Alembic Guitars Club
Alembic products => Factory to Customer => Topic started by: mica on May 24, 2004, 11:58:14 AM
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Looks like we need a good place to get Rory's custom details all ironed out.
Chip is ready to get the body going, so the first thing we need to do is decide on the body shape. When Rory visted last Friday, we came up with a smooth bottomed-Series I Standard shape that wasn't too flat or too big.
Roght now, I've asked Chip to hold off the body work until we're totally clear.
So, design away!!!!!!
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Mica
I am sure you have received my e-mails from this weekend! I will go with the 3/4 K body style with Omega cut with the other options I included. I will call you to confirm. Thanks!
Rory
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Okay, we've got 3/4K style on plan.
Now for the Omega detail. You've requested a Heart omega with an extended stinger tail. That's a little confusing - we make a Heart Omega and a Stinger Omega, so are you asking for one of these variations or for a new design?
The Stinger Omega has the little heart tip extend out beyond the tips of the omega cut.
Also, the 3/4 K style usually has some tummy shaping and sometime elbow carving - do you want either of these details on your bass?
I'll pick out a nice 3A back for your bass.
I do not believe this change will affect the control layout, but we'll review it and let you know if anything comes up.
On the second email, you mentioned recessed straplocks on the order too, and that you wanted a plain Omega. Just let me know which way to go.
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Mica
Plain Omega is fine. I was getting a little over the top with ideas and then I pulled myself back into reality. I really like the body of Bill's bass and there is a 5string quilted maple that looks simular as well in the Showcase. I have already contacted Evan at Bass Northwest so I am sure he will be contacting you or Susan shortly. Let the festivities begin!
Rory
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Mica
The bass I was refering to is Marks 5string quilted Maple. If we could re-create that in a 4string I will be very, very, happy! Thanks as always.
Rory
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Okay, got it on the regular Omega 3/4K shape. There's an example of a 4-string 3/4K in the Alembic Store (http://store.yahoo.com/alembic/markinstan.html). It's not Maple, and it's got a Point carving, but it should give you a good idea of how the shape translates to 4-strings. I prefer the Omega on this shape for my personal taste.
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Mark's bass has the tummy and elbow contouring, did you want that on your bass too?
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Mica
Yes on the contouring? Thanks for asking?
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Great - I've sent you an email with all the changes for you to confirm. Shoot me a reply with an OK and I can get Chip working on your body in the AM.
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Mica,
Are there any drawings on the board? If there is could you share a few!
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The body shape you changed to is a shape we use a template to cut out, so there's no drawing planned for your bass, we just draw directly on the wood with the template before we cut it out. I will be happy to post some progress pictures for you, probably not until next week.
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Mica
Thanks for the info. Have a great weekend!
Rory
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Mica
Just wanted to see if you were able to start yet?
Rory
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Yes. The neck is constructed and the fingerboard is ready for the blue LEDs to be installed. While that's waiting, the body is underway:
(http://club.alembicguitars.com/Images/631/10667.jpg)
Your body is the top of the stack, ready for hollowing. The top and back will probably get added on Monday. Dust is flying!
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Mica
Thanks for responding so quickly. You are the greatest!
Rory
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Mica
I know you normally post on Fridays the updates for the week, I just want to make sure I get included with any photo's!
Rory
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Here's the top and back before glueing:
(http://club.alembicguitars.com/Images/631/10761.jpg)
(http://club.alembicguitars.com/Images/631/10762.jpg)
Assembly is a little slow - I wasn't aware we had one guy going on a small 4-day vacation (kinda last minute), so looks now like Chip will get your top and back glued to the hollow body this coming Monday. I see I didn't get you pictures of the neck last week, so here's a couple:
(http://club.alembicguitars.com/Images/631/10763.jpg)
(http://club.alembicguitars.com/Images/631/10764.jpg)
All the woods look great. That top is wonderful!
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Mica,
Looks great so far although the headstock is a little blurry, okay it's a lot blurry but I get the idea. The top looks pretty awesome and I like the back you chose as well. Thanks for the update and wish Happy Fathers Day to Ron!
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Here's one from in the clamp
(http://club.alembicguitars.com/Images/631/10895.jpg)
Your bass is the one on the bottom. I'll have some more shots for you this week.
