PM
...
 
(Message edited by eligilam on July 29, 2010)
Title: Re: Rich's Custom Series Sans Filters
Post by: rjmsteel on July 29, 2010, 02:18:32 PM
...
Title: Re: Rich's Custom Series Sans Filters
Post by: briant on July 29, 2010, 02:34:21 PM
This is going to be an amazing instrument, Rich.
Title: Re: Rich's Custom Series Sans Filters
Post by: mica on July 30, 2010, 06:43:43 PM
Drilled, and preset (sorry for chopping the upper horn off in this image):
 
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/83551.jpg)
Title: Re: Rich's Custom Series Sans Filters
Post by: mica on August 18, 2010, 06:10:14 PM
And the last step before re-entering spray:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/84613.jpg)
 Inlay zone!  Ok... I peeked:  
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/84614.jpg)
Title: Re: Rich's Custom Series Sans Filters
Post by: rjmsteel on August 18, 2010, 07:25:13 PM
Mica,
Thanks... well the inlay\s looking Blue there, (I,IV,V)...could\nt resist, (and very shiny on the left), now about the orange traffic cone?    Good one, lol.
 
By the way the drilled holes for the controls; and the 5 pin; are placed per-fect-ly! Thank you. They could not be placed better.
Title: Re: Rich's Custom Series Sans Filters
Post by: rjmsteel on September 20, 2010, 08:13:41 PM
Any visual updates to look at and enjoy??
 
-Rich
Title: Re: Rich's Custom Series Sans Filters
Post by: briant on September 20, 2010, 08:38:59 PM
Oh WOW!  I love love LOVE that inlay!  I was on vacation when that got posted.  That's fabulous, Rich!!
Title: Re: Rich's Custom Series Sans Filters
Post by: mario_farufyno on September 21, 2010, 05:48:27 AM
That Bass got eyes on waist!
Title: Re: Rich's Custom Series Sans Filters
Post by: rjmsteel on October 26, 2010, 06:32:46 PM
Any updates?
Title: Re: Rich's Custom Series Sans Filters
Post by: mica on November 05, 2010, 07:16:48 PM
Yours is in the final cure. I will get you pics either on Sunday (I might be coming in) or early next week. It's gorgeous!
Title: Re: Rich's Custom Series Sans Filters
Post by: rjmsteel on November 07, 2010, 03:27:30 PM
Thanks Mica,
I appreciate the update, (and pictures to come). I\d like to also mention how much we appreciate this Factory To Customer Build Record thing you & your company provides for your custom build customers. No one else, (that I know of), provides this service.
 
Note: Did you receive the e-mail I sent late on Friday, (to your mail), regarding the truss rod cover engraving we talked about/ documented in the change/additions section?
 
Thanks again - Rich
Title: Re: Rich's Custom Series Sans Filters
Post by: rjmsteel on November 11, 2010, 02:35:04 PM
Any chance to get some of those pics....  ??
Title: Re: Rich's Custom Series Sans Filters
Post by: mica on November 23, 2010, 05:47:44 PM
Finally!
 
 
 
 
The backplate is still on its hanger, I just put in in place for your preview!
Title: Re: Rich's Custom Series Sans Filters
Post by: rjmsteel on November 29, 2010, 05:36:17 PM
Did a Thanksgiving bird Gobble up the last two pictures?
Title: Re: Rich's Custom Series Sans Filters
Post by: mica on November 30, 2010, 06:40:00 PM
Bad turkey!  
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/90599.jpg)
 
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/90600.jpg)
Title: Re: Rich's Custom Series Sans Filters
Post by: briant on November 30, 2010, 08:04:01 PM
That's just stunning, Rich!
Title: Re: Rich's Custom Series Sans Filters
Post by: rjmsteel on December 01, 2010, 03:40:28 PM
Much appreciated Mica & Brian.
 
Brian: I see you\ve got Logo undercover on your Essence... very cool.
 
-Rich
Title: Re: Rich's Custom Series Sans Filters
Post by: crobbins on December 03, 2010, 09:36:24 PM
Wow! Very cool. Congrats......
Title: Re: Rich's Custom Series Sans Filters
Post by: rjmsteel on January 26, 2011, 07:08:44 PM
May I ask... please... if my bass is getting closer to:
Calibration, Setup or Inspection?
 
Also would I be able to seperately order a:   5-pin cable, 12 (Twelve) feet in length for Series I/II in addition to the cable supplied with the bass? (For a small stage area I regularly work in).
 
-Rich
Title: Re: Rich's Custom Series Sans Filters
Post by: briant on April 28, 2011, 03:07:19 PM
So... completed pictures?
Title: Re: Rich's Custom Series Sans Filters
Post by: rjmsteel on April 29, 2011, 07:18:11 PM
Thanks for asking Brian:
 
I\ll be posting some quality pictures of my recently acquired, and awesome sounding, bass in the Showcase section fairly soon.
 
I want to post only once I have a Really Good set of photos to share.
 
By the way Will of Will Gunn Guitars is and has been a pleasure to work with on conveying to Alembic my desires combined with his knowledge and ideas in a incredible instrument, I can\t recommend him - as a dealer of choice (wise) - enough!
 
Thanks, of course, goes out to the incredible artisians, including James, Charles, Stephanie, Mary and Bob, Jack, Tony, Bill and Mica, Ron and Susan and Kris as listed on my wood card who crafted such a fine instrument.
 
-Rich
Title: Re: Rich's Custom Series Sans Filters
Post by: briant on April 29, 2011, 09:12:17 PM
Can't wait for the pictures, man!  That's one sexeh bass.
Title: Re: Rich's Custom Series Sans Filters
Post by: rustyg61 on May 01, 2011, 06:34:05 AM
Yes....pictures please!!!
Title: Truss Rod Cover
Post by: rjmsteel on July 28, 2010, 06:17:10 PM
Mica,
Third question/post:
When the time comes lets continue our talk we had about engraving initials/names onto the front/back of the brass truss rod cover. I do have some font examples I\d like to share which I\ve done in a word proccessor.
 
I can\t remember if you preferred to do that work in-house or at the trophy shop.  
 
Thanks -Rich
Title: Truss Rod Cover
Post by: mica on July 28, 2010, 07:13:29 PM
It depends on the font. Just tell me the font names you're interested in (and of course what you want engraved). Some things are appropriate for the push type engraving we do, others are better suited for the rotary style engraving done at the trophy shops.
Title: Truss Rod Cover
Post by: rjmsteel on July 29, 2010, 07:12:36 AM
?   Brass Truss Rod Cover w/engraving:?.. 1st and middle name, (preferred), - or initials of my wife.  
Engrave on top side: ?   Sheila Marie or her initials S.M. (watch spelling on her first name.. boy does she get mad!... not Shelia or Shiela  
 
 
reverse side:    ?   Brandon & Nicholas or?  ?The Boys? ? whichever fits best.
 
?   Magneto (bold?) script is what I was thinking on both (sides).
 
I can pay directly to Alembic for this work if you like. Thanks Rich
Title: Truss Rod Cover
Post by: mica on July 29, 2010, 06:48:35 PM
I'm a bit of a font-freak, and Leslie Cabarga is a favorite (I have most of his books!). I'll have to check with James on the engravability of Magneto (http://new.myfonts.com/fonts/fontbureau/magneto/).  
 
A little concerned about the look of the lower case e in Sheila Marie - I'm afraid it might end up looking more like Shcila Maric
 
Streamline (http://new.myfonts.com/fonts/fontbureau/streamline/) is similar, and doesn't have the lowercase confusion at the small size.  
 
Mark Simonson's  Coquette (http://new.myfonts.com/fonts/marksimonson/coquette/light/) is also kinda mid-century, but with a totally different vibe.
Title: Truss Rod Cover
Post by: rjmsteel on July 29, 2010, 07:01:07 PM
Streamline... yep. That one is a keeper. Definitely use her name and NOT just her initials.  
 
Streamline also on the reverse side. thanks Mica, I was sure you knew more than I about the fonts.
Title: 5 Pin Jack Position
Post by: rjmsteel on July 28, 2010, 05:58:43 PM
Mica,
I have three current questions and seek your advise, each one with its own post.
First One: I am considering having you place the 5 Pin Jack on the side of the bass, rather than on the top, hate to break up too much of that beautiful wood top, after seeing your post with the sealer coats - what do \ya think? Is this suggestion do-able?/ or recommended;  
see my thoughts below:
 
Do you even like placing the jack on the side of the bass?- personnally I think there are pros and cons;
pros: Top placement -you can see where you are plugging/unplugging the instrument cord into: also it looks cool too.
cons: obviously covering up the wood. In this case could the jack on the front be placed away from the dark viens (lines) by the tailpiece area and put by/closer to the knot just below where those lines are located?  
 
-Rich
Title: 5 Pin Jack Position
Post by: mica on July 28, 2010, 07:09:58 PM
Too late for this one! I usually am a couple of days behind on posting pics to when I take them. The holes are already drilled according to the plan we had back in March.  
 
It looks cool, I'll catch another photo with the drilling pattern by Friday for you.
Title: 5 Pin Jack Position
Post by: rjmsteel on July 28, 2010, 07:20:20 PM
As Jack Bruce would have sang...I\m glad (3x).
One less thing to get obsessed over.
I\ll look forward to the photo upcoming.
Thank you. -Rich
Title: Logo Shell Color
Post by: rjmsteel on July 28, 2010, 06:08:43 PM
Mica/Susan:
Second question/post:  
not sure if you may remember our conversation regarding the inlaid Logo... that is to have as much blue color present in the abalone shell, (not in the cloud portion), that may be possible to produce.... (Mica, I do remember what you said about the colors as the shell gets sanded down).
 
The idea, whether ideal or not, is to try and add more blue hues to go with the LED\s.
Title: Logo Shell Color
Post by: mica on July 28, 2010, 07:11:18 PM
I have that detail on the workorder - to seek bluest paua for the circular portion of the logo. We will do our best.
Title: Pickup Covers
Post by: rjmsteel on May 27, 2010, 01:39:03 PM
Hey Mica,
   I was just wondering whether you think it would be possible to add wooden pickup/hum canceller covers?
Perhaps constructed of Maple with a Translucent Black wash (stain/paint coat);  
Coco Bolo; or Ebony, (Gloss), to match the neck laminations and ebony stringer.
   If this idea is possible and/or it\s not aesthetically a good idea I\d like to know your thoughts and how much it would cost?
Title: Pickup Covers
Post by: mica on May 27, 2010, 02:43:47 PM
It's possible, but I think that the expense of making something essentially black like the pickups already come is too much. We can make the pickups in the old-style mold like we did for Will. There is no Alembic decoration on the pickup, just black shiny goodness, that will definitely match the Ebony stringer in the neck just fine.  
 
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/80661.jpg)
 
I think that keeping the pickups black will be best for this bass, considering what the top wood looks like. Then the pickups won't distract. Anyway, that's my opinion - but in the end, it's your bass, so let me know what you think.
Title: Pickup Covers
Post by: rjmsteel on May 27, 2010, 02:55:33 PM
Thanks for your input, Mica, I\ve seen a lot of these covers lately and it was starting to get tempting.... I wasn\t real sure how any sort of contrast, (or not), would look against the Coco Bolo top.  
 
Go ahead and keep them solid black.
 
-Rich
Title: Pickup Covers
Post by: mica on May 27, 2010, 03:50:07 PM
Usually the pickups have a little Alembic script on them. The ones above are made in a mold with no decoration (old-style). So just to be extra-sure, you want the pickups to look like the picture above, with no decoration, is that right?
Title: Pickup Covers
Post by: rjmsteel on May 27, 2010, 04:19:05 PM
Glad you asked... I just noticed on my \89 Elan the word ALEMBIC in block lettering and ALL black... just depressed into the mold.. thats so cool and not to noticable.. can you tell? I just noticed!!
 
If you have THAT mold and think it would not be distracting then thats the one we will go with.
Title: Pickup Covers
Post by: FC Bass on May 27, 2010, 04:39:06 PM
They look nice, here's one from my '88 Spoiler:
 
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/80665.jpg)
Title: Pickup Covers
Post by: mica on May 27, 2010, 04:42:57 PM
We will make your pickups with the molded Alembic name that looks engraved. They have a matte finish to them compared to the pickups on Will's bass.
Title: Pickup Covers
Post by: rjmsteel on May 27, 2010, 04:50:56 PM
Thanks Mica... I really like the idea of the matte... looks good on the Elan, less distracting from the Coco top too.
 
-Rich