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Cool
More pics would be great! Thanks Mica!
Rory
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Mica
Any new pics to post? I would love to see the progress!
Rory
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Hello Rory,
I don't have any pictures of your bass to post, Mica may have some, and I'm sure she'll post them as soon as she has time; in the meantime I can tell you that your bass is looking gorgeous; I was in the shop a few minutes ago and Tony was busy carving it.
Valentino
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Val
Thanks for the update, as you can imagine I am feeling the pains of anticipation. I look forward to seeing some pics soon!
Rory
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Ack! Your bass is in the spray department, and my timing was horrible this week, always caught Bob spraying. I'm hoping to get a photo while I'm at work on Sunday. Sorry I didn't get you a shot this week.
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I would love to see my bass in production if you get a chance. It has been a while since I have seen a pic.
Rory
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I think Bass Northwest only has one of these on order:
(http://club.alembicguitars.com/Images/631/11279.jpg)
It was already getting rubbed out today.
(http://club.alembicguitars.com/Images/631/11280.jpg)
And one of the back. Getting close. Tomorrow we'll be finishing the rubout. Then it rests a day or two before buffing. Maybe we'll be ready for you next week. Let's just hope those new cases show up like they're supposed to.
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Rory:
It's looking awesome, man! You know how I HATE quilted mapled & purpleheart, LOL!
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Rory/Kevin
Quilted maple seems to be the wood of the day. Both basses are beautiful! Photos don't do quilted woods justice.
Sam
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Wow! Gonna be pretty....
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Hey Guy's thanks for the compliments, as you can imagine there is a big smile on my face. Can't wait to see the final product! Bill, you have convinced me to go with Coco bolo next, I am comtiplating a 6 string! I need to inquire about the upgraded electronics I don't see holes drilled for them.
Rory
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I feel like such a dolt! Bass NW does have one on order for stock
and the pics I posted were for that one. Yours is also ready to rub out - and no holes have been drilled because of the custom layout. James is checking to see if we can add the LED switch. There may not be room with the additional 4 switches already in the layout.
I could hardly tell the basses apart, but I will post some pictures of your actual bass in a couple of hours.
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Hey Guy's
Unfortunatly this is not my bass it is the Evil Twin to my bass. When I made this order, Evan at Bass Northwest liked it so much that he ordered one just like it. The only difference is I will have custom electronics and I am not sure what color LED's he may have chose. I should get a post tonight so stay tuned to this station for further updates of As The Bass Turn's.
Rory
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I think you'll like these even more:
(http://club.alembicguitars.com/Images/631/11296.jpg)
(http://club.alembicguitars.com/Images/631/11297.jpg)
I didn't meet up with James yet if we can cram that extra LED switch in. I'll be gone at a conference tomorrow and possibly the rest of the week (depends on how much fun it is!), so updates will be slim pickins until next week.
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Color looks a bit more yellow than in person.
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Mica: Even better quilts than the first bass you pictured? Rory's a lucky dog. Will you guys please hurry and deliver my bass so I can start planning a 5A maple 5 string?!?
Bill
(Message edited by bassman10096 on July 20, 2004)
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Oh my god! Now that looks a little more like what I thought I had chosen. What a sweet looking bass. Bill, I am starting to fill the GAS build up, I have already bought two new basses and a speaker cabinet! Two more Ken Smith basses and a Eden 4-10 xlt cabinet. Trying to resist buying a short scale bass as we speak. Oh the GAS! I forgot about the Korg, Karma keyboard I just picked up as well. Who needs furniture, food, clothes, gas money, deodorant, or anything else when you can have lots of bass equipment!
Rory, The GASSY One
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Wow Rory, that's a great bass. Very tasteful combination of woods, and that quilt looks breathtaking! I would be stroking the surface every day playing mindgames about being able to feel the 'waves'. Really another example of Mother Nature and Alembic combining their artistic skills while creating another masterpiece!
Wilfred
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***sigh*** visits to this site are more torturous everytime.
Maybe I should stay with Stagg (LOL)
Paul the bad one
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Wilfred/ Paul
Thanks for chiming in with your thoughts. I am very excited about the developement of this Alembic and as you can imagine I can't wait to get it home. I am so glad that I visited Alembic to choose the quilted top for my bass. After spending the better part of the morning with Mica, she was able to choose the back without me having any input. I could not be more happier!
Rory
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Mica
How about a few updates? You were going to let me know about the switch for LED's as well. Thanks in advance.
Rory
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Getting ready to drop in the electronics:
(http://club.alembicguitars.com/Images/631/12300.jpg)
Maybe even next week!
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Mica
It really looks awesome, I am really impressed with the results. Can't wait to get it in my hands. Thanks for the update.
Rory
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Wow Rory, that is magnificent! Beautiful bass! The legend of the Balance K grows!
Reid
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Rory,
I saw the sister bass @ Bass NW last week.....It's amazing. The depth of the quilting is beyond belief. From the pics, it looks like yours has quilting that's even more pronounced..... It's got to be unreal!
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Hollis
I was lucky enough to go visit my bass last week and I have to tell you I was nervous to hold it. It is a very beautiful instrument. To be honest I don't know if I will have the courage to play it once it is home and now I am having another one built. I must be out of my mind! Anyway next time you are there say hi to Evan for me, he is great!
Rory
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Rory
Somehow I have a feeling you'll get over the jitters pretty quick! It's an awesome instrument, it'll give you all the courage you'll need.
Evan sold me the Persuader, he answered every question that I could come up with, and a few I hadn't thought of. A very nice man indeed.
Enjoy
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Rory,
I really like the quilted maple top that you have selected. It has that three-dimensional, puffy-cloud-like quality that makes you want to touch it. Very nice.
Jeff.
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Jeff
Thanks for the compliment on the quilted top. I had an idea of what I was looking for and to be able to choose it in person was great. I am waiting to get my new bass started which will be Coco Bolo and Vermillion. I can't wait to get this one home!
Rory
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Mica,
Any updates or pics with the electronics?
Rory
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This bass is on its way to the dealer, but I know you want to get a peek of what you'll be getting to play very soon:
(http://club.alembicguitars.com/Images/631/13087.jpg)
I know you are going to love it!
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Beautiful Rory!
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Hollis
As you can imagine I am waiting patiently for this baby to arrive. It should be in my hands by Tuesday it has already shipped from Bass Northwest. It should be posted on there website soon. Thanks for the compliment.
Rory
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Killer bass Rory! I must have missed in the thread the discussion about the extra switches. What do they do for you?
Reid
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Awesome bass - beautiful maple top. Congratulations Rory.
Tom
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Looks great, Rory! Congratulations. Let us know when you get it and (of course) send more pictures!!
Have fun.
Bill
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Rory,
Enjoy!
One day I hope to know the pain of waiting and pleasure of being a part of the building process and owning a custom Alembic of my own.... Hell, it was hard enough to wait for UPS from Texas for my Skylark and 3 whole weeks for the Persuader... I know if and when I order a custom, I'll be a basket case.... I don't know how you do it.
But I'm willing to find out.....
(Message edited by hollis on October 04, 2004)
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Rory,
As they used to say back when Alembic was first starting out, Far Out Man!!!! Quilted maple is my favorite. I love the 3-D quality. How many A's is yours? (It hurts to type A's as I live in Oakland and have sitting in my office play-off and World Series tix that I won't be using this year. Oh well, the $ I save will now go towards a guitar.) Enjoy your bass. (I know you will)
Bill, the guitar one
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Hey Guys
It should arrive tomorrow I hope! Let's see, there is a bass cut and boost, treble cut and boost and Q switch for each pickup! There is also a switch for those awesome blue LED's. It has 5A front and 3A back and as for the Oakland A's, I live in Oakland as well! Now the waiting begins for my 6 string custom. Thanks guys for all the compliments.
Rory
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Rory:
You live here too! We should get a bay Area Alembic club jam going sometime. I've got a rehearsal studio.
Bill, the guitar one
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Bill
Just let me know when.
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It's here! Holy Crap Batman! Unbelieveable! Brilliant! Lord Have Mercy! Just a few words to describe my new Alembic.
Rory
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And don't forget to breathe!
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And don't forget to post pictures